The Department of the Army announced on November 11 that a new uniform, “Army Greens,” will be rolling out to all soldiers.
But the uniform may look a little familiar, especially if you are into World War II-era documentaries or know a veteran from the “Greatest Generation.” That’s because the new Army Greens are actually the uniform worn by soldiers in World War II.
A Throwback to the Past
The commonly-called “Pinks and Greens” were an iconic symbol of that time, as more than 8 million soldiers were serving in the Army by the end of World War II in 1945. Many a soldier could be seen sporting the olive green jacket with a cover perched jauntily on his head.
But the new uniform will officially go by the name “Army Greens,” Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey emphasized. “We’re calling them Army Greens. Pinks and greens is a World War II nickname.”
Both men and women will wear very similar looking uniforms. A dark olive-green jacket with a belted waist and pinkish-tan trousers replicate the throwback look of the “Pinks and Greens.” Brown leather oxford shoes complete the polished look. The uniform guidance includes an optional pencil skirt and brown pumps version for women.
Army Times reported that outerwear options include a bomber jacket, also reminiscent of days gone by. A wool, hip-length jacket will also be approved for wear with the Army Greens.
According to the Army, the uniform will become the “everyday business-wear uniform for all Soldiers.” That means that the Army Blues, the iconic uniform with a black jacket and blue trousers or skirt, will return to being a formal dress uniform. The Army Combat Uniform, consisting of camouflage pattern blouse and pants, worn with a t-shirt and boots, will continue to be worn in the field.
The change has been met with overwhelming positive feedback. The Army tested prototypes, soliciting feedback from soldiers on the new uniform. SMA Dailey himself sported the uniform back in December 2017. Army Times conducted a poll prior to the final announcement and over 70 percent of respondents were in favor of the change. Those who opposed the change expressed concerns over costs and the ever-changing uniform regulations soldiers seem to be dealing with.
In case you haven't heard, the #USArmy approved a new service uniform. What do you think about the new #pinksandgreens? https://t.co/JeDZrw7TzA
— Joint Base Lewis-McChord (@JBLM_PAO) November 15, 2018
Footing the Bill
So who pays for all of these snazzy new threads, you may ask? Enlisted service members from all branches receive an annual uniform allowance to cover these types of expenses, as well as keep their other uniforms looking sharp. Officers are expected to cover the costs themselves out of their normal paycheck.
The Army Greens will be of higher quality than previous gear, according to Army Times’ coverage. But the Army maintains that overall costs will remain within the current budget for new uniforms, meaning no additional costs to taxpayers.
The rollout of new uniforms doesn’t happen overnight, with a grace period given for units and individuals to implement the changes. Newly enlisted and commissioned soldiers will begin receiving the uniform as part of their standard issue as early as summer 2020.
The Army intends for all soldiers to be wearing Army Greens, when prescribed based on the work they are doing, by 2028.
