Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia
AR 670-1 is the policy for uniform wear, grooming, and appearance. It says what is authorized; DA PAM 670-1 shows how each item is worn and where it is placed. Grooming and appearance standards have been changed by Army directives since the 2021 edition, so check for current directives before enforcing a detail.
Open the official record- Type
- AR
- Edition verified
- January 2021
- Used in
- UniformsBoard Prep
What to take from it
- Establishes authorized uniforms, insignia, accouterments, and grooming standards.
- Applies to the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve.
- DA PAM 670-1 provides the illustrations and placement measurements.
- Army directives have modified grooming and appearance policy since January 2021 -- verify current directives.
These points are our summary, written for recall. They are not a substitute for the publication and they will not cover everything a board can ask. Read the source.
Board questions from this publication
What regulation governs the wear and appearance of Army uniforms and insignia, and what is its companion pamphlet?
AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, is the policy. DA PAM 670-1, Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, is the illustrated companion. AR 670-1 tells you what is authorized. DA PAM 670-1 shows you exactly where it goes and how far from the seam.
AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1
When is headgear worn, and when is it removed?
Headgear is worn outdoors while in uniform unless the commander or the situation directs otherwise. It is removed indoors unless the Soldier is under arms in an official capacity. It is not worn inside a privately owned vehicle, and it is not required while in or on a military vehicle when the vehicle is enclosed.
AR 670-1
How is the beret worn?
The stiffener or flash is centered over the left eye. The headband is straight across the forehead, about one inch above the eyebrows. The excess material is draped over the right ear, between the top of the ear and the top of the head. The beret is not blocked, shaped, or cut.
AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1
What are the three principal Army uniforms a Soldier will encounter, and what is each used for?
The Army Combat Uniform in the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, is the utility and field uniform. The Army Green Service Uniform, or AGSU, is the everyday service uniform for office duty, travel, and most official business. The Army Service Uniform, or ASU, the blue uniform, is worn for dress and formal occasions.
AR 670-1
Where is the U.S. flag insignia worn on the Army Combat Uniform, and which way does it face?
The full color or subdued U.S. flag is worn on the right shoulder. It is worn in the reverse field orientation, with the star field toward the front of the wearer, so the flag appears to be streaming backward as the Soldier moves forward.
AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1
What is the difference between the patch worn on the left shoulder and the patch worn on the right shoulder?
The left shoulder carries the shoulder sleeve insignia of the Soldier's current organization. The right shoulder carries the shoulder sleeve insignia for former wartime service, commonly called the combat patch, which is the insignia of a unit the Soldier deployed with in a designated hostile fire or combat zone.
AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1
What do service stripes and overseas service bars represent, and where is each worn?
Service stripes, often called hash marks, are worn on the lower left sleeve of the service and dress coat. One stripe represents three years of honorable service. Overseas service bars are worn on the lower right sleeve. One bar represents six months of federal service in a designated hostile fire or imminent danger area.
AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1
What is the male hair standard in AR 670-1?
Hair on the top of the head is neatly groomed and tapered. Bulk does not exceed two inches. Hair does not fall over the ears or eyebrows and does not touch the collar. Sideburns are neatly trimmed, not flared, and do not extend below the bottom of the ear opening.
AR 670-1