Mastering The AR 670-1 ASU: Your Essential Guide To Army Service Uniform Standards And Wear
Maintaining a professional appearance is a cornerstone of military discipline and heritage. For Soldiers, the ar 670-1 asu (Army Service Uniform) represents more than just clothing; it is a visual representation of their service, achievements, and commitment to the U.S. Army. As the Army transitions its daily service uniform to the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), many Soldiers find themselves navigating a complex landscape of regulations to ensure their "Blues" are still compliant for formal occasions.
In this guide, we dive deep into the specific requirements, placement standards, and common questions surrounding the ar 670-1 asu. Whether you are preparing for a promotion board, a military ball, or a change of command, understanding the current updates to these regulations is vital for maintaining your professional edge.
Is the AR 670-1 ASU Still Authorized? Understanding the Shift to the AGSU
One of the most frequent questions within the ranks today is whether the ar 670-1 asu is still a valid uniform. The answer is a resounding yes, but its role has evolved. While the AGSU has become the primary "everyday" service uniform, the Blue ASU has transitioned into the Army’s formal dress uniform.
According to recent updates, the ar 670-1 asu remains the standard for formal social functions and "Dress Blue" events. For most Soldiers, this means that while you might wear your "Pink and Greens" to the office, your "Blues" are still the go-to for weddings, funerals, and high-level ceremonies.
Staying compliant with the latest version of the regulation ensures that you are prepared for any formal requirement at a moment’s notice. The Army continues to update these standards to reflect modern grooming and wear-and-appearance policies, making it essential to check the latest DA PAM 670-1 for specific measurements.
Mastering Male AR 670-1 ASU Measurements: Ribbons, Badges, and Nameplates
Precision is everything when it comes to the male ar 670-1 asu. Even a fraction of an inch can be the difference between a "pass" and a "fail" during a pre-inspection. The placement of awards and decorations is strictly governed to create a uniform, professional look across the force.
Ribbon Placement Standards
For the male ASU, ribbons must be centered 1/8 inch above the left breast pocket flap. Soldiers have the option to wear all ribbons or just the "top three," but the alignment must remain perfect. Bolding the alignment of your ribbon rack is often the first thing an inspector looks for. If you have multiple rows, they must be flush or staggered according to the number of ribbons you possess.
The Nameplate and Unit Awards
The nameplate on the male ar 670-1 asu is centered on the flap of the right breast pocket, between the top of the button and the top of the pocket flap. Just above this, unit awards such as the Presidential Unit Citation or the Valorous Unit Award are centered 1/8 inch above the pocket flap.
U.S. Insignia and Branch Insignia
The "U.S." and Branch insignia are placed on the coat lapels. For males, the bottom of the disk is placed approximately 1 inch above the notch, centered on the collar, with the centerline of the insignia parallel to the inside edge of the lapel. Getting this angle correct is a hallmark of a disciplined Soldier.
Female AR 670-1 ASU Regulations: Navigating Fit and Placement
The female ar 670-1 asu requires a different set of measurements due to the design of the coat, which lacks the traditional breast pockets found on the male version. This makes the use of a ruler even more critical for female Soldiers.
Centering Ribbons and Nameplates
On the female ASU coat, the nameplate is centered horizontally on the right side, between 1 and 2 inches above the top button. The ribbons are centered on the left side, with the bottom row aligned horizontally with the bottom of the nameplate. This creates a balanced, symmetrical appearance that is unique to the female uniform.
Badges and Unit Awards
Marksmanship badges and special skill badges on the female ar 670-1 asu are placed 1/4 inch below the bottom of the ribbon rack. If multiple badges are worn, they must be spaced 1/2 inch apart. Unit awards on the right side are placed 1/2 inch above the nameplate, ensuring they do not overlap with the lapel.
Slacks vs. Skirt
Female Soldiers have the option of wearing either the ASU slacks or the skirt. When wearing the skirt, the regulation specifies that the length must fall between 1 inch above and 2 inches below the center of the knee. Pairing this with the correct pumps or flats is essential for a polished look.
How to Properly Align the RDI and Overseas Service Bars
The ar 670-1 asu also provides space for more specific history, such as your Regimental Distinctive Insignia (RDI) and your time spent in combat zones.
Regimental Distinctive Insignia (RDI)
The RDI is a point of pride for many Soldiers. On the male uniform, it is centered 1/8 inch above the top of the unit awards or the pocket flap if no unit awards are worn. On the female uniform, it is centered 1/2 inch above the unit awards. If no unit awards are worn, it is placed 1/4 inch above the nameplate.
Service Stripes and Overseas Service Bars
For enlisted Soldiers, service stripes are worn on the left sleeve, while overseas service bars are worn on the right sleeve. Each service stripe represents three years of honorable service. Each overseas service bar represents six months in an authorized combat zone. These must be sewn on at a 30-degree angle, with the lower end toward the inside seam of the sleeve.
The Professional's Secret to Prepping the AR 670-1 ASU for Inspection
Preparation for a formal event or board starts weeks in advance. Simply pulling your ar 670-1 asu out of a garment bag the night before is a recipe for disaster. Professional Soldiers follow a strict regimen to ensure their "Blues" are impeccable.
Dry Cleaning and Pressing: Ensure your coat and trousers/skirt are professionally dry-cleaned. Specify that you want "military creases" in the shirt, but never in the coat itself.Edge Dressing and Shoe Shine: The low-quarter shoes or pumps must have a mirror-like finish. Use a high-quality edge dressing to ensure the soles of the shoes look as new as the uppers.The "Gig Line": On the male uniform, the "gig line" is the alignment of the shirt edge, the belt buckle, and the trouser fly. This must be a straight, vertical line.Lint and Loose Threads: Known in the Army as "IPs" (Initial Points), loose threads can ruin an otherwise perfect uniform. Use a lint roller and a small pair of scissors to clear the ar 670-1 asu of any debris.
Common AR 670-1 ASU Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Next Board
Even seasoned NCOs can make mistakes when it comes to the ar 670-1 asu. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you avoid a "no-go" during your next inspection.
Incorrect Lapel Alignment: Insignias that are crooked or not properly spaced from the notch are the most common errors.Worn-Out Brass: If your U.S. or Branch insignias are scratched or tarnished, replace them. The ar 670-1 asu demands high-shine brass.Improper Ribbon Order: Ribbons must be worn in order of precedence. Using an online ribbon rack builder can help ensure your awards are in the correct sequence.Outdated Information: Ensure your "records" match your uniform. If your ERB/SRB (Enlisted/Soldier Record Brief) says you have a certain award, it must be on your uniform. Conversely, do not wear awards that have not yet been officially uploaded to your records.
Modern Updates: Jewelry, Hair, and Grooming Standards
The ar 670-1 asu regulations do not stop at the fabric. Grooming and accessories are equally important. Recent updates to the regulation have modernized standards for hair and jewelry, particularly for female Soldiers.
Hair Standards
Female Soldiers now have more flexibility with ponytails and braids in the ar 670-1 asu, provided they do not interfere with the proper wear of the headgear (the Beret or the Service Cap). For males, hair must still be tapered and not touch the ears or the collar, maintaining a clean-cut appearance.
Jewelry and Nails
Soldiers are permitted to wear a wedding band and one other ring, provided they are tasteful. For females, nail polish is now authorized in certain colors (non-extreme), and earrings can be worn with the ASU (typically gold, silver, or diamond studs).
Finalizing Your Look: The Importance of the Beret and Service Cap
The headgear is the finishing touch on the ar 670-1 asu. While the black beret is the standard for most of the Army, specific units (Airborne, Rangers, Special Forces) wear their distinctive colors.
The beret must be worn level on the head, approximately 1 inch above the eyebrows, with the flash centered over the left eye. The excess material should be draped to the right, reaching at least the top of the ear but not lower than the middle of the ear. For formal occasions, many officers and senior NCOs opt for the Service Cap, which provides an even more distinguished silhouette.
Staying Informed and Ready
The ar 670-1 asu remains a powerful symbol of military excellence. While the Army continues to evolve and introduce new uniforms like the AGSU, the "Blues" hold a permanent place in military tradition. By staying diligent with your measurements, keeping your brass polished, and staying updated on the latest regulatory changes, you ensure that you represent the U.S. Army with the honor and professionalism it deserves.
Whether you are preparing for a promotion or simply maintaining your readiness, your attention to detail on your ar 670-1 asu speaks volumes about your character as a Soldier. Stay sharp, stay compliant, and wear the uniform with pride.
