How do I wear the soutache braid, Cadet Command SSI, and institutional DUI on the ASU uniform?

PVT Samuel Caspers — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 11:26:34 -0500

Putting together my ASU for an upcoming event. Looking at USACC 670-1 for guidance and I’m lost. Looking at my battalion and at others on Google to find there is no one standard.

Chapter 2-2-f. “No braid or stripes of any color will be worn on the coat or trousers of the Class A or ASU Uniform when worn as an ROTC uniform. During the George C. Marshall Seminar Cadets will wear the authorized issued ASU. The chin strap of the service cap will be black.” Seen some cadets in my battalion and in others wearing the soutache braid on the ASU sleeve cuffs. Also seen it not being worn. No consistency.

Chapter 3-1-e. “The following are the only items authorized for wear on the ROTC uniform. They will be affixed for the OCP uniform. Nothing will be sewn on the ASU. (1) Distinctive Cadet Command shoulder loops insignia pinned on ASU. (2) Velcro Distinctive Cadet Command shoulder sleeve insignia (OCP). (3) Distinctive institutional shoulder sleeve insignia (ASU). (4) Velcro Distinctive institutional shoulder sleeve insignia (OCP). (5) Velcro branch insignia (after branching) (OCP). (6) Nameplate, tabs, and badges (ASU). (7) Velcro or sewn nametape, U.S. Army tape, tabs, and badges (OCP). (8) Velcro full color U.S. flag insignia.” Reg says nothing will be seen on the ASU, then says institutional SSI will be seen to the right sleeve of the ASU. Google shows Stanford University cadets with the Cadet Command SSI sewn onto the left sleeve of the ASU. Photo is attached to this post.

Chapter 3-8-c. “Cadets are not authorized to wear the DUI on the Army Service uniform (worn with white shirt and necktie/neck tab). Officers wear the DUI centered on the shoulder loops, an equal distance from the inside edge of their grade insignia to the outside edge of the button, with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam.” Seen cadets in my battalion and in others wearing the DUI over the right breast pocket.

Any advice would be beneficial and appreciated.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2022 1:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 13:22:33 -0500

When it comes to uniforms, I've always cautioned on the side of the regulations. If you set up your uniform to the letter of the regulated guidance, you can't go wrong. Have you spoken with your Cadre to get their input/guidance?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 18 at 2022 1:44 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 13:44:19 -0500

ROTC uniforms are sometimes different from active duty uniforms. A lifetime ago I was in AFROTC.
We wore Air Force Service Dress uniforms issued from the Detachment Supply Room during our first two years of ROTC. AFROTC had their own system of ribbons, badges, ranks, and uniform combinations. During the Jr and Sr years, Cadets were issued uniforms they would keep through into commissioning.

Things are probably different in Army ROTC now. The Army Regulations are your best guide, but you should attempt to resolve any conflicts or variations with your Cadet Chain of Command, military support staff (I found our Detachment Supply NCO to be very helpful), or a professor of military science.

A purpose of a uniform is to help everybody look the "same", that is uniformity. Other considerations:
-Whose uniform is it? If you were issued a uniform with certain patches, stripes, etc., attached in place, and you are expected to turn the uniform in at the end of the academic year or upon commissioning, then go with it as is.
-If you received a basic issue uniform that belongs to you, then carefully follow the Army Regs and local directives. You may be living with this uniform for a while.
-Look for wall charts that show proper wear of uniform.