The Army will now have a common uniform for officers ranked Brigadier and above, regardless of their parent cadre and appointment. This is to promote a shared identity and approach to service matters among senior leaders. The decision was made during the Army Commanders’ Conference and after consultations with all stakeholders. The changes will take effect on August 1st.
Senior officers will wear standardized headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belts, and shoes. They will no longer wear lanyards. However, Colonels and officers below their rank will not experience any changes to their uniform.
Currently, different uniforms and accoutrements are associated with specific arms, regiments, and services in the Army. This distinction is important for junior leadership and soldiers to strengthen camaraderie and regimental ethos. A distinct identity at the unit or battalion level reflects a strong bond among officers and soldiers in the same regiment.