Will Pinks and Greens be an optional uniform? Or, will I have to spend another $1000?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:06:27 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 6:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:08:44 -0500

Sir, be ready to open that wallet......based on what I read here:

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2017/12/27/new-in-2018-army-decision-coming-on-return-of-pinks-and-greens-uniform/

New in 2018: Army decision coming on return of ‘pinks and greens’ uniform

A year in the making, the Army is preparing to make a final decision on bringing back the service’s much beloved World War-II dress uniform.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Dec 27 at 2017 6:09 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:09:35 -0500

My guess, break out your wallet!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 6:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:10:17 -0500

That is a great question. I for one do not want to spend the money on another dress uniform. I have spent way to much on uniform changes. Upkeep is one thing change after change is another.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 27 at 2017 6:12 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:12:39 -0500

The idea is to get $1000 for each soldier, either you or the taxpayer will pay

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 6:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:23:22 -0500

Issued to new soldiers, bought by current soldiers, unless you're eligible for issue.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 27 at 2017 6:28 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:28:58 -0500

The whole reason they adopted the Dress Blues was to avoid having to buy/maintain multiple uniforms. I guess somebody wants to leave their imprint on the force.

Response by COL Tom Dials made Dec 27 at 2017 6:40 PM

COL Tom Dials — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:40:13 -0500

I recall the Army went to Greens and Class A/B khakis (including Bermuda shorts) in 1957...my dad (and ‘ollllld so-jer’ went batshit and cursed Maxwell Taylor well into his afterlife. The Army changes uniforms like teenage girls change hairstyles...get used to it (or sign on the with the Marines). Cost? C’mon...I survived on my uniform allowance in 1970 and I suppose provision will be made in 2018.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Dec 27 at 2017 6:43 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:43:16 -0500

My guess would be that they're mandatory. Every couple of years the army wants to make itself more fashionable. I joined when BDUs and the green service uniform were standard as I'm sure you did. I had to wear a beret because the chief of staff thought they were stylish. Then the ACU which costed $40 more per uniform came out. And I had to get good at sewing because they fell apart after 2 months on deployment. Then the ASU came out and I needed to upgrade to that one. With a stroke of luck someone said berets were stupid and I only had to wear them with the ASU. Then as I left the multicam was just beginning to be fielded. The point is that all of these changes were army wide and mandatory. I wouldn't be surprised if they have another 2 or 3 uniform changes in the next 5 years.

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 27 at 2017 6:49 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:49:31 -0500

Okay... Maybe it is my imagination, but from a Marine's perspective the Army has got to worry about what they are wearing to the dance more than all the other services combined.

P.S. I still think the accompanying photo is the best beret ever.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 7:24 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 19:24:55 -0500

Sir for your rank everything is optional, opt to buy them or opt to retire :)

Personally I'm super excited to purchase my third service uniform, thankfully I've only had to purchase four battle uniforms!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Dec 27 at 2017 7:48 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 19:48:26 -0500

That depends on if LTC's and CSM's make it optional or required, or socially "not" required. Really though I agree with most here, it will be mandatory and as popular as mandatory fun day.

I'm glad I am retired and don't have to keep it current, but if I were in I would be screaming "Enough already! Just pick one already!"

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 27 at 2017 10:21 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 22:21:12 -0500

Great uniform the Army should have never done away with and today I feel like we are trying to go retro. I prefer khakis however will I now have to convert my ASU back to blues? Need to stop all the new uniform shit and focus on war fighting.

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Dec 27 at 2017 11:07 PM

SGT Russell Wickham — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 23:07:57 -0500

I got lucky. The on post cleaners lost my jacket for my Greens, so they had to pay for a new ASU jacket, saving me about $200. This was 7 years ago. Even though I'm out I still fit that uniform and it still looks good, so were I in, I would be sick to the pit of my stomach to have to make this change. The army goes through uniforms faster than I, as an auto mechanic, go through brake clean (figuratively speaking). I wasn't sad to see the ACU go away, but already changing out the blues? Wow.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 28 at 2017 2:13 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 02:13:48 -0500

When it comes to uniforms the Army changes more often than most people change their underwear. I guess the best thing to do is "Follow the money". Who stands to profit again. Sure glad I am retired and don't have to screw with their indecision. And people say "Women can't make up their minds" have never been around the Army when it comes to uniforms.

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Dec 28 at 2017 3:24 AM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 03:24:06 -0500

Just a suggestion, If I was running the show, I would put all that time and effort into training and equipment, rather than worrying what to wear to the war

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Dec 28 at 2017 9:23 AM

LTC Scott O'Neil — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 09:23:47 -0500

Well historically the Army has had its share of uniforms and in each era there were traditional uniforms for the different areas of operations you were stationed and the standard uniformas for the Army. The Army has had Dress whites, Khakis, Browns, Blues, Dress Mess Blues, Class A Greens, Class B Greens, Pink and Greens. and the list can go on. All of the above uniforms were issued to soldiers and paid for by officers. Officers are given a uniform allowance once upon commissioning and enlisted soldiers issued thier initial uniforms and are given a yearly uniform replacement allowance. Like it was mentioned a number of time be prepared to break open your wallets because they will be costly. I just noticed the Cover the soldier is holding and it resembles the style used during WWII. Therefor those of you who kept thier old Class A Greens the cover can not be used with this new uniform.
What I believe is that this uniform needs to be optional and I would like to know the where and when this uniform would be worn. This woud drive the requirement to purchase. I am glad I am retired , I have kept my Blues to some day be burried in and for the unforgetable memories I reatin of my service to this great country.
Or this could be like someone mentioned, this couldb be someones last horah to knotch another ARCOM oor MSM on thier DD214 prior to retirement. what ever it may be, I feel for those who will have to buy these new uniforms.

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Dec 28 at 2017 9:35 AM

LTC Scott O'Neil — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 09:35:06 -0500

Lastly, I want to know why The Army is wasting a lot of R&D money on historic uniforms and not focusing on new tecnologies that woud increase survivability and lethality. Soldiers on the battlefield do not need a new drees uniform they need a new tank, a new rifle, a new cannon, new lighter and more survivable body armor and or situational awareness technology. The last thing our soldiers need to worry about is if they will have to buy a new dress uniform with a historic background. they need to focus on surviving and engaging and destroying the enemy.
This is another BS purchase like to ACUs the Gray digitials cammoflage it was supposed to be the be all end all BDU. Well that pattern and color was inneffective in a number of enviromental area of operations. ACOS get up and throw the BS flag and focus on what The Army needs and not what would make it look good or look retro.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 10:02 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 10:02:54 -0500

My guess is we will have to take the hit in the wallet.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Dec 28 at 2017 10:28 AM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 10:28:01 -0500

I thought this was just a suggestion by SMA I didn't think it was actually happening. Ugh please no more uniform changes.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Dec 28 at 2017 10:46 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 10:46:53 -0500

I think those are pretty sharp uniforms - maybe it's the green!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 28 at 2017 12:09 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 12:09:38 -0500

I'm long retired, but IMO a major uniform change like adopting pinks-and-greens, should be subsidized for officers. Enlisted personnel will possibly get their uniforms issued, even if it's one-time issue. Officers should get a one-time issue of the new uniform or a cash subsidy adequate to purchase the uniform. Problem with the extra cash is some will spend it foolishly and not on the new uniforms. Then cry when they have to actually pay for the uniforms later. Just my thoughts.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 1:53 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 13:53:18 -0500

It was my understanding that it was intended to be a uniform that is considered more formal than ASUs but not as formal as mess dress. And SMA did state a while back that it would be optional attire.

Buuuut I wouldn’t put it past them at this point.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Dec 28 at 2017 3:35 PM

Cpl John Barker — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:35:55 -0500

Gotta love how the army is rolling out the 1950's uniforms right in time for North Korea!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2017 3:36 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 15:36:52 -0500

Somebody upstairs wants to make money out of our wallets Sir.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Dec 29 at 2017 8:41 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 08:41:31 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member It appears from what I have read... It will be issued in basic training, as the regular Class A, and the ASU will become light the Dress Blues used to be...

"The “pinks and greens” are meant to be an official occasion uniform that would be issued at basic training, Dailey has said, bumping the blue ASU up to formal wear."

“We don’t have real manufacturers making these things — they’re just one-off prototypes being made by our people,” he said. “A lot of the fabric we had in stock, believe it or not, from a study that was done on this uniform when we got rid of the greens.”

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2017/12/27/new-in-2018-army-decision-coming-on-return-of-pinks-and-greens-uniform/

New in 2018: Army decision coming on return of ‘pinks and greens’ uniform

A year in the making, the Army is preparing to make a final decision on bringing back the service’s much beloved World War-II dress uniform.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Dec 29 at 2017 11:04 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:04:14 -0500

According to my MRD, it will be optional.

Seriously, I believe that it will be an optional uniform. Actually, I really LOVE that they are doing this. If a wasn't looking so hard at the MRD clock, I would be all over it. It only took my entire career, but the Army FINALLY listened to me. Well, that's my story anyway.

Response by SFC Mark Russell made Dec 30 at 2017 9:34 PM

SFC Mark Russell — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 21:34:17 -0500

it should be issued to everyone, I understand the change, the current uniform makes the troops look like waiters. The Pink and Greens will give the Army the ARMY look again. Then can we finally stop changing uniforms every year? I came in when it was Fatigues, Khakis and Class A Greens. The Starched Fatigues looked professional, the Khakis looked great. I did not mind the BDU's but when they stopped even ironing them, they started to look sloppy. Just like the current acu's Look like PJ's Don't get me started.

Response by SN James MacKay made Dec 30 at 2017 11:24 PM

SN James MacKay — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 23:24:25 -0500

Whether it is Service wide, as with this suggestion by the current SMA, or by a CSM anywhere, many of them have an urge to push a program with their signature all over it. Some work, some don't, as the recent decision to bring back the Round Brown to AIT, shows. Human nature I guess.

Response by LTC Robin Gronovius made Dec 31 at 2017 1:49 PM

LTC Robin Gronovius — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 13:49:30 -0500

Having had to wear the blues as the ASU, it was not a very user friendly uniform. Looks good at formal occasions, but is not very functional. I understand it was a money saving decision that was supposed to help by maintaining only one "dress" uniform vs. two (green and blue).
I see the pink and blues a way of correcting their poor decision. I'm glad I won't have to buy them because I've retired. It was a shame that my fully serviceable greens were rendered obsolete long before their time.

Response by PO3 Scot Fahey made Jan 6 at 2018 6:43 PM

PO3 Scot Fahey — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 18:43:17 -0500

ok, Just a Sailor here, My eye were tested, (CTM) so I am not color blind. What is Pink, What is Green? Brown shoes? ( Brown shoes went away circa 1961, when SECDEF MacNamera needed to know why every service member just did not where the same shoe??)

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jan 6 at 2018 6:49 PM

1LT William Clardy — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 18:49:17 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, you say that you don't want to spend money on a uniform you'll only wear 3 or 4 times a year, but service uniforms (like the pinks and greens, khakis, and the old service greens) have historically been daily wear for soldiers such as yourself, whose daily duties do not involve fatigue duty.
Maybe, if Army leaders actually re-embrace the idea of being soldiers instead of warriors, the idea of wearing uniforms that reinforce a sense of professionalism in the duty place might not seem so foreign.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Jan 6 at 2018 7:23 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 19:23:35 -0500

I heard this is the military's ultimate goal for dress uniform.

Response by MSgt Dan Calhoun made Jan 6 at 2018 7:27 PM

MSgt Dan Calhoun — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 19:27:49 -0500

Seems to me the DOD as a whole needs to squash all of these uniform changes. Every branch has made a change to at least one of their uniforms within the past 18 years and now seem hell bent on making more. Seriously, all of this talk about tradition and it is getting to the point where I have to ask if the real tradition is going in circles...that and the cost of research for said uniforms and the added cost since they will have to pay to outfit the enlisted force with them...not to mention the out of pocket expenses for the officer corps.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Jan 6 at 2018 7:37 PM

Jerry Rivas — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 19:37:39 -0500

I remember Class A greens. Dress Blues were an optional uniform. Why oh Why doesnt the Army spend more on better more advanced equipment and training than screwing around with uniforms. We had Class A, and fatigues....Dress Blues were for formal balls. Most of us never attended.

Response by SN James MacKay made Jan 6 at 2018 8:50 PM

SN James MacKay — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 20:50:31 -0500

As a Sailor, I'm wondering where the "Pinks" in Pins and Greens comes from. Can I get some help here?

Response by COL William Oseles made Jan 7 at 2018 11:54 AM

COL William Oseles — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 11:54:50 -0500

Interesting comment from the service with the gaudiest uniforms about the Army worrying about what to wear to the dance.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 12:40 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 12:40:19 -0500

I don't know anyone "dreading" the Pinks and Greens, other than officers who have to buy them. Couple of points- 1. No one forced you to commission. 2. Focus on what you can control. 3. Stop whining, it looks bad in front of the troops.

Yes, the money could be used for several other things, but it isn't in this case.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 11:31 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 23:31:45 -0500

I personally like the return to the older uniform style..... but these shoyld all be issued instead of forcing soldiers to buy them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2018 4:19 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 04:19:34 -0500

Now I understand why their are so many different star wars trooper uniforms.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 11 at 2018 8:07 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 20:07:32 -0500

I don't care what the cost is, I am so sick of half assed looking clown uniforms any amount of money is a good thing to get out of what has been an embarrassment of the ASU and Class Uniforms of the past.