Army to have Common uniforms

There will be no change to the uniform worn by Colonels and below-rank officers.

Common uniform for brigadiers and above rank officers in Army from August 1

• The Army has decided in the recently concluded Army Commanders Conference that brigadiers and above rank officers will have a common uniform from August 1, 2023 irrespective of their parent cadre and appointment.
• Shoulder Ranks, Headgear, Gorget Patches, Belts and Shoes of Senior officers of flag ranks who are brigadier and above will be now in a standard and common outfit.
• They will no longer wear regimental lanyards (cords) on their shoulders. They will also not wear any shoulder flashes like ‘Special Forces’, ‘Arunachal Scouts’, ‘Dogra Scouts’, etc.

What is the reason for making the change?

• The primary reason for the decision to adopt a common uniform for senior officers is to promote a common identity and approach in service matters among the force’s senior leadership.
• Since appointments at higher ranks can often mean commanding troops of mixed regimental lineage, it is only appropriate that the senior officers commanding these troops should present themselves in a neutral uniform rather than a regimental one.
• Regimental service in the Army ends at the rank of Colonel for most officers.

Prelims Question for Practice

Consider the following statements :
1. The Army has decided that brigadiers and above rank officers will have a common uniform from August 1, 2023 irrespective of their parent cadre and appointment.
2. Shoulder Ranks, Headgear, Gorget Patches, Belts and Shoes of Senior officers of flag ranks who are brigadier and above will be now in a standard and common outfit.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct :
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Neither 1 nor 2
d) Both 1 and 2

Ans. d)

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