US Army Reviews Uniform Overhaul: Collar Rank, Baseball Caps and Black Berets Under Consideration

The U.S. Army is weighing a set of possible updates to its uniform and appearance rules that could change how soldiers wear rank insignia, headgear, unit patches and service uniforms. The proposals, if eventually approved, would affect some of the most visible elements of Army dress, including the possible return of collar-mounted rank on combat uniforms, wider use of baseball-style caps and boonie hats, limited wear of the black beret and the removal of full-color unit patches from combat uniforms.

Army officials have made clear that none of the changes has been approved. Soldiers are being told to continue following current regulations until the service completes its review and issues any formal directive.

Major Travis Shaw, an Army spokesman, said the service is examining possible updates to Army Regulation 670-1, the rulebook that governs the wear and appearance of Army uniforms and insignia. He said the Army “consistently reviews policy for improvement of standards with uniforms, grooming, and appearance,” and added that the proposals remain “pre-decisional” and require a thorough review before any final decision is made.

Any uniform change normally moves through the Army Uniform Board before it is written into regulation. The current proposals are still in that review phase, and the Army has not announced a timeline for implementation.

Collar Rank Could Return on Combat Uniforms

One of the most closely watched proposals would shift rank insignia on the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU) from the centre of the chest back to the collar. Under the proposal, both grade insignia and branch insignia would be worn on the collar.

A related change would affect the enlisted tan service shirt, replacing sew-on rank with subdued rank insignia pinned to the collar.

The idea follows a change introduced for Army chaplains in 2026, when they were directed to remove rank insignia from certain combat and cold-weather uniforms and instead display their religious branch insignia on their collars. That policy was intended to make chaplains more approachable to soldiers.

If the broader proposal is adopted, collar-mounted rank would once again become a familiar feature across much of the Army.

More Headgear Options Under Review

Headgear is another area where the Army is considering revisions. The service is reportedly looking at authorising baseball-style caps and boonie hats in additional circumstances, along with limited wear of the black beret.

The proposals would expand the range of headgear available to soldiers and align some Army practices more closely with those already seen in other U.S. military services.

The black beret has a distinctive history in the Army. It became standard Army garrison headgear in 2001, but was replaced by the patrol cap for everyday wear in 2011. Under the current proposal, the beret would not return as the Army’s standard headgear; instead, its wear would be permitted only in limited circumstances.

The garrison cap could, meanwhile, become the primary headgear worn with the Army service uniform.

Colour Patches on Combat Uniforms Could Be Phased Out

Another proposal under review would remove full-colour unit patches from the Army Combat Uniform and Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform, including during ceremonies. That would reverse a 2025 policy that allowed commanders to authorise full-colour unit patches and special skill tabs on combat uniforms.

If the change is approved, subdued insignia would once again become the standard on combat uniforms.

Possible Adjustments to the Army Green Service Uniform

The Army is also reviewing several matters related to the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), which has been gradually introduced across the force. Under the current timeline, soldiers are scheduled to be required to wear the green service uniform beginning October 1, 2027. On that same date, the blue Army Service Uniform is scheduled to become an optional formal and ceremonial uniform.

The proposals under consideration could allow officers to keep the blue Army Service Uniform as an authorised option by removing its previous wear-out date. The blue uniform would remain optional for enlisted soldiers.

The Army is also reviewing how decorations and accoutrements are worn on the green service uniform. Under the proposal, all authorised 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 still be required to maintain a high shine on dress shoes. Army officials have clarified that this is not a new proposal but part of existing policy.

Army Says No Final Decision Has Been Made

Although the proposals have prompted discussion online, the Army has not approved any of the changes or announced when they might take effect.

Some unofficial discussion has suggested that the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting could be used to announce changes, but the Army has not confirmed any such plan.

Until an official directive or a revised version of AR 670-1 is published, soldiers remain subject to existing Army uniform regulations and any applicable command policies.

Recommendations involving major uniform changes typically move through Army G-1 and the Army Uniform Board before receiving final approval.

If adopted, the proposals would bring some of the most visible changes to Army appearance in recent years, especially through the return of collar-mounted rank and the expansion of headgear choices. For now, however, collar rank, broader boonie-hat and baseball-cap wear, limited black-beret authorisation and the removal of coloured combat-uniform patches remain proposals under review rather than Army policy.