The U.S. Army is reviewing a series of potential changes to its uniform and appearance regulations that could alter how soldiers wear rank insignia, headgear, unit patches and service uniforms.
Among the most noticeable proposals are moving rank insignia back to the collar of combat uniforms, authorizing baseball-style caps and boonie hats more widely, allowing limited use of the black beret and removing full-color unit patches from combat uniforms.
However, Army officials have stressed that none of these proposed changes has been approved and soldiers should continue following existing regulations.
Major Travis Shaw, an Army spokesman, confirmed that the service is examining possible updates to Army Regulation 670-1, which governs the wear and appearance of Army uniforms and insignia.
Shaw said the Army “consistently reviews policy for improvement of standards with uniforms, grooming, and appearance,” adding that the possible changes remain “pre-decisional” and require a thorough review before any final decision is made.
Uniform proposals typically move through the Army Uniform Board before changes are formally incorporated into Army regulations.
Rank Insignia Could Return to the Collar
One of the biggest changes under consideration involves the placement of rank insignia on the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU).
Under the proposal, grade insignia would move from the center of the chest back to the collar. Branch insignia would also be displayed on the collar.
A related proposal would change the enlisted tan service shirt by replacing sew-on rank with subdued rank insignia pinned to the collar.
The concept follows a change introduced for Army chaplains in 2026. Chaplains were directed to remove rank insignia from certain combat and cold-weather uniforms and instead display their religious branch insignia on their collars. The policy was intended to make chaplains more approachable to soldiers.
If the broader proposal is approved, collar-mounted rank could once again become a familiar sight across much of the Army.
Baseball Caps, Boonie Hats and Black Berets
Headgear could also see significant changes.
The Army is reportedly considering authorization of baseball-style caps and boonie hats in additional circumstances, along with limited wear of the black beret.
The proposals would give soldiers more headgear options while bringing some Army practices closer to those already found in other U.S. military services.
The black beret has a particularly notable history within the Army. It became standard Army garrison headgear in 2001 but was replaced by the patrol cap for everyday wear in 2011.
The proposal currently under consideration would not make the black beret the Army’s standard headgear again. Instead, its use would reportedly be permitted only in limited circumstances.
The garrison cap could meanwhile become the primary headgear worn with the Army service uniform.
Full-Color Unit Patches Could Be Removed From Combat Uniforms
Another significant proposal concerns full-color unit patches.
The Army is considering eliminating colored shoulder sleeve insignia from the Army Combat Uniform and Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform, including their wear during ceremonies.
Such a move would reverse a 2025 policy that allowed commanders to authorize full-color unit patches and special skill tabs on combat uniforms.
If approved, subdued insignia would once again become the standard across combat uniforms.
Changes Considered for Army Green Service Uniform
Several proposals also concern the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), which has been gradually introduced across the force.
Under the Army’s existing timeline, soldiers are scheduled to be required to wear the green service uniform beginning October 1, 2027. On the same date, the blue Army Service Uniform is scheduled to transition into an optional formal and ceremonial uniform.
The proposals under review could allow officers to retain the blue Army Service Uniform as an authorized option by eliminating its previous wear-out date. The blue uniform would remain optional for enlisted soldiers.
The Army is also reviewing rules concerning the placement of decorations and accoutrements on the green service uniform.
All authorized accoutrements would be worn on the standard Army Green Service Uniform jacket, while the Eisenhower-style “Ike” jacket would remain limited to two rows of ribbons.
Soldiers would also continue to be required to maintain a high shine on dress shoes. Army officials have clarified that this requirement is already part of existing policy rather than a newly proposed standard.
No Final Decision Yet
Despite widespread discussion online, the Army has not approved the proposed changes or announced an implementation date.
Some unofficial discussions have suggested that the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting could provide an opportunity for an announcement, but the Army has not confirmed such plans.
Until an official directive or revised version of AR 670-1 is published, soldiers remain subject to existing Army uniform regulations and applicable command policies.
Recommendations involving major uniform changes generally proceed through Army G-1 and the Army Uniform Board before receiving final approval.
If adopted, the proposals could represent some of the most visible changes to the appearance of U.S. Army soldiers in recent years, particularly the return of collar-mounted rank and expanded headgear choices.
For now, however, collar rank, baseball caps, expanded boonie-hat wear, limited black-beret authorization and the removal of colored combat-uniform patches remain proposals under review rather than new Army policy.
