Uniform Regulations

Guide to US Armed Forces Uniforms 

Introduction 

The uniforms of the United States Armed Forces are more than just attire; they symbolize tradition, honor, and the unique identity of each service branch. From the meticulous design of dress blues worn during ceremonial events to the rugged utility uniforms donned in the field, each uniform serves a specific purpose and carries a distinct heritage.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide an in-depth look at the various uniforms across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Whether you are a recruit, a seasoned service member, or simply interested in military attire, this guide will offer valuable insights into the standard-issue components, possible upgrades, and unique features of each uniform.

What You Will Find in This Guide

  1. Detailed Descriptions: Each uniform is described in detail, highlighting its purpose, design elements, and occasions for wear.
  2. Components and Accessories: A comprehensive list of the standard-issue items and optional upgrades for each uniform, including special gear for cold weather and formal events.
  3. Rank Placement: Information on how rank insignia is displayed on the uniforms of officers and enlisted personnel.
  4. Gender Differences: An explanation of the design differences between men's and women's uniforms, ensuring proper fit and function for all service members.
  5. Special Features: Unique elements of each uniform, such as the iconic "scrambled eggs" on Navy officers' caps or the Mameluke swords carried by Marine officers.

Why This Guide Matters

Understanding military uniforms is crucial for several reasons. For service members, it ensures compliance with regulations and fosters a sense of pride and unity. For civilians, it provides an appreciation for the rich traditions and rigorous standards upheld by the U.S. Armed Forces. By exploring the uniforms worn by our military, we gain a deeper respect for those who serve and the history they honor.

Whether you're preparing to join the military, currently serving, or simply have a passion for military history and culture, this guide will serve as a valuable resource. Let's embark on this journey through the distinctive and storied uniforms of the United States Armed Forces.

U.S. Army Uniforms

  1. Army Combat Uniform (ACU)
    • Nickname: "Cammies"
    • Description: The ACU is designed for wear in combat and field environments. It features the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), which is effective in various environments.
    • Components:
      • Blouse and trousers in OCP camouflage.
      • Patrol cap or boonie hat in OCP.
      • Tan T-shirt.
      • Tan boots.
      • Coyote brown belt.
      • Optional cold weather gear includes a fleece jacket and thermal underwear.
    • Standard Issue: Blouse, trousers, patrol cap, tan T-shirt, tan boots.
    • Upgrades: Enhanced cold weather gear, tactical gloves, ballistic eyewear.
    • Occasions: Worn during training exercises, deployments, and operational duties.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Both officers and enlisted personnel wear the ACU, with officers displaying rank insignia on their collars and enlisted personnel on their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Generally, gender-neutral in design. Women's sizes are available, ensuring a better fit for female soldiers.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on the collar.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on the sleeve.
  2. Army Service Uniform (ASU)
    • Nickname: "Dress Blues"
    • Description: The ASU is the formal dress uniform for the U.S. Army. It is characterized by its dark blue color and polished appearance.
    • Components:
      • Dark blue coat and trousers (or skirt for females).
      • White long-sleeve shirt.
      • Black necktie or neck tab (for females).
      • Black beret.
      • Black dress shoes.
      • Black belt with brass buckle.
      • Black socks.
      • Dress gloves (white or black).
      • Optional black cardigan sweater.
      • Medals, ribbons, and insignia are worn on the coat.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers, white shirt, necktie/neck tab, beret, black dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Officer's saber, service dress cap, personalized name tags.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers wear shoulder boards with their rank insignia, while enlisted personnel have their rank sewn onto their sleeves. Officers may wear a saber or sword during certain ceremonies.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ primarily in the cut and fit. Women may wear skirts, and a neck tab replaces the tie. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on shoulder boards.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  3. Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU)
    • Nickname: "Pinks and Greens"
    • Description: Inspired by the WWII-era "pinks and greens," the AGSU is the Army's new service uniform, providing a more historical look.
    • Components:
      • Olive-drab green coat.
      • Khaki pants or skirt.
      • Brown tie.
      • Brown leather shoes.
      • Khaki shirt.
      • Service cap or garrison cap.
      • Brown belt with brass buckle.
      • Brown socks.
      • Optional brown cardigan sweater.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers/skirt, khaki shirt, brown tie, service cap, brown leather shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, service dress cap, officer's boots.
    • Occasions: Worn for office duties, ceremonies, and as a general-purpose service uniform.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Similar to the ASU, with rank insignia displayed appropriately for officers and enlisted personnel.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women may wear skirts. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on shoulder boards.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  4. Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU)
    • Nickname: "PT Gear"
    • Description: The APFU is worn during physical training activities. It is designed for comfort and performance.
    • Components:
      • Black shorts and T-shirt with "Army" logo.
      • Black and gold jacket and pants for colder weather.
      • Running shoes.
      • White or black socks.
    • Standard Issue: Shorts, T-shirt, jacket, pants.
    • Upgrades: High-performance running shoes, moisture-wicking socks, compression gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during physical training sessions and fitness assessments.
    • Gender Differences: Gender-neutral design but available in men's and women's sizes to ensure proper fit.

U.S. Navy Uniforms

  1. Navy Working Uniform (NWU)
    • Nickname: "Cammies"
    • Description: The NWU is designed for general duty and shipboard environments. It features a digital camouflage pattern.
    • Components:
      • Blouse and trousers in green digital camouflage (Type III).
      • Eight-point cap.
      • Black boots.
      • Black T-shirt.
      • Black belt with black buckle.
      • Optional cold weather gear includes a fleece jacket and thermal underwear.
    • Standard Issue: Blouse, trousers, cap, black T-shirt, black boots.
    • Upgrades: Tactical gloves, moisture-wicking T-shirts, enhanced cold weather gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during daily duties, field exercises, and on board ships.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Both officers and enlisted personnel wear the NWU, with officers displaying their rank on their collars and enlisted personnel on their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Generally, gender-neutral in terms of design. Women's sizes are available to ensure a better fit.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on the collar.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on the chest.
  2. Service Dress Blues (SDBs)
    • Nickname: "Dress Blues"
    • Description: The SDB is the formal dress uniform for the Navy. It is characterized by its navy-blue color and formal appearance.
    • Components:
      • Navy blue coat and trousers (or skirt for females).
      • White long-sleeve shirt.
      • Black necktie or neck tab (for females).
      • White combination cap.
      • Black dress shoes.
      • Black belt with brass buckle.
      • Black socks.
      • Dress gloves (white or black).
      • Medals, ribbons, and insignia are worn on the coat.
      • Officers may wear a sword during formal ceremonies.
      • Gold braid ("scrambled eggs") on the cap for officers.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers/skirt, white shirt, necktie/neck tab, combination cap, black dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's sword, gold braid.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers wear gold braid rank insignia on their sleeves, while enlisted personnel have their rank insignia on their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women may wear skirts, and a neck tab replaces the tie. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on sleeves (gold braid).
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  3. Service Dress Whites (SDWs)
    • Nickname: "Chokers"
    • Description: The SDW is the summer formal dress uniform for the Navy. It features a crisp, white appearance.
    • Components:
      • White coat and trousers (or skirt for females).
      • White long-sleeve shirt.
      • White necktie or neck tab (for females).
      • White combination cap.
      • White dress shoes.
      • White belt with brass buckle.
      • White socks.
      • Medals, ribbons, and insignia are worn on the coat.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers/skirt, white shirt, necktie/neck tab, combination cap, white dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's sword, gold braid.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions in warm weather.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Similar to SDBs, with appropriate rank insignia displayed.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women may wear skirts, and a neck tab replaces the tie. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on sleeves (gold braid).
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  4. Dinner Dress Blues/Whites
    • Nickname: "Dinner Dress"
    • Description: These are the Navy's evening dress uniforms, worn for formal occasions.
    • Components:
      • Similar to the service dress uniforms but with miniature medals and formal accessories.
      • Dinner Dress Blue includes a navy-blue coat and trousers, white shirt, and black bow tie.
      • Dinner Dress White includes a white coat and trousers, white shirt, and white bow tie.
    • Standard Issue: Dinner dress coat, trousers/skirt, white shirt, bow tie/neck tab, combination cap, dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's sword, cummerbund.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal evening events, balls, and galas.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers and enlisted personnel wear appropriate rank insignia
  5. Physical Training Uniform (PTU)
    • Nickname: "PT Gear"
    • Description: The PTU is worn during physical training activities. It is designed for comfort and performance.
    • Components:
      • Navy blue shorts and yellow T-shirt with "Navy" logo.
      • Navy blue and gold jacket and pants for colder weather.
      • Running shoes.
      • White or black socks.
    • Standard Issue: Shorts, T-shirt, jacket, pants.
    • Upgrades: High-performance running shoes, moisture-wicking socks, compression gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during physical training sessions and fitness assessments.
    • Gender Differences: Gender-neutral design but available in men's and women's sizes to ensure proper fit.

U.S. Marine Corps Uniforms

  1. Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU)
    • Nickname: "Cammies"
    • Description: The MCCUU is designed for wear in combat and field environments. It features the Marine Pattern (MARPAT) camouflage, available in woodland and desert versions.
    • Components:
      • Blouse and trousers in MARPAT camouflage.
      • Cover (hat) in MARPAT.
      • Tan T-shirt.
      • Tan boots.
      • Coyote brown belt.
      • Optional cold weather gear includes a fleece jacket and thermal underwear.
    • Standard Issue: Blouse, trousers, cover, tan T-shirt, tan boots.
    • Upgrades: Tactical gloves, moisture-wicking T-shirts, enhanced cold weather gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during training exercises, deployments, and operational duties.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Both officers and enlisted personnel wear the MCCUU, with rank insignia on the collars for officers and on the sleeves for enlisted personnel.
    • Gender Differences: Generally, gender-neutral in terms of design. Women's sizes are available to ensure a better fit.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on the collar.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on the sleeve.
  2. Service Uniform (Charlies and Bravos)
    • Nickname: "Service Uniform"
    • Description: The Service Uniform is worn for office environments and day-to-day activities. "Charlies" consist of a short-sleeve khaki shirt and green trousers, while "Bravos" include a long-sleeve khaki shirt and green trousers.
    • Components:
      • Khaki shirt.
      • Green trousers (or skirt for females).
      • Green coat for Bravos.
      • Green service cap or garrison cap.
      • Black dress shoes.
      • Khaki socks.
      • Black belt with brass buckle.
      • Optional green cardigan sweater.
    • Standard Issue: Shirt, trousers/skirt, service cap, black dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, green cardigan sweater.
    • Occasions: Worn for office duties, meetings, and semi-formal events.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers wear rank insignia on their collars, while enlisted personnel have their rank on their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women may wear skirts. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on the collar.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on the sleeves.
  3. Dress Blue Uniform
    • Nickname: "Dress Blues"
    • Description: The iconic formal uniform of the Marine Corps, known for its distinctive look.
    • Components:
      • Dark blue coat and trousers with red trim.
      • White belt.
      • White gloves.
      • White cover (hat).
      • Black dress shoes.
      • Black socks.
      • Medals and ribbons are worn on the coat.
      • Officers may wear a Mameluke sword.
      • Officers may wear a cape during certain formal events.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers, white belt, white gloves, cover, black dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Officer's Mameluke sword, cape, personalized name tags.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers wear gold braid rank insignia on their sleeves and may carry a Mameluke sword, while enlisted personnel have their rank on their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women may wear skirts. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on sleeves (gold braid).
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  4. Evening Dress Uniform
    • Nickname: "Evening Dress"
    • Description: The most formal Marine Corps uniform, worn for formal evening events.
    • Components:
      • Similar to the dress blue uniform but with additional formal accessories and decorations.
    • Standard Issue: Evening dress coat, trousers/skirt, white shirt, bow tie/neck tab, dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Officer's Mameluke sword, cummerbund, personalized name tags.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal evening events, balls, and galas.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers wear a more elaborate version with a Mameluke sword, while enlisted personnel wear a version appropriate to their rank.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on sleeves (gold braid).
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  5. Physical Training Uniform (PTU)
    • Nickname: "PT Gear"
    • Description: The PTU is worn during physical training activities. It is designed for comfort and performance.
    • Components:
      • Green shorts and T-shirt.
      • Green and gold jacket and pants for colder weather.
      • Running shoes.
      • White or black socks.
    • Standard Issue: Shorts, T-shirt, jacket, pants.
    • Upgrades: High-performance running shoes, moisture-wicking socks, compression gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during physical training sessions and fitness assessments.
    • Gender Differences: Gender-neutral design but available in men's and women's sizes to ensure proper fit.

U.S. Air Force Uniforms

  1. Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Uniform
    • Nickname: "Cammies"
    • Description: The OCP is designed for wear in field and combat environments. It features a camouflage pattern effective in a variety of environments.
    • Components:
      • Blouse and trousers in OCP camouflage.
      • Patrol cap.
      • Tan T-shirt.
      • Tan boots.
      • Coyote brown belt.
      • Optional cold weather gear includes a fleece jacket and thermal underwear.
    • Standard Issue: Blouse, trousers, patrol cap, tan T-shirt, tan boots.
    • Upgrades: Enhanced cold weather gear, tactical gloves, ballistic eyewear.
    • Occasions: Worn during training exercises, deployments, and operational duties.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Both officers and enlisted personnel wear the OCP, with officers displaying rank insignia on their collars and enlisted personnel on their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Generally, gender-neutral in design. Women's sizes are available, ensuring a better fit for female airmen.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on the collar.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on the sleeve.
  2. Service Dress Uniform
    • Nickname: "Blues"
    • Description: The formal dress uniform for the U.S. Air Force, characterized by its dark blue color.
    • Components:
      • Dark blue coat and trousers (or skirt for females).
      • Light blue long-sleeved shirt.
      • Blue tie or neck tab (for females).
      • Blue flight cap.
      • Black dress shoes.
      • Black belt with silver buckle.
      • Black socks.
      • Dress gloves (white or black).
      • Medals, ribbons, and insignia are worn on the coat.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers/skirt, light blue shirt, tie/neck tab, flight cap, black dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's saber, service dress cap.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers wear shoulder boards with their rank insignia, while enlisted personnel have their rank sewn onto their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ primarily in the cut and fit. Women may wear skirts, and a neck tab replaces the tie. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on shoulder boards.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  3. Mess Dress Uniform
    • Nickname: "Mess Dress"
    • Description: The most formal dress uniform for the U.S. Air Force, worn for formal evening events.
    • Components:
      • Dark blue mess dress coat.
      • Dark blue trousers (or skirt for females).
      • White shirt.
      • Blue bow tie (for males) or blue neck tab (for females).
      • Blue cummerbund.
      • Blue mess dress hat.
      • Black dress shoes.
      • Medals, ribbons, and insignia are worn on the coat.
    • Standard Issue: Mess dress coat, trousers/skirt, white shirt, bow tie/neck tab, cummerbund, mess dress hat, black dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's saber, additional formal accessories.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal evening events, balls, and galas.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers and enlisted personnel wear appropriate rank insignia and formal decorations.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ primarily in the cut and fit. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on shoulder boards.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  4. Physical Training Uniform (PTU)
    • Nickname: "PT Gear"
    • Description: The PTU is worn during physical training activities. It is designed for comfort and performance.
    • Components:
      • Light grey shorts and T-shirt with "Air Force" logo.
      • Blue and white jacket and pants for colder weather.
      • Running shoes.
      • White or black socks.
    • Standard Issue: Shorts, T-shirt, jacket, pants.
    • Upgrades: High-performance running shoes, moisture-wicking socks, compression gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during physical training sessions and fitness assessments.
    • Gender Differences: Gender-neutral design but available in men's and women's sizes to ensure proper fit.


U.S. Space Force Uniforms

The U.S. Space Force uniforms are currently modeled after U.S. Air Force uniforms, with unique insignia and branding to distinguish Space Force personnel. Here are the details:

  1. Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Uniform
    • Nickname: "Cammies"
    • Description: The OCP is designed for wear in field and operational environments. It features a camouflage pattern similar to the Air Force OCP.
    • Components:
      • Blouse and trousers in OCP camouflage.
      • Patrol cap.
      • Tan T-shirt.
      • Tan boots.
      • Coyote brown belt.
      • Optional cold weather gear includes a fleece jacket and thermal underwear.
    • Standard Issue: Blouse, trousers, patrol cap, tan T-shirt, tan boots.
    • Upgrades: Enhanced cold weather gear, tactical gloves, ballistic eyewear.
    • Occasions: Worn during training exercises, deployments, and operational duties.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Both officers and enlisted personnel wear the OCP, with officers displaying rank insignia on their collars and enlisted personnel on their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Generally, gender-neutral in design. Women's sizes are available, ensuring a better fit.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on the collar.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on the sleeve.
    • Same as Air Force: Yes, identical to the Air Force OCP uniform.
  2. Service Dress Uniform
    • Nickname: "Blues"
    • Description: The formal dress uniform for the U.S. Space Force, currently similar to the Air Force service dress but with Space Force insignia.
    • Components:
      • Dark blue coat and trousers (or skirt for females).
      • Light blue long-sleeved shirt.
      • Blue tie or neck tab (for females).
      • Blue flight cap.
      • Black dress shoes.
      • Black belt with silver buckle.
      • Black socks.
      • Dress gloves (white or black).
      • Medals, ribbons, and insignia are worn on the coat.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers/skirt, light blue shirt, tie/neck tab, flight cap, black dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's saber, service dress cap.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers wear shoulder boards with their rank insignia, while enlisted personnel have their rank sewn onto their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ primarily in the cut and fit. Women may wear skirts, and a neck tab replaces the tie. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on shoulder boards.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
    • Same as Air Force: Yes, identical to the Air Force service dress uniform, with Space Force insignia.
  3. Physical Training Uniform (PTU)
    • Nickname: "PT Gear"
    • Description: The PTU is worn during physical training activities. It is designed for comfort and performance.
    • Components:
      • Light grey shorts and T-shirt with "Space Force" logo.
      • Blue and white jacket and pants for colder weather.
      • Running shoes.
      • White or black socks.
    • Standard Issue: Shorts, T-shirt, jacket, pants.
    • Upgrades: High-performance running shoes, moisture-wicking socks, compression gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during physical training sessions and fitness assessments.
    • Gender Differences: Gender-neutral design but available in men's and women's sizes to ensure proper fit.
    • Same as Air Force: Yes, identical to the Air Force PT uniform, with Space Force branding.

U.S. Coast Guard Uniforms

  1. Operational Dress Uniform (ODU)
    • Nickname: "Cammies"
    • Description: The ODU is designed for general duty and operational environments. It features a dark blue color.
    • Components:
      • Blouse and trousers in dark blue.
      • Eight-point cap.
      • Black boots.
      • Black T-shirt.
      • Black belt with black buckle.
      • Optional cold weather gear includes a fleece jacket and thermal underwear.
    • Standard Issue: Blouse, trousers, cap, black T-shirt, black boots.
    • Upgrades: Tactical gloves, moisture-wicking T-shirts, enhanced cold weather gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during daily duties, field exercises, and on board ships.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Both officers and enlisted personnel wear the ODU, with officers displaying their rank on their collars and enlisted personnel on their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Generally gender-neutral in terms of design. Women's sizes are available to ensure a better fit.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on the collar. 
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on the chest.
  2. Service Dress Blue (SDB)
    • Nickname: "Dress Blues"
    • Description: The SDB is the formal dress uniform for the Coast Guard. It is characterized by its dark blue color and formal appearance.
    • Components:
      • Dark blue coat and trousers (or skirt for females).
      • White long-sleeve shirt.
      • Black necktie or neck tab (for females).
      • Combination cap.
      • Black dress shoes.
      • Black belt with brass buckle.
      • Black socks.
      • Dress gloves (white or black).
      • Medals, ribbons, and insignia are worn on the coat.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers/skirt, white shirt, necktie/neck tab, combination cap, black dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's sword.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers wear shoulder boards with their rank insignia, while enlisted personnel have their rank sewn onto their sleeves.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on shoulder boards.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  3. Service Dress White (SDW)
    • Nickname: "Dress Whites"
    • Description: The SDW is the summer formal dress uniform for the Coast Guard. It features a crisp, white appearance.
    • Components:
      • White coat and trousers (or skirt for females).
      • White long-sleeve shirt.
      • Black necktie or neck tab (for females).
      • Combination cap.
      • White dress shoes.
      • White belt with brass buckle.
      • White socks.
      • Medals, ribbons, and insignia are worn on the coat.
    • Standard Issue: Coat, trousers/skirt, white shirt, necktie/neck tab, combination cap, white dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's sword.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions in warm weather.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers and enlisted personnel wear appropriate rank insignia and formal decorations.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on shoulder boards.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  4. Dinner Dress Blue/White
    • Nickname: "Dinner Dress"
    • Description: These are the Coast Guard's evening dress uniforms, worn for formal occasions.
    • Components:
      • Similar to the service dress uniforms but with miniature medals and formal accessories.
      • Dinner Dress Blue includes a dark blue coat and trousers, white shirt, and black bow tie.
      • Dinner Dress White includes a white coat and trousers, white shirt, and white bow tie.
    • Standard Issue: Dinner dress coat, trousers/skirt, white shirt, bow tie/neck tab, combination cap, dress shoes.
    • Upgrades: Personalized name tags, officer's sword, cummerbund.
    • Occasions: Worn for formal evening events, balls, and galas.
    • Officer and Enlisted: Officers and enlisted personnel wear appropriate rank insignia and formal decorations.
    • Gender Differences: Men's and women's versions differ in cut and fit. Women's sizes are available for all components.
    • Rank Placement:
      • Officers: Rank insignia on shoulder boards.
      • Enlisted: Rank insignia on sleeves.
  5. Physical Training Uniform (PTU)
    • Nickname: "PT Gear"
    • Description: The PTU is worn during physical training activities. It is designed for comfort and performance.
    • Components:
      • Blue shorts and T-shirt with "Coast Guard" logo.
      • Blue and white jacket and pants for colder weather.
      • Running shoes.
      • White or black socks.
    • Standard Issue: Shorts, T-shirt, jacket, pants.
    • Upgrades: High-performance running shoes, moisture-wicking socks, compression gear.
    • Occasions: Worn during physical training sessions and fitness assessments.
    • Gender Differences: Gender-neutral design but available in men's and women's sizes to ensure proper fit.

This comprehensive guide covers the uniforms for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, detailing the standard issue items, possible upgrades, gender differences, and rank placements. Each branch's uniforms reflect their unique traditions and operational needs while maintaining a standard of professionalism and respect.