Army Regulation 670-1

Army Regulation 670-1. This United States Department of Defense directive, issued under the authority of the Secretary of the Army, is the primary document governing the wear and appearance of all United States Army uniforms and insignia. It establishes precise standards for grooming, the proper display of awards and badges, and the authorized combinations of clothing items. The regulation applies to all soldiers across the Regular Army, the Army National Guard, and the United States Army Reserve, serving to promote discipline, esprit de corps, and a unified professional image.

Purpose and scope

The fundamental purpose of this directive is to standardize the professional appearance of the American soldier, reinforcing the core values of the United States Army and its storied institutions like the United States Military Academy. Its scope is comprehensive, detailing authorized uniforms for every component of the Total Force Policy, including the Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserve. The regulation provides commanders, from those at Fort Bragg to United States Army Europe and Africa, with the definitive authority to enforce standards that directly support good order and discipline within their units. It serves as a critical tool for leaders at all levels to maintain the proud heritage and ready posture of the force.

Wear and appearance of the Army uniform

This section meticulously defines the proper wear of each authorized uniform, including the Army Combat Uniform, the Army Green Service Uniform, and formal attire like the Army Blue and Army White uniforms. It specifies correct fit, tailoring, and the conditions under which each uniform is worn, whether in garrison at Fort Hood or during official ceremonies. The regulation strictly prohibits the mixing of uniform components not explicitly authorized, such as combining parts of the Physical Fitness Uniform with the Army Service Uniform. Guidance also covers the wear of organizational clothing like the Battle Dress Uniform for historical events and the proper display of unit patches representing commands from United States Army Pacific to United States Army Special Operations Command.

Grooming standards

Grooming standards are prescribed to maintain a neat and professional soldierly appearance while ensuring safety and uniformity. Hairstyle regulations address bulk, length, and style for all soldiers, with specific provisions for different hair textures and the wear of authorized wigs. Male grooming standards detail acceptable mustache and sideburn styles, strictly prohibiting beards except for approved religious accommodations or medical profiles from an installation like Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Female standards outline authorized hairstyles, hair accessories, and cosmetic application. These rules are uniformly applied across the force, from recruits at Fort Benning to senior Non-Commissioned Officers in the Old Guard.

Insignia and accoutrements

The regulation provides exhaustive instructions for the placement and wear of all insignia, badges, and accoutrements that denote rank, skill, and achievement. This includes the precise positioning of rank insignia for both Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers, skill badges such as the Combat Infantryman Badge or Parachutist Badges, and identification badges for service with organizations like the United States Army Rangers or 1st Special Forces Command. It governs the display of ribbons and medals on the Army Service Uniform, the wear of unit awards like the Valorous Unit Award, and the authorization for distinctive items such as the shoulder sleeve insignia for former wartime service or the President's Hundred Tab.

Enforcement and compliance

Commanders at all levels are charged with the enforcement of these standards, utilizing them as a daily tool for teaching discipline and attention to detail. Compliance is monitored through routine inspections, from battalion formations at Fort Stewart to division-level reviews by United States Army Forces Command. Soldiers found in violation may be subject to corrective training or administrative actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The regulation is periodically updated by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, with changes disseminated army-wide to ensure all soldiers, whether in United States Army Central or the District of Columbia National Guard, maintain a consistent and professional military bearing.