a. Uniform Appearance. Your uniform identifies you as a member of the United States Army and United States Army Alaska (USARAK). This is a proud organization; we wear our uniform with pride. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by Soldiers is fundamental and contributes to building the pride and esprit de corps essential to an effective military force. It is the duty of all Soldiers to take pride in their appearance at all times. Commanders are responsible at all levels to ensure that military personnel under their Command present a neat and Soldierly appearance. AR 670-1 prescribes all the regulatory guidelines for uniform wear and items for wear. The winter garrison uniform will be worn from 15 October to 15 April or outside this window if the temperature falls to 32° F and below.
b. Duty Uniform. Unit commanders may specify the uniform and packing lists as appropriate to the mission, tasking, or detail based on weather conditions. Where modifications are deemed necessary for the safety of the Soldier, all leaders will ensure that all Soldiers are in the same appropriate uniform.
(1) The Army Combat Uniform (ACU), in the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), is the normal duty uniform. Commanders may specify the uniform of the day, maintaining uniformity.
(2) Starching the ACU is not authorized. The utility uniforms are designed to fit loosely; alterations to make them form fitting are not authorized. Keep uniforms free of holes and tears. Keep all velcro, buttons, and zippers secured.
(3) All Soldiers will wear the Moisture Wicking T-shirt (TAN) with the ACU.
(4) The ACU cap (patrol cap) will be worn by all USARAK non-airborne personnel as the daily duty head gear. The ACU cap will not be worn when the temperature falls to 32° F or below. The ACU cap is authorized for wear by airborne personnel during field duty and work details, to include motor pools and airborne operations.
(5) The black beret is an organizational issue item to be worn with the Army Service uniform. The black beret will be worn on occasions determined by the unit commander while in ACUs. The authorized color of the beret worn by Soldiers assigned to USARAK is black, other than those assigned to an airborne unit.
(6) The Maroon Beret will be worn by all Soldiers assigned to airborne units and will be worn with the ASUs and ACUs while in garrison. The ACU cap is authorized for wear by airborne personnel during field duty and work details, to include motor pools and airborne operations. Flag detail will remain in beret.
(7) When temperatures fall to 32° F or below, all USARAK Soldiers will wear the Polartec fleece Cap. When the temperature drops below 10° the balaclava will be worn. The Balaclava will be on hand while wearing IPFU, ACUs or ECWICS during winter months.
(8) Two identification tags will be worn at all times during daily activities, around the neck, beneath the T-shirt on long and short chains (except when safety considerations apply).
(9) All sewn on items (to include insignia of rank on ACU Cap/ACH Cover) will be sewn by machine, not hand sewn.
(10) Subdued items (pin-on insignia of rank, specialty/combat badges, and belt buckles) are kept subdued (black). Proper placement will be IAW AR 670-1.
(11) The ACU coat will have United States Army and name tapes above pockets, insignia of rank worn as specified in AR 670-1, and the US Flag worn on the right shoulder (cloth color Flag in Garrison and infrared subdued plastic Flag in the field or deployment). Soldiers wearing ACUs will only use Velcro patches. All Soldiers will wear their unit shoulder patch of their command as authorized per official unit orders. Pin-on or sew on specialty badges/combat badges are authorized for wear with the ACU.
(12) Boots:
(a) From 16 April to 14 October the following boots are authorized:
• ArmyCombatBoot(HotWeather)NSNseries8430-01-514-4935
• ArmyCombatBoot(TemperateWeather)NSNseries8430-01-516-1506
(b) From 15 October to 15 April, or when the weather drops below 32 degrees, the individual issued or approved cold weather boots will be the footwear. These include:
• IntermediateCold-WetBoot(ICWB)withremovableliner–tanNSNseries 8430-01-527-8274
• ExtremeColdWeatherBoot(ECWB)NSNseries8430-00-655-5535
(c) Issued traction devices (black in color) are authorized for wear on boots,
and will be worn during ice conditions.
(d) Examples of some authorized and unauthorized non-issue boots are pictured on pages 10,11, and 12. These boots are not approved for use from 15 October to 15 April or when the temperature is below 32° F unless they are specifically designed for cold weather use.
c. Winter Uniform. The winter uniform will be worn from 15 October to 15 April or outside this window if the temperature falls to 32° F and below. This uniform is based on the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), Generation II or Generation III and consists of the following. For additional information on the ECWCS clothing system refer to the NWTC website at http://www.wainwright.army.mil/nwtc/alit.htm. Deviations may be made by the unit 1SG or higher.
(1) In addition to the ACU, at a minimum all USARAK Soldiers will wear the balaclava or Polartec fleece cap, Generation II GORE-TEX® parka or Generation III ECWCS Level 3 (cold and dry conditions only), 5, 6, or 7 jacket, Army issued or approved gloves, and issued or approved cold weather boots.
(2) Generation II and III ECWCS are designed as a system of three basic layers.
(a) Base Layer – The base layer(s) are those adjacent to your body. They should be comfortably loose. The main purpose of these garments is to wick excess moisture away from your body.
(b) Insulation Layer – The insulation layer(s) are the intermediate layer(s). Insulation layers provide volume to enable you to trap warm air between your body and the outer garments. This layer also wicks moisture away from the body. These layers should be comfortably loose to trap a sufficient volume of air.
(c) Outer Shell Layer – The outer shell layer(s) are the external layers that protect you from the elements in your environment. A main function is to keep you dry. In addition, they provide additional volume for trapping warm air. These layers should also be comfortably loose.
(3) Generation II ECWCS clothing items.
(a) Base Layer. Polypropylene undershirt and drawers.
(b) Insulation Layer. Black Fleece Jacket and Overalls. The black fleece jacket will NOT be worn as an outer garment.
(c) GORE-TEX® Jacket and trousers.
(4) Generation III ECWCS (aka the Seven Layer System) clothing items and definitions. This system has seven levels designed to be used in different combinations based upon varying environmental conditions.
(5) M1950 Suspenders should be worn with trousers
(6) Neck gaiter is authorized for wear.
(7) Scarf, olive green is authorized for wear.
(8) Soldiers may remove their outer shell while in USARAK installation dining facilities and eat in their insulation or base layers.
(9) Soldiers will wear Army issued or approved gloves. During winter months, Soldiers will have their trigger finger mittens or arctic mittens on hand.
d. Food Services Uniform. At the discretion of unit commanders, duty uniforms for food service personnel assigned to and performing duty in JBER and FWA dining facilities will be as follows:
(1) The Dining Facility Manager (NCOIC) responsible for the dining facility (one per facility) will wear the distinctive black and white food service uniform, bloused trousers, and the respective JBER or FWA dining facility black ball cap.
(2) All other food service personnel will wear the white food handler’s uniform with non-subdued pin-on insignia of grade and black nameplate, US pin-on parachutist badge and background, if authorized, black belt with open-faced buckle, combat boots, distinctive dining facility black ball cap and the food handler’s apron. Trousers will be bloused and shirt will be worn out.
(3) When outside the dining facility, all food service Soldiers will wear the beret.
e. Other authorized uniforms. for wear are prescribed in AR 670-1. The following paragraphs summarize portions of the regulation.
(1) The Army Service Uniform, Class A, B (Service) and C (duty-ACU) uniforms are authorized for year-round wear. Female Soldiers are authorized to carry an approved handbag while in garrison only. Commanders will specify the uniform of the day, appropriate to activities and weather conditions. All Soldiers will maintain uniformity with other Soldiers of their immediate unit. For special occasions, ceremonies, and inspections, commanders may require all Soldiers under their command to wear the same uniform.
(2) Only Soldiers assigned to airborne units may blouse their slacks and trousers of the service uniform with black Jump boots.
(3) White T-shirts will be worn with the service, dress, mess, hospital, and food- service uniforms.
(4) Coverall and Armored Crewmen NOMEX are authorized for wear where maintenance duties are performed. Armored Crewman NOMEX uniforms will only be worn when performing crew duties.
f. Mixed Uniforms. Wearing a combination of civilian and military clothing, while in uniform is prohibited, unless as prescribed in AR 670-1 or authorization documents approved by HQDA.
(1) The use of ECWCS items may be used off duty during recreational activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, ect. When wearing ECWCS for these activities, Soldiers must remove all affiliating items from the uniforms such as US Army, and unit patches.
(2) Mixing the IPFU with civilian attire is not authorized on or off any military installation within USARAK.
g. Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU). The IPFU must be clean, serviceable and worn correctly at all times. (IAW CG policy Letter #0-14 Cold Weather Physical Training Policy) The uniform consists of:
(1) IPFU T-shirts (long and short) will be tucked in at all times. Soldiers who are pregnant and are eligible to wear the maternity uniform may wear the T-shirt out.
(2) IPFU black shorts with Army logo.
(3) Commercially purchased running shoes (See FM 7-22).
(4) White, calf or ankle-length socks. White socks must cover the entire ankle bone without colored bands, markings or logos as per AR 670-1.
(5) Optional knee-length or higher Spandex shorts (or equivalent) black or gray in color without logos.
(6) The IPFU gray and black jacket and black pants.
(7) The issued balaclava or Polartec fleece cap may be the prescribed headgear. The neck gaiter is also authorized for wear with the IPFU. During winter months Soldiers will have the Balaclava on hand.
(8) Army issued or approved gloves, trigger finger mittens with inserts or arctic mittens may be the prescribed hand wear provided the entire formation is in the same uniform. Trigger finger mittens or arctic mittens will be on hand during winter months.
(9) Black slip-on traction devices will be worn on running shoes when the running routes are icy. Unit leaders will ensure their Soldiers have traction devices.
(10) If the Soldier wears cold weather base or insulation layers, they must be concealed from view.
(11) The IPFU is not authorized for wear off the installation unless in transit from place of residence or conducting physical fitness. Mixing the IPFU with civilian attire is not authorized on or off any military installation within USARAK.
(12) The IPFU can be designated as a duty uniform, outside of PRT hours, by the unit commander. The IPFU may be worn in the Shoppette during duty days between the hours of 0530-0900. The IPFU will not be worn inside of installation facilities (examples..commissary, PX and food service locations.) The IPFU, if clean and serviceable, may be worn in the DFAC until 0900. The IPFU may be worn to on-post medical facilities when required for treatment. The IPFU may also be worn in physical fitness facilities.
(13) All Soldiers will wear a reflective safety belt. Officers will wear the color blue (8465-NT-888-3603), Non-Commissioned Officers will wear the color gold (8465-NT- 888-3606), and junior enlisted Soldiers will wear the color lime yellow (8465-NT-888- 3604). Road guards may wear the orange full torso reflective vest. The belt will be worn around the waist when wearing IPFU shorts and shirt, and from the right shoulder to the left hip when wearing the IPFU jacket. The belt or vest must be visible from the front and rear and unobstructed (not concealed) by clothing or equipment. Soldiers do not need to wear the reflective belt or vest when conducting physical fitness inside or at the gym.
(14) Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU) will not be worn when operating military vehicles.
(15) Soldiers will not wear headphones while wearing the IPFU when conducting PRT, running, foot marching or riding bicycles as per AR 385-10, Army Safety Program, dated 23 May 2008. Headphone usage is authorized in USARAK gyms during PRT hours 0630-0745.
(16) Commanders may authorize the wear of unit PRT t-shirts, but should utilize this for promoting Esprit de Corps events such as Payday Activity unit runs, CO/BN/BDE level fun runs, or post-wide celebration events (not including the Annual Army Birthday Run). Individual Soldiers conducting PRT will not wear unit PRT t-shirts.
h. Field Uniforms. Due to diverse climatic conditions, as well as, unique mission requirements, major subordinate commanders will specify the uniform for field exercises in both summer and winter. Additional TTPs can be found at the NWTC website http://www.wainwright.army.mil/nwtc/alit.htm and in USARAK Pamphlet 385-4, Risk Management for Cold Weather Operations.
(1) All personnel conducting training in field training areas and impact areas will wear the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), body armor, knee pads, eye protection, hearing procection(on hand), gloves and Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment MOLLE (if pouches attached) and a water source. Soldiers operating or riding in any tactical vehicle will wear an ACH and fastened seat belts during operation.
(2) The neck gaiter may be worn with the ACU, IPFU, and field uniforms. It may be worn as a neck warmer or balaclava/mask.
(3) The ACH is worn with the chinstrap fastened. Soldier’s last name will be printed in block letters left of center (off set of NOD mount) on the camouflage band in front The camouflage band will also have two, 1 inch by 3/8-inch pieces of florescent tape (cat-eyes) sewn centered on the back 1 and 1⁄2 inches apart. Commanders may prescribe additions to this uniform as mission or training dictates.
(4) The unit commander will determine when skin camouflage is worn. For example, skin camouflage does not need to be worn during weapons qualification if the only purpose of being in the field is for qualification and return to garrison. Do not wear skin camouflage when temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Camouflage will not be worn with the beret, and must be removed prior to visiting on and off post facilities. No weapons of any kind will be allowed in the Shoppette.
(5) Soldiers travelling or training (including airborne operations) during the winter months (15 October through 15 April) will have the arctic winter survival packing list consisting of at least: sleeping bag, GEN II or GEN III wet weather and cold weather parka and trousers, gloves and mittens, polypropylene, and cold weather boots.
(6) Hydration systems (ACU in color) are authorized only in the following situations: In a field environment, in high heat areas, or on work details. Soldiers will not carry hydration systems in a garrison environment unless the commander has authorized it for the situations described above. Soldiers will not let the drinking tube hang from their mouth when the device is not in use.
(7) The balaclava, Polartec fleece cap and neck gaiter, are the only authorized cold weather items for wear beneath the ballistic helmet or ACH under field conditions. The balaclava, or Polartec fleece cap may be worn in the TOC, motor pool or on the flight line.
(8) Unit commanders may authorize the wear of a dust mask/scarf while in vehicles moving where dust conditions exist. They will not be worn around the neck to attached to the uniform when the Soldier is dismounted from the vehicle.
i. Off-Duty Appearance and Wear of Uniforms off the Installation.
(1) In general the professional atmosphere and high standards of appearance maintained by uniformed military personnel in USARAK should carry over into the selection of civilian attire. Wear of appropriate attire avoids public embarrassment and promotes a sense of community. It also assists in the orderly accomplishment of the installation’s mission and fosters loyalty, discipline, and morale of troops.
(2) Articles of civilian apparel which include, but are not limited to t-shirts to hats which depict drugs or drug paraphernalia, obscene, slanderous or vulgar words are not authorized for wear either on or off the installation. Drawings on clothing that make negative or derogatory comments concerning the United States government are also not authorized. Wearing articles of civilian apparel in a fashion as to expose articles of undergarments is also not authorized. Wearing of earrings (on/off duty) by male Soldiers is also not authorized as per AR 670-1, chapter 1, paragraph 1-14, ‘Wear of Jewelry’.
(3) Wear of the ACU in all on-post facilities (theatres, post exchanges, and service clubs) is authorized at all times as long as the uniform presents a neat, military appearance. Consuming alcohol while in uniform at on-post service clubs is authorized after duty hours only (1700 hours), and Soldiers should use 2000 hours as the NLT time when in ACUs.
(4) The ACU is authorized for wear off the installation between 0500 and 1900 on normal duty days or when official duty is required (staff duty officer, staff duty noncommissioned officer, Unit Courtesy Patrols, etc.) with the following stipulations:
(a) Ensure that the uniform is complete, clean, neat and presentable.
(b) Personnel returning from field operations/maneuvers travel directly home. You may only stop for essential items (bread, milk, gas, emergency auto repair items). Any uniform item worn during field or other activities presenting a soiled appearance will not be worn to the mall, shopping or other place of business except to get essential items before individual recovery.
(c) The ACU will not be worn in off-post bars or clubs. Exercise good judgment and do not wear ACUs in establishments with “coat and tie” dress requirements.
(d) The authorized uniforms while travelling are prescribed in the Department of Defense and Army directives. All personnel are reminded of the responsibility to maintain a high standard of dress and appearance. When in uniform you represent not only the United States Army, but also USARAK. The ACU may be worn while on official travel on commercial aircraft.
(e) Soldiers are authorized to wear TA-50 with civilian clothes. Examples include GORE-TEX® parka and Trousers, balaclava, arctic mittens, trigger finger mittens, Polartec fleece, wet weather parka and trousers, polypropylene, VB boots. This authorization is intended for newly assigned Soldiers in USARAK with limited winter clothing.