Update On The New Army Uniform Changes. Soldiers In A Survey Support Sergeant Major Of The Army Proposed Changes. Do You Agree/Disagree?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 15:08:09 -0400

I am in agreement with the proposed changes, it depicts ESPRIT DE CORPS and professionalism in my opinion.

In a recent Armytimes Article:
Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey is extending until Aug. 31 a soldier survey on several proposed uniform changes — including bringing back the iconic Eisenhower jacket, gender-neutral headgear, and black socks with the PT uniform.
The survey, which was sent to a random sampling of about 120,000 soldiers in mid-July, received more than 12,000 responses.
The majority of soldiers so far have supported every proposed change, but Dailey wants more feedback before making any recommendations to senior Army leaders, according to information from his office.
The 12,000 responses make up a good sample size, but Dailey “wants to be sure it’s what most soldiers want before moving forward,” according to his office.
To get that additional feedback, all 120,000 soldiers will receive the survey again via email. Those who have not weighed in yet will have untilAug.31todoso.Soldierswon’t be able to vote twice.
No new sample group will be chosen, according to SMA’s office.
So far, soldiers from all components and cohorts — enlisted, officer and warrant — have responded to the survey, according to Dailey’s office.
Eisenhower jacket
The original “Eisenhower,” or “Ike,” jacket was patterned after the British battle jacket. The waist-length jacket was made popular by Gen. Dwight Eisenhower during World War II.
This new version, which already has a prototype, is a windproof blue jacket meant to be worn in a workplace setting. The proposed jacket would “add one layer of etiquette” for soldiers who may need to go from the Class Bs to a more formal appearance without transitioning to the full Army Service Uniform jacket, Dailey said.
If the jacket is approved, it would be an optional item.
If soldiers like the Eisenhower jacket, it will have to go through the usual Army process for getting uniform items approved.
Drill sergeant hats
Based on feedback from female drill sergeants, Army leaders want to know if soldiers support a single campaign hat for both male and female drill sergeants.
Male and female drill sergeants now have their own distinct hats.
The current male drill sergeant hat evolved from the 1883 campaign hat, according to the Army.
The female drill sergeant hat came into being in 1972. It was designed by Brig. Gen. Mildred Bailey, according to the Army.
Blue service caps
Also known as the “bus driver cap,” the Army wants to know if there should be a single cap for both male and female soldiers to wear with the Army Service Uniform.
This question also stems from feedback that senior enlisted leaders have received from female soldiers.
Service cap vs. beret
Army leaders want to know if the blue service cap should be the required headgear for senior noncommissioned officers and higher while wearing the Army Service Uniform.
This change, if soldiers like it, would affect sergeants first class through sergeants major, warrant officers and officers.
AR 670-1 calls for the service cap to be optional for corporals and above. The beret is the primary headgear worn with the service uniform by all soldiers unless directed by the commander, according to the regulation. Just like how junior enlisted soldiers in their ASUs wear blue trousers while sergeants wear blue trousers with a gold braid, switching to the service cap marks a transition in a soldier’s career, officials said.
Black socks
The survey asks soldiers if they should be allowed to wear black socks with the new Army Physical Fitness Uniform, which is black.
The idea for black socks came up at several town hall meetings Dailey conducted with soldiers.
It’s a topic Dailey himself brought up, based on soldier feedback he had received, during a June 4 town hall meeting at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Most of the 100-plus soldiers there liked the idea.
The sock question is included in the survey to “make sure this is the majority and not just a small contingent” of soldiers who like the idea, Dailey said.
Socks worn during PT should be calf- or ankle-length and plain white with no logos, according to the current Army Regulation 670-1. The socks also must cover the entire ankle bone.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2015 3:17 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 15:17:28 -0400

Wouldn't it be great if the branches just stuck with the uniform. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel every couple years.

Response by SGT Kristjan Rahe made Aug 15 at 2015 4:48 PM

SGT Kristjan Rahe — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 16:48:48 -0400

I wish we had the Ike jacket when I was in. I hated the cap and think the return to blue is a return to historical Army uniforms which is something the Army has lacked that the other branches have embraced and continued.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 15 at 2015 6:50 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 18:50:28 -0400

The Army is going the way of the USAF with uniform changes... Good Grief.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2015 12:38 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 12:38:18 -0400

The Ike jacket is optional. The uniform changes have been excessive and clothing allowance does not come close to covering it all. New APFU and ACU changes are hitting SM's all at once. ASU change, were it mandatory, would cost the tax payers way too much. The current dress uniform is nice and the option of the Ike jacket is a good addition.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Aug 16 at 2015 2:47 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 14:47:14 -0400

Good on the SMA to go to the troops for opinions on uniform changes rather than just forcing everyone into it. (The new OCPs don't count because they were decided on before his time as SMA.) Wish the Air Force would do some polls.

"Sir, everyone is tired of our ABUs and they want some changes, any good suggestions?"
"Hmmm....I HAVE IT! Colored......T-Shirts."
"BRILLIANT!"
"Oh, but only on Friday."
"Even better! I'll get on the AFI revisions immediately."

Response by SGM Robin Johnson made Aug 17 at 2015 1:00 PM

SGM Robin Johnson — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 13:00:42 -0400

The Ike jacket is a link to heritage (I actually voted for it in the green version when they were surveying for 'new' uniforms back before deciding to just repurpose 'blues' to 'ASUs'), so as long as it is optional it is great. Soldiers just don't need additional costs right now with all the other uniforms they are buying. Even though I am retired (envy, sigh) and won't benefit from the changes most are small and common sense. Even though I am puzzled by some uniform decisions (black PT uniforms? visibility anyone?) I do hope that they just STABILIZE the clothing bag. I could have created my own museum with all the uniforms I wore over the last 32 years.

Response by SGM Bill Preston made Aug 17 at 2015 2:58 PM

SGM Bill Preston — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:58:11 -0400

Is there a valid reason for the change ? What is it ? Why do we keep making uniform changes for no valid reason ? Each time it costs soldiers and taxpayers money. There are far more valid and more important improvements needed than unneeded uniform changes. If the Ike style jacket was so popular why did we get rid of it ? same reason somebody thought it was time to change for the hell of it or wanted something more modern.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 3:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:10:39 -0400

While I'm not a fan of the Ike jacket I am a fan of the process that led to it and the decision to make it an optional item. I don't like it and thanks to the added leeway I don't have to buy it.

To all who are wondering why all the uniform changes. My answer is that the Army has lost its self and is grasping desperately back at our history in an attempt to right it's self. Does playing dress up really matter? Absolutely if it can interject some morale and esprit de corps back into the Army.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2016 12:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 May 2016 12:17:11 -0400

I think that coat is outdated Eisenhower style, Don't see any esprit de corps in that old rag. Why not something similar not copying the Marines Corps Jacket? That would build Esprit De Corps

Response by SGM Bill Preston made Jan 6 at 2017 8:10 AM

SGM Bill Preston — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 08:10:28 -0500

It seems every 5 years or so the new SMA suggests uniform changes. Every time there is a uniform change it costs the soldier money. How many of these uniform changes, especially the dress uniforms, are necessary or are is it just time for a change ? If they are practical, useful and justified I'm all for it but just to change for looks and fashion is ridiculous. They buzz phrase always used it it will enhance the morale and pride of the soldier. If a soldier isn't proud of the uniform already he shouldn't be in it. I often wonder how much influence the lobbyist have who represent the companies who make the uniforms. Uniform changes/improvements that provide better performance, efficiency and safety in mission accomplishments make sense, the fashion needs are questionable.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 12:43 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:43:33 -0400

I realize this article is over a year old. We got the black socks… has anyone heard any updates on the rest?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 12:26 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 12:26:08 -0400

Of they'd issue the dress belt for the blues, that's be great. Also... No more combat badges, they belong on the sleeve... That's all

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Sep 4 at 2018 7:34 PM

SFC Quinn Chastant — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 19:34:59 -0400

As a retiree, my opinion really doesn't matter much. However, if the Ike jacket is approved as an optional item of wear, it presents a more practical garment for some climatic conditions for those assigned to office duties, and class B uniform is the common wear item. Additionally, it would allow a dress down but business like appearance for long sleeve and tie in the winter. With practicality being important for what was essentially a battle jacket, a bi-swing back and under arm gussets to allow freedom of movement should be kept as well. For myself as a Bagpiper who does Military Funerals, I could see this as part of my outfit to help maintain military appearance as well. But again just my opinion, for what it is worth.

Response by COL John Power made Dec 14 at 2018 4:00 PM

COL John Power — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 16:00:59 -0500

I do not like the Ike jacket as part of the blue ASU. I'm pleased the Army is shifting back to the WWII oriented Army Green. I started in that uniform in ROTC some 60 years ago and when the Army went to the later version of the green with no belt most of us thought it to be about as distinctive as that of a postal worker. But I lived with it for thirty years. My dad and my cousin were WWII Army officers and I loved the pinks and greens. Glad to see them return and the Ike jacket fits that perfectly to replace the windbreaker. Military uniforms should be distinctive and represent something other than the opinion of the "style maven" and the cost component. I understand the new uniform will be a gabardine fabric that is a bit heavier and will hold up better.

Response by LTC Richard McClure made Aug 14 at 2019 8:02 PM

LTC Richard McClure — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:02:36 -0400

What is "gender neutral headgear "?

Response by SGT Daniel Petitt made Mar 2 at 2022 8:46 AM

SGT Daniel Petitt — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 08:46:52 -0500

I’m glad I never had to wear anything that ridiculous.