Army Service Uniform

The Army Service Uniform (ASU) is a military uniform for wear by United States Army personnel in garrison posts and at most public functions where the Army Combat Uniform is inappropriate. As of 2021, the Army has two service uniforms for use by its personnel. The Army Green Service Uniform, announced in 2018 and authorized in 2020, is used primarily for daily use in situations where civilians wear business attire, such as office settings or official meetings. The Army Blue Service Uniform, which was the sole service uniform between 2015 and 2020, is used primarily as a dress uniform for ceremonial occasions or formal social situations. Over history, a number of different non-combat service uniforms have been authorized by the Army. In the early days of the U.S. Army, the uniform worn in combat was essentially the same as that worn for everyday duties, as was the common practice with most armies of the time. This changed in modern times, as field uniforms were developed which were more suited for battle. During the 19th century, Army uniforms were relatively simple. Combat soldiers in the American Civil War wore a standard dark blue coat and light blue trousers, just like personnel in garrisons or in army offices and headquarters. Uniform standards were relaxed during the war years, especially on campaign, as conditions demanded. The 1899 Army Uniform Regulations provided for a cotton khaki uniform for field service, drawing on the experience of the Spanish–American War when both blue and khaki clothing had been worn. From 1902 to 1917, the army had three uniforms: a service uniform of olive drab wool cloth for use by soldiers in the field, a khaki cotton version used for hot weather, and a blue dress uniform used for ceremonies and off-post wear by enlisted men. The blue uniforms were dropped in 1917 prompted by the exigencies of World War I. In 1926, the previous stand collar service coat was replaced with an open-collared coat worn with a collared shirt and necktie. In 1937, breeches were replaced with straight-legged trousers.