Wearing your medals and ribbons on your Army Service Uniform (ASU), commonly known as dress blues, is a significant symbol of honor and achievement in the United States Army. These decorations represent your dedication, service, and accomplishments. However, maintaining a sharp and regulation-compliant Asu Uniform Setup requires precise attention to detail, especially when it comes to medal and ribbon placement.
Just like every facet of military dress, the ASU uniform adheres to strict guidelines. These regulations cover everything from the placement of medals and ribbons to the positioning of badges and insignia. Understanding and following these guidelines ensures you present a professional and respectful appearance, upholding the high standards of the U.S. Army.
This comprehensive guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for accurate Army dress blues medal placement and Army dress blues ribbon placement. Use this resource as your go-to guide whenever you prepare your dress blues, ensuring you wear your awards with pride and in accordance with all uniform regulations.
Understanding the Army Dress Blues Uniform
The Army Dress Blues, or ASU, is the formal uniform worn for occasions demanding a distinguished appearance. It consists of a white long-sleeved shirt, a black necktie (or bow tie in specific instances), the iconic Army blue coat, and blue trousers.
While a beret is often worn with the ASU, headgear is generally optional for evening social events.
The Army blue coat serves as the canvas for displaying your achievements. Regulations mandate the wear of identification badges, regimental and branch insignia, service hash marks, and overseas service bars, if applicable. Furthermore, you are authorized to display unit awards, combat and special skill badges, and both full-size medals and ribbons earned during your service. Correct ASU uniform setup means knowing exactly where each element belongs.
Occasions for Wearing Army Dress Blues
The formality of Army Dress Blues dictates specific occasions for wear. The appropriateness of wearing dress blues depends on your status, whether you are currently on active duty or a veteran. Let’s clarify when each group should wear this distinguished uniform.
Active Duty Personnel
Active duty soldiers have a broader range of events that call for the Army Dress Blues compared to veterans.
You are expected to wear your dress blues on national holidays, at funerals and weddings, in parades, and during various military ceremonies.
Regulations may slightly adjust based on the event’s nature. For example, a black bow tie is reserved for wear after retreat, while a four-in-hand tie is standard for all other occasions. Understanding these nuances is crucial for proper ASU uniform setup.
Veterans
Veterans honorably maintain the privilege of wearing their Army Dress Blues, albeit within a narrower scope of occasions. Appropriate times for veterans to wear dress blues are primarily formal events centered around military themes or personal family events like military funerals and weddings. Notably, veterans may also choose to be buried in their Army Dress Blues, a final tribute to their service.
Precise Army Dress Blues Medal Placement
Wearing medals on your Army Dress Blues is a proud display of your accomplishments. However, accurate Army dress blues medal placement is paramount. Specific measurements dictate the positioning of each medal, ensuring uniformity and respect. Familiarize yourself with these measurements to guarantee your dress blues are always correctly presented.
Combat and Skill Badges
Combat and skill badges hold a place of honor on the ASU. They can be positioned in one of two ways: either 1/4 inch above any ribbons you are wearing or below the top edge of the pocket flap. When wearing multiple badges, maintain a 1/2 inch space between each.
Marksmanship Badges
Marksmanship badges are placed below ribbons, specifically 1/4 inch below the bottom row of ribbons. If you have earned multiple marksmanship badges, space them 1 inch apart. Special skill badges are positioned to the right of any marksmanship badges.
Unit Awards
Awards earned collectively by your unit are displayed with pride. Center unit awards 1/8 inch above the right breast pocket of your Army dress blues jacket.
Service Hash Marks
Hash marks, indicating your years of honorable service, are worn on the left sleeve of your ASU jacket. Position hash marks at a 45-degree angle, pointing downwards towards the inside seam of the sleeve. Center them on the sleeve, 4 inches above the bottom edge.
Overseas Service Bars
Overseas Service Bars, representing deployments abroad, are placed on the right sleeve of the jacket. Position them on the outside of the sleeve, 4 inches above and parallel to the bottom hem. When wearing multiple Overseas Service Bars, arrange them parallel to each other with a 1/16 inch gap between them.
Accurate Army Dress Blues Ribbon Placement
Similar to medals, Army dress blues ribbon placement follows strict guidelines. Measurements differ slightly between male and female uniforms, so pay close attention to the appropriate section below to ensure your ribbon rack setup is correct.
Male Uniform Ribbon Placement
For male uniforms, all ribbons are worn on the left side of the Army dress blues jacket. Center your ribbons 1/8 inch above the top of the left jacket pocket. Proper ribbon rack setup is essential for a sharp ASU uniform setup.
Female Uniform Ribbon Placement
Ribbons on female uniforms are also worn on the left side of the Army dress blues jacket. Center the ribbons, ensuring the bottom row of ribbons is parallel to the bottom edge of the nameplate. Regulations acknowledge body shape variations in female personnel, allowing for slight adjustments in ribbon placement to achieve a balanced and professional look.
Additional ASU Uniform Details
Beyond medals and ribbons, other badges and insignia complete your Army Dress Blues. Correct placement of these items is crucial for a regulation-compliant ASU uniform setup. Refer to the measurements below for precise positioning of these elements.
Identification Badges
Identification badges are worn on the right side of the Army dress blues jacket. Center them vertically between the bottom of the right pocket and the bottom of the pocket flap.
Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) Crest
The DUI crest is worn on the left shoulder of the ASU coat. Center it on the shoulder loop, positioned between the button and the rank insignia.
Regimental Insignia
Regimental insignia are displayed on the right side of the Army dress blues jacket. Position the insignia 1/8 inch above the top of the right pocket or, alternatively, 1/4 inch above any unit awards you are wearing. Choose the placement that best suits your awards and insignia for a balanced ASU uniform setup.
By meticulously following this guide, you can confidently assemble your ASU uniform setup, ensuring every medal, ribbon, badge, and insignia is positioned according to regulations. Wearing your Army Dress Blues correctly is a mark of pride and respect, honoring your service and the traditions of the United States Army.
