Army weighs baseball caps, rank insignia on the collar, and other uniform changes
Source: Task & Purpose
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The Army is weighing several changes to its uniform regulations, ranging from moving ranks to the collar for soldiers wearing everyday camouflage uniforms to possibly wearing baseball caps.
Following a post on the popular Army subreddit that detailed possible changes to Army Regulation 670-1, the service confirmed that it “consistently reviews policy for improvement of standards with uniforms, grooming, and appearance.”
Maj. Travis Shaw, an Army spokesman, added that “while maintaining uniformity, discipline, and readiness, current items referred to as possible changes are all pre-decisional and require a thorough review prior to final decisions.”
Some of the policy changes under review are currently in place, Shaw said, such as soldiers being responsible for maintaining a high shine on their dress shoes.
Proposed changes to Army uniforms and how they are worn are reviewed through the Army’s uniform policy process, which includes the Army Uniform Board.
Among the changes being considered, it appears that chest-worn rank could transition back to the collar along with branch insignia.
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The proposed change has parallels to a recent Army policy for chaplains, who were ordered this summer to remove rank from their combat uniforms and instead display religious branch insignia on their collars. The change drew criticism from some retired chaplains, who questioned whether removing visible rank could undermine their authority with commanders.
Other potential changes could authorize baseball caps, boonie hats, and limited wear of the black beret, a subtle nod to headgear already seen elsewhere across the military. The Navy allows sailors to wear command ball caps with working uniforms, while Air Force personnel can wear baseball-style tactical caps with their combat uniforms.
Other possible changes would eliminate colored unit patches for shoulder sleeve insignia on the Army Combat Uniform and Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform, including during ceremonies.
The proposal would also reverse a uniform change made just last year. In 2025, the Army authorized commanders to allow soldiers to wear full-color unit patches on their combat uniforms, along with full-color special skill tabs. The potential changes would eliminate colored unit patches on combat uniforms altogether, including during ceremonies.
All accoutrements would be worn on the Army Green Service Uniform jacket, while the Ike jacket would remain limited to two rows of ribbons. Officers would also retain the Army Service Uniform as an authorized uniform, repealing its previous wear-out date, while the uniform would remain optional for enlisted soldiers.
The Army has been transitioning to the Army Green Service Uniform since announcing it in 2018. Under its current timeline, all soldiers are required to wear the green uniform beginning Oct. 1, 2027, when the blue Army Service Uniform is scheduled to become an optional formal and ceremonial uniform.
UPDATE: 9.11.2026; This article was updated after publication to note that some of the uniform changes under review are currently in place.
The post Army weighs baseball caps, rank insignia on the collar, and other uniform changes appeared first on Task & Purpose.
Classification
Analytical Domain
Strategic
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Political-Military / Command & Control
SALUTE Report
Size
Not specified
Activity
The Army is reviewing potential changes to uniform regulations, including rank insignia placement and headgear options.
Location
Unit
U.S. Army
Time
Current
Equipment
baseball capsboonie hatsblack beretArmy Green Service UniformArmy Service Uniform
Summary
The U.S. Army is reviewing potential changes to its uniform regulations, including moving rank insignia to the collar and allowing baseball caps. These changes are part of an ongoing evaluation of uniform standards, with some policies already in place. The Army Green Service Uniform is set to become mandatory by October 1, 2027.
Key Facts
- The Army is considering moving rank insignia to the collar of uniforms.
- Baseball caps and other headgear options are under review.
- Current uniform policies are being evaluated for potential improvements.
- Some proposed changes are already in effect, such as shoe maintenance standards.
- The Army Green Service Uniform will be mandatory by October 1, 2027.
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