Wearing your medals and ribbons on your Army Service Uniform (ASU), often referred to as dress blues, is a significant way to display your achievements and service in the United States Army. It’s a matter of pride and respect, but proper placement is crucial. Like all military uniforms, the ASU has specific regulations governing every aspect of its presentation, from the medals and ribbons to the overall dress code.
This guide, created by the content experts at onlineuniforms.net, provides a straightforward overview of the Army Asu Uniform Setup, focusing specifically on army asu uniform medal placement and army asu uniform ribbon placement. Use this guide to ensure your ASU is impeccably arranged, allowing you to wear your honors with confidence and in accordance with all uniform regulations.
Understanding the Army Service Uniform (ASU)
The Army Dress Blues, officially known as the Army Service Uniform (ASU), serves as the formal attire for US Army personnel. It is worn for events that demand a high standard of dress. The ASU consists of several key components: a white long-sleeved shirt, a black necktie (or bow tie in certain formal evening settings), the distinctive Army blue coat, and Army blue trousers.
Headgear, typically a beret, is part of the ASU ensemble, although it may be optional for some evening social functions. The Army blue coat is the canvas for displaying various elements that denote service and achievement. Regulations mandate the wearing of identification badges, regimental and branch insignia, service stripes (hash marks), and overseas service bars, when applicable. Furthermore, soldiers are authorized to display unit awards, combat and special skill badges, as well as full-size medals and ribbons earned during their service.
Occasions for Wearing the Army ASU Uniform
The formality of the Army ASU dictates its use for specific occasions. The appropriateness of wearing the ASU depends on whether one is currently on active duty or a veteran. The guidelines differ slightly for each group, as detailed below.
Active Duty Personnel
For those currently serving in the United States Army, the range of events suitable for wearing the ASU is broad, encompassing various formal and ceremonial occasions.
Active duty soldiers are expected to wear the ASU for national holidays, funerals, weddings, parades, and a range of military ceremonies and formal events. It’s important to note that subtle adjustments to the ASU are required depending on the event’s formality. For example, a black bow tie is prescribed for wear after retreat, while a four-in-hand tie is standard for all other occasions. These nuances ensure the uniform is always correctly presented for the specific context.
Veterans
Veterans, while no longer actively serving, retain the privilege of wearing their Army ASU uniform on specific occasions. The opportunities for veterans to wear the ASU are more limited, generally reserved for formal events with a military connection or significant family events such as military funerals and weddings. It is also customary for veterans to be buried in their Army Dress Blues, signifying their lasting commitment and honor.
Army ASU Uniform Medal Placement: A Detailed Guide
Proper medal placement on the Army ASU uniform is critical for a sharp and respectful appearance.
When it comes to army asu uniform setup, the precise placement of medals is paramount. Specific measurements dictate where each medal should sit on the uniform. Adhering to these army asu uniform medal placement guidelines ensures uniformity and respect for the honors awarded. It’s recommended to familiarize yourself with these measurements, perhaps even memorize them, to avoid any discrepancies in your uniform presentation.
Combat and Special Skill Badges
Combat and special skill badges are positioned with precision on the ASU. They can be worn either 1/4 inch above any ribbons you are wearing, or alternatively, below the top edge of the pocket flap. When wearing multiple badges, maintain a 1/2-inch space between each badge. This spacing ensures each badge is clearly visible and properly presented.
Marksmanship Badges
Marksmanship badges are placed below ribbons, specifically 1/4 inch beneath the bottom row of ribbons. If you have earned more than one marksmanship badge, space them 1 inch apart. Any special skill badges you possess should be positioned to the right of your marksmanship badges. This arrangement ensures a balanced and regulation display of both types of badges on the ASU.
Unit Awards
Awards earned collectively by your unit are worn to recognize group achievements. These unit awards should be centered 1/8 inch above the right breast pocket of your Army ASU jacket. This placement makes unit awards a prominent feature of the uniform, highlighting collective accomplishments.
Service Hash Marks
Hash marks, also known as service stripes, indicate the duration of your service in the Army. They are worn on the left sleeve of the ASU jacket, positioned on the outside. Each hash mark is placed at a 45-degree angle, with the lower end pointing towards the inner seam of the sleeve. They should be centered on the sleeve and located 4 inches above the bottom edge of the sleeve.
Overseas Service Bars
Overseas Service Bars signify tours of duty served overseas. They are worn on the right sleeve of the ASU jacket, on the outside. Placement is 4 inches above and parallel to the bottom edge of the sleeve. If you have multiple Overseas Service Bars, they are worn parallel to each other, each spaced 1/16 inch apart.
Army ASU Uniform Ribbon Placement: Step-by-Step
Just as with medals, army asu uniform ribbon placement follows strict guidelines. These measurements ensure ribbons are displayed correctly on both male and female uniforms, though slight variations exist to accommodate different uniform designs. Understanding these army asu uniform ribbon placement rules is essential for properly setting up your ASU.
Ribbon Placement for Male Uniforms
Correct ribbon placement on the male Army ASU uniform is above the left pocket.
For male soldiers, all ribbons are worn on the left side of the Army ASU jacket. They should be centered above the left jacket pocket, positioned 1/8 inch above the top edge of the pocket flap. This placement is standard for all ribbons worn on the male ASU, ensuring a uniform and regulated appearance.
Ribbon Placement for Female Uniforms
For female soldiers, ribbons are also worn on the left side of the Army ASU jacket. They should be centered horizontally, with the bottom row of ribbons positioned parallel to the bottom of the nameplate. It’s important to note that ribbon placement for female personnel can be adjusted slightly based on individual body shape to ensure the ribbons are displayed correctly and comfortably. The goal is to maintain a professional and uniform look while accommodating individual differences in physique.
Additional ASU Uniform Setup Details
Beyond medals and ribbons, other badges and insignia contribute to the complete army asu uniform setup. Proper placement of these items is equally important for a sharp and regulation appearance. Specific measurements dictate the positioning of various badges and insignia, and familiarity with these details is crucial.
Identification Badges
Identification badges are worn on the right side of the Army ASU jacket. They should be centered vertically between the bottom of the right pocket and the bottom edge of the pocket flap. This placement ensures these badges are prominently displayed yet in regulation position on the uniform.
Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) Crest
The Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) crest is worn on the left shoulder of the ASU coat. It should be centered on the shoulder loop, positioned between the button and the rank insignia. This placement ensures the DUI is correctly positioned and contributes to the overall uniform appearance.
Regimental Insignia
Regimental insignia is worn on the right side of the Army ASU jacket. It should be positioned 1/8 inch above the right pocket or, alternatively, 1/4 inch above any unit awards that are being worn. This placement ensures the regimental insignia is correctly positioned in relation to other elements on the right side of the uniform.
Stay Informed with Onlineuniforms.net
To keep up-to-date with the latest information and guides on US military uniforms and regulations, be sure to sign up for the onlineuniforms.net newsletter. Stay informed and ensure your uniform always reflects the highest standards of military dress and decorum.
