Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia

5–4. Insignia and accouterments
The following insignia and accouterments are authorized for wear on the DBDU.
a. Badges (subdued).
(1) Combat and special skill badges (pin-on or embroidered sew-on) (para 29–17a).
(2) Special skill tabs (para 29–17e(1)(b)).
(3) Subdued identification badges (para 29–18d).
b. Brassards (para 28–29).
c. Branch insignia (paras 28–10b and 28–12).
d. Grade insignia (paras 28–5 through 28–7).
e. Headgear insignia (para 28–3).
f. Subdued shoulder sleeve insignia, current organization (para 28–16e(2)).
g. Subdued shoulder sleeve insignia, former wartime service (SSI–FWTS) (para 28–17c(2)).
h. Name and U.S. Army distinguishing tapes (paras 28–24a and 28–24b).
i. Organizational flash (para 28–31a).
j. Foreign badges are not authorized for wear on this uniform.
5–5. General guidelines
a. The DBDU is designed to fit loosely and alterations are not authorized. The coat is worn outside the trousers, and
the trousers are worn belted. Commanders may authorize exceptions to this policy under conditions deemed appropriate
in the interest of health, comfort, and efficiency because of climatic conditions, or to accommodate a soldier’s religious
practices, in accordance with AR 600–20, para 5–6.
b. Soldiers are required to wear the nametape, U.S. Army tape, and the SSI, current organization. However, they
have the option of wearing the SSI–FWTS, and they may wear either pin-on or sew-on rank, branch insignia, and
subdued badges. If soldiers choose to wear optional sew-on insignia, they will bear all costs associated with the
application and removal of the insignia. This includes any damage to the organizational DBDU. All optional insignia
must be removed from the DBDU prior to returning the garment to organizational stock.
c. Soldiers will wear the trousers bloused, using the draw cords or blousing rubbers, if the trousers are not tucked
into the boots. Personnel will not wrap the trouser legs around the leg tightly enough to present a pegged appearance.
Soldiers will not blouse the boots so that the trouser leg extends down to the ankle area. When bloused, the trousers
should not extend below the third eyelet from the top of the boot. When sleeves are rolled up, the camouflage pattern
will remain exposed. Personnel will roll the sleeves neatly above the elbow, no more than 3 inches above the elbow.
d. The commander may require that soldiers press this uniform for special occasions when an especially sharp
appearance is required, such as for parades, reviews, inspections, or other ceremonial occasions. Soldiers may press the
DBDU, but they are not authorized to starch the uniform.
e. Headgear. The desert patrol cap, desert camouflage hat, and the beret are the authorized headgear for this
uniform. The commander will determine which headgear soldiers wear on the basis of mission requirements. Soldiers
wear the desert camouflage hat so that no hair is visible on the forehead, and with the chinstrap pulled up under the
chin (see figure 5–1). The desert patrol cap is worn in the same fashion as the woodland patrol cap (formerly the BDU
cap) (refer to para 3–5 for wear of the patrol cap and the beret). Figures 5–1, 5–2, and 5–3 show the wear of the desert
camouflage hat, desert patrol cap, and the beret.
f. Soldiers may wear the black leather shell gloves with utility uniforms without cold-weather outer garments,
provided sleeves are rolled down. When the parka is worn, soldiers will wear it buttoned and will wear the shirt collar
inside the parka. Soldiers may wear the black leather shell gloves with this uniform when they wear the parka, but they
are not required to do so.
g. Commanders may authorize the use of a desert camouflage personal hydration system only in desert environments.
Soldiers will not let the drinking tube hang from their mouths when the device is not in use.
Chapter 6
Aircrew Battle Dress Uniform
6–1. Authorization for wear
The aircrew battle dress uniform (ABDU) is authorized for year-round wear by aircrew members, as specified in CTA
50–900, when prescribed by the commander. (See fig 6–1.)
AR 670–1 3 February 2005
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