The pinks and greens Army uniform, also known as Army Greens, is a service uniform that was inspired by the Army’s iconic uniform worn during World War II. The Army Greens uniform was announced in 2018 and began being issued to soldiers in 2020, with the goal of eventually replacing the Army Service Uniform (ASU) for most occasions by 2028. The pinks and greens uniform represents a return to a more traditional and professional look for the Army’s service attire.
Background on the Pink and Green Uniform
The original pinks and greens uniform was introduced in the 1920s and was worn by Army troops during World War II and into the 1950s. The iconic uniform consisted of a brownish green jacket, lighter green shirt, and pinkish hue pants or skirt for women. The jacket was made of a wool elastique fabric while the shirts were made of cotton chino cloth. The uniform earned its nickname of “pinks and greens” from its distinctive color combination.
The pinks and greens were phased out in the 1950s when the Army introduced new service uniforms in olive green and khaki colors. However, the older design remained popular with many soldiers and veterans who viewed it as one of the Army’s sharpest and most respected uniforms.
Decision to Bring Back the Pink and Green Uniform
In 2018, the Army announced that it would be bringing back a version of the pinks and greens uniform to issue to all soldiers. The decision came after a review of uniforms across the services and feedback from the field indicated a strong preference and nostalgia for the throwback design. Many soldiers and veterans had been requesting the iconic uniform be re-adopted for years.
The goal was to create a professional uniform that reflected the Army’s history and heritage. The new pinks and greens were designed based closely on the World War II-era uniforms with some modern adaptations for functionality and comfort. The uniform is intended for wear in office environments as well as in public settings.
Components of the New Pink and Green Uniform
The updated pinks and greens uniform consists of the following main items:
- Coat: A single-breasted coat made of a 55%/45% polyester wool blend. It features two slanted chest pockets with scalloped flaps and two lower pockets located near the waist.
- Trousers: Light tan trousers made of a polyester/wool blend matching the coat. They feature slit side pockets and one welt back pocket.
- Shirt: A khaki long or short sleeve shirt made of a 65%polyester/35% cotton blend. The shirt has two front chest pockets with button-down flaps.
- Tie: A khaki tie made of a polyester blend. The tie is tucked under the buttoned coat when worn.
- Belt: A khaki web belt with brass tip and open-faced buckle.
- Headgear: Service cap with distinctive curved visor.
Female soldiers have the option to substitute a pencil skirt for the trousers. There are also a number of authorized accessories such as sweaters, jackets, and overcoats that can be worn with the uniforms.
Rollout and Wear of the New Uniform
The Army began rolling out the new Army Greens to initial trainees and recruiters in 2020. All incoming recruits have been issued the new service uniform since that year. The rest of the Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard forces will slowly receive the uniforms over the course of several years.
The mandatory wear date for all soldiers is set for 2028. At that point, the Army Greens will fully replace the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU) for official events and day-to-day business wear. The ASU will still be retained for formal occasions such as balls and banquets.
Soldiers are currently authorized to wear the Army Greens for duty after they have been issued the uniform. Most bases and offices have a mix of soldiers in both versions of uniforms at this stage. The uniforms are to be kept clean and pressed as per Army regulations on appearance standards.
Reactions to the New Uniform
Reactions to the new pinks and greens uniform have been overwhelmingly positive so far. Many soldiers have commented on the sharper, more professional look the uniforms present. Soldiers appreciate the heritage and tradition the uniform represents. Both newer recruits and seasoned soldiers have expressed pride in wearing a uniform with such history behind it.
Veterans who wore the earlier pinks and greens have commented that the new version captures the look and feel of the original uniforms well. The general consensus is that the Army made the right choice in bringing back the iconic design which represents the Army’s distinguished history.
Cost of the New Uniform
The Army Greens are more expensive than the standard blue Army service uniforms. The overall cost to field the new uniforms to the entire Army is estimated to be roughly $319 million over the phase-in period according to Army budget projections.
The specific cost breakdown per set of uniforms is as follows:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Coat | $101.35 |
| Trousers | $76.80 |
| Shirt | $33.85 |
| Tie | $8.55 |
| Belt | $5.15 |
| Total | $225.70 |
The higher costs account for the tailored, custom fit and higher quality materials used in the Army Greens compared to older style uniforms. The Army considers the added expenditure well worth it to field a professional, historically-inspired service uniform.
Conclusion
The newly issued Army Greens represent a welcome return to a classic, vintage uniform look for the service. The iconic pinks and greens design pays homage to the Army’s heritage while presenting a sharper image than the modern ASU. Soldiers are enthusiastic about honoring tradition and displaying pride for the Army’s distinguished history through the uniforms. Despite the higher costs involved, the Army views the restoration of the pinks and greens as a worthwhile investment in the professionalism and spirit of America’s ground forces.
