Common Uniform for Brigadier and Above [UPSC Current Affairs]

A decision has been taken that all officers of the rank of Brigadier and above will wear common uniform items irrespective of their regimental or corps affiliation. This will be effective from August 1, 2023. In this article, you can read all about this development, why this decision was taken and its details from the IAS exam perspective.

Uniform in the Army – Current Scenario

Currently, every officer, from Lieutenant to General, is required to wear the proper uniform accessories to match their allegiance with a particular regiment or corps.

• Additionally, there are different ceremonial headgear and rank insignia.
• Each Infantry Corps and Regiment has a unique lanyard design. 
• According to the distinct traditions and customs of the Regiment or Corps, these badges of rank are worn with various coloured backings.
• According to the regimental tradition, the buttons on the uniform also differ. 
• According to regimental customs, the belt includes a variety of buckles, and each one sports a distinctive crest.

How Will the Uniforms Worn by Senior Army Officers Change?

• All officers holding the ranks of Brigadier, Maj General, Lt General, and General are now required to don matching berets (caps), uniform badges of rank, uniform belt buckles, and uniform shoe patterns.
• They won’t have shoulder lanyards (cords) for their regiments anymore. 
• Additionally, they won’t don shoulder flashes like those used by the Special Forces, the Arunachal Scouts, the Dogra Scouts, etc.
• As a result, they won’t be wearing any distinctive garb that would designate them as members of a specific Regiment or Corps.
•  The uniform design will be the same for all officers in these higher grades.

Reason for Making the Change in Uniform

• Most officers who go farther in the Army reach the rank of Colonel before their regimental service is complete. 
• In order to prevent any potential regimental parochialism from moving up the ranks, all uniform associations with that specific Regiment or Corps must also terminate at that rank.

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