--- title: "Army weighs baseball caps, rank insignia on the collar, and other uniform changes" description: "The Army is considering major uniform changes, including moving rank back to collars, and new options for issued headgear." date: "2026-09-11" modified: "2026-09-11" authors: - name: "Austin Campbell" job_title: "Contributing reporter" link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/austin-campbell.md" url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-considers-uniform-policy-changes/" categories: - "Army" - "Field Guide" - "Military Branches" - "Military Life" - "News" --- # Army weighs baseball caps, rank insignia on the collar, and other uniform changes ![Spc. Tyler Barlass of the Idaho National Guard conducts a uniform inspection during the boards and inspections portion of the Region VI Best Warrior Competition May 8 at Gowen Field. The Idaho National Guard hosted the Region VI BWC 2025, May 4-9. The competition highlights the adaptability, resilience and lethal precision of our forces, reaffirming the National Guard citizen-Soldiers' unwavering readiness for every mission. Thirteen competitors from throughout the Army National Guard battled it out in a physically and mentally challenging six-day competition to determine this region’s Army Guard Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.]() *The proposed changes to uniform regulations are "pre-decisional" a spokesperson for the Army told Task & Purpose. Army photo by Mike Freeman.* The Army is weighing several changes to its uniform regulations, ranging from moving ranks to the collar for soldiers wearing everyday camouflage uniforms to possibly wearing baseball caps. Following a post on the popular [Army subreddit]() that detailed possible changes to Army Regulation 670-1, the service confirmed that it “consistently reviews policy for improvement of standards with uniforms, grooming, and appearance.” Maj. Travis Shaw, an Army spokesman, added that “while maintaining uniformity, discipline, and readiness, current items referred to as possible changes are all pre-decisional and require a thorough review prior to final decisions.” Some of the policy changes under review are currently in place, Shaw said, such as soldiers being responsible for maintaining a high shine on their dress shoes. Proposed changes to Army uniforms and how they are worn are reviewed through the Army's uniform policy process, which includes the Army Uniform Board. Among the changes being considered, it appears that chest-worn rank could transition back to the collar along with branch insignia. The proposed change has [parallels to a recent Army policy for chaplains](), who were [ordered this summer]() to remove rank from their combat uniforms and instead display religious branch insignia on their collars. The change drew criticism from some retired chaplains, who questioned whether removing visible rank could undermine their authority with commanders. Other potential changes could authorize baseball caps, boonie hats, and limited wear of the black beret, a subtle nod to headgear already seen elsewhere across the military. The [Navy allows sailors to wear command ball caps]() with working uniforms, while Air Force personnel [can wear baseball-style tactical caps]() with their combat uniforms. Other possible changes would eliminate colored unit patches for shoulder sleeve insignia on the Army Combat Uniform and Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform, including during ceremonies. The proposal would also [reverse a uniform change made just last year](). In 2025, the Army authorized commanders to allow soldiers to wear full-color unit patches on their combat uniforms, along with full-color special skill tabs. The potential changes would eliminate colored unit patches on combat uniforms altogether, including during ceremonies. All accoutrements would be worn on the Army Green Service Uniform jacket, while the Ike jacket would remain limited to two rows of ribbons. Officers would also retain the Army Service Uniform as an authorized uniform, repealing its previous wear-out date, while the uniform would remain optional for enlisted soldiers. The [Army has been transitioning to the Army Green Service Uniform]() since announcing it in 2018. Under its current timeline, all soldiers are required to wear the green uniform beginning Oct. 1, 2027, when the blue Army Service Uniform is scheduled to become an optional formal and ceremonial uniform. ***UPDATE: 9.11.2026;** This article was updated after publication to note that some of the uniform changes under review are currently in place.* ## Author Austin Campbell is an investigative reporter covering the U.S. military, national security, foreign policy and federal accountability. His reporting has uncovered previously unreleased military death data, documented nearly $1.8 million in questionable Air Force procurement spending, and exposed institutional failures across the military and federal government. His investigations have been cited multiple times by members of Congress and prompted congressional oversight of federal agencies. His work has appeared in The Intercept, Military.com, and Responsible Statecraft. A former U.S. Air Force aircraft armament specialist, Campbell holds a master's degree from UNC Chapel Hill's Hussman School of Journalism and Media.