Army Regulation 670-1

Army Regulation 670-1
Name	Army Regulation 670-1
Subject	United States Army uniform and appearance
First pub	1985
Latest revision	2021
Jurisdiction	United States Army

Army Regulation 670-1

Army Regulation 670-1 prescribes standards for wear and appearance of uniforms and insignia within the United States Army, connecting practices across units such as Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Fort Benning, United States Military Academy, and United States Army Reserve. It interfaces with directives from organizations including the Department of the Army, Secretary of the Army, Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, Department of Defense, and judicial matters reaching bodies like the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The regulation’s provisions have influenced policy debates involving figures and institutions such as Colin Powell, Eric Fanning, Robert Gates, Senate Armed Services Committee, and House Armed Services Committee.

History and Development

The regulation emerged from post‑Cold War standardization efforts influenced by precedents set at Pentagon staff conferences, revisions following the Gulf War, and administrative consolidation during the tenure of leaders including General John M. Keane and General Eric K. Shinseki. Early uniform directives trace lineage to statutes and guidances debated during eras marked by the World War II mobilization, the Korean War, and policy shifts after the Vietnam War. Institutional drivers included input from the Army G‑1, Army G‑3/5/7, and advisory panels that consulted with entities such as the American Red Cross and the USO; litigation and public controversies prompted review by agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and courts including the Supreme Court of the United States on related First Amendment and religious accommodation matters. Revisions often followed operational lessons from deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and multinational missions under commands such as United States Central Command and NATO.

Purpose and Scope

The regulation’s purpose is to standardize appearance, provide policy for subordinate publications like brigade and division regulations, and ensure consistency across formations such as III Corps, 1st Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Its scope encompasses active duty, reserve, and National Guard components including the Army National Guard and elements of the United States Army Reserve Command. It also aligns with personnel policies administered by offices such as the Adjutant General, the Judge Advocate General's Corps, and the Inspector General of the Army. Interagency coordination occurs with entities like the Department of Veterans Affairs and civilian employers through transition programs administered at installations including Fort Leavenworth and Fort Leonard Wood.

Uniform and Grooming Standards

Standards specify authorized uniforms including the Army Combat Uniform, Army Service Uniform, and historical items like the M-1943 field jacket, while detailing appearance rules for hairstyles, cosmetics, and accessories. Grooming directives address hair standards in relation to operations in theaters like Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and consider occupational needs across Military Occupational Specialties overseen by commands including U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and U.S. Army Forces Command. The regulation governs wear of items produced by manufacturers such as VF Corporation licensed vendors and coordinates with supply chains through the Defense Logistics Agency. It addresses accommodations for religious apparel involving faith communities represented by chaplains from institutions like The Association of the United States Army and legal principles from cases adjudicated by courts including the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Insignia, Badges, and Awards Policy

Policy outlines authorization and placement of insignia, badges, and accoutrements such as the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and decorations like the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal. It defines procedures for wear of unit patches from formations like 1st Cavalry Division and regimental insignia connected to historic units such as the 10th Mountain Division. Award presentation and accoutrement standards intersect with policies from the Department of Defense Manual, protocols practiced at ceremonies hosted by institutions like the National Infantry Museum and commands including U.S. Army Europe, and administrative procedures managed by the Human Resources Command.

Enforcement and Compliance

Enforcement mechanisms operate through chains of command from company commanders to generals serving on staffs at installations like Fort Bragg and Fort Carson, with corrective measures informed by guidance from the Judge Advocate General's Corps and oversight by the Inspector General of the Army. Compliance reviews occur during inspections, readiness assessments, and boards such as promotion boards and retention boards administered by the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center and Army Career and Alumni Program. Infractions can produce counseling, administrative actions, or referral to legal processes under authorities like the Uniform Code of Military Justice and review by appellate bodies including the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

Amendments and Notable Revisions

Notable revisions followed high‑profile debates and administrative reviews during the administrations of Secretaries such as Donald Rumsfeld, Leon Panetta, and Mark T. Esper, and after operational lessons from campaigns in Somalia and Balkans peacekeeping missions. Amendments addressed subjects from gender integration initiatives championed by leaders like General Raymond T. Odierno to religious accommodation cases involving plaintiffs represented in litigation before courts such as the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Periodic updates reflect evolving interoperability requirements with allies including United Kingdom Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, and Australian Army and incorporate technology and textile innovations developed within programs coordinated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and suppliers contracted through Defense Supply Center Philadelphia.

Category:United States Army regulations