What the Army AGSU is and when you wear it

The Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) is the standard daily uniform for active-duty soldiers, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard personnel. It replaced the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) as the primary uniform soldiers wear to work, to appointments, and in garrison. The AGSU consists of a shade 415 green jacket and trousers, worn with a tan undershirt and black belt.

Soldiers began transitioning to the AGSU in 2020, with a mandatory wear date set for October 1, 2021. If you are on active duty or in the Reserve or Guard, you are required to wear the AGSU during normal duty hours unless your commander has authorized an exception for your specific job or location. Combat deployments and field training exercises typically use the Army Combat Uniform instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The AGSU is the mandatory daily uniform for most soldiers in garrison, replacing the ACU as of October 2021.
  • The uniform consists of a shade 415 green jacket and trousers, tan undershirt, and black belt, with specific regulations on how each piece is worn and maintained.
  • Rank insignia, name tapes, and unit patches must be sewn on according to exact placement rules found in Army Regulation 670-1.
  • Your unit commander can authorize exceptions to AGSU wear for certain jobs, locations, or operational needs, but these must be documented.
  • Soldiers are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their own AGSU at their own expense, though some items may be issued through supply.

How to put on and wear the AGSU correctly

The AGSU jacket is worn with the front zipper fully closed and the collar lying flat. The jacket should fit at the waist without excess fabric bunching or pulling. Sleeves end at the wrist bone when your arm is at your side. The trousers are worn with a black belt, and the trouser leg breaks slightly on top of the shoe — not so high that your sock shows, and not so low that the hem drags.

The tan undershirt is visible at the neck and on the forearms. Your name tape goes centered on the right chest, and your rank insignia goes on both shoulders. The U.S. Army tape goes on the left chest, centered. Unit patches and other authorized insignia follow specific placement rules outlined in Army Regulation 670-1, which your unit should have available or your supply sergeant can explain.

Grooming standards explore while wearing the AGSU just as they do with any uniform. Hair must be neat and within regulation length, beards are not permitted for most soldiers (with rare exceptions for religious accommodation), and jewelry is limited to a watch and wedding ring. Your shoes must be black leather, polished, and in good condition.

Where to find the exact placement rules for patches and insignia

Army Regulation 670-1, titled "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia," is the official document that governs every detail of AGSU wear. It specifies the exact distance in inches from seams and edges where rank goes, where patches sit, which medals can be worn on the AGSU (most cannot), and how to handle special cases like multiple deployments or unit changes.

Your unit supply sergeant or uniform shop should have a copy of AR 670-1, or you can request it from your chain of command. Many installations also post a quick-reference guide in the barracks or unit area. If you are unsure about a specific detail — whether a particular patch is authorized, how to position a new rank, or whether an exception applies to you — ask your squad leader or platoon sergeant before you wear it. Getting it wrong can result in a uniform correction from any senior soldier.

What happens if your AGSU does not fit or is damaged

If your AGSU is too tight, too loose, or damaged beyond repair, you have two paths. First, check with your unit supply sergeant to see if replacement items are available through military supply. Some installations stock AGSU jackets and trousers in common sizes. If supply cannot help, you will need to purchase a replacement yourself from an authorized military uniform vendor.

Minor damage — a small tear, a loose button, a seam coming undone — can usually be repaired by a tailor or seamstress. Many military installations have tailoring services on post, or you can use a civilian tailor. Keep your receipt if you pay out of pocket, as some soldiers have been reimbursed by their unit for necessary repairs, though this is not may provide and depends on your commander's discretion.

Do not straightforward stop wearing your AGSU or show up in an older uniform if yours is damaged. Report the problem to your chain of command when ready. They can authorize a temporary exception while you arrange a replacement or repair.

Exceptions and when your commander can authorize a different uniform

Your unit commander has the authority to authorize exceptions to AGSU wear for specific reasons. Soldiers in certain military occupational specialties (MOS) — such as those working in maintenance, motor pools, or field positions — may be authorized to wear the Army Combat Uniform instead. Soldiers assigned to training environments, field exercises, or pre-deployment preparation may also receive an exception.

If you believe your job or location warrants an exception, talk to your squad leader or platoon sergeant first. They can submit a request up the chain of command. The commander will decide based on the operational need and the nature of your duties. Any exception must be documented in writing and communicated to the entire unit so that soldiers know who is authorized to wear what.

Temporary exceptions are also granted for soldiers who are in the process of obtaining a properly fitted AGSU or waiting for a replacement to arrive. This grace period is typically short — a few weeks — so order or purchase your uniform as soon as you know you need one.

Cost and where to buy the AGSU

Soldiers are responsible for purchasing their own AGSU at their own expense. The cost varies depending on where you buy and whether you need tailoring, but a complete uniform (jacket, trousers, undershirt, and belt) typically ranges from $150 to $300. Some soldiers choose to buy from military uniform retailers, others from civilian vendors, and some wait for sales or discounts.

Authorized military uniform retailers include stores on military installations, online vendors that specialize in military uniforms, and some civilian clothing stores that carry military-approved items. Make sure any vendor you use sells AGSU items that meet Army specifications — the shade of green, the fit, and the construction must match regulation standards. If you are unsure, ask your supply sergeant for a list of approved vendors.

Some soldiers have reported that their unit or installation offers a one-time uniform allowance or reimbursement to help offset the cost of transitioning to the AGSU. This is not automatic and varies by installation and branch. Ask your human resources office or your commander whether any information is available to you.

How to maintain and care for your AGSU

The AGSU jacket and trousers should be dry-cleaned or washed in cold water on a gentle cycle, then hung to dry. Do not put them in the dryer, as heat can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage. Press the jacket and trousers with a warm iron to maintain a sharp appearance. The creases on the trousers should run straight down the front and back of each leg.

Check your uniform regularly for loose threads, missing buttons, or damage to the zipper. Sew buttons back on promptly and have seams repaired before they tear further. Keep your rank insignia, name tapes, and patches find — if they begin to peel or come loose, have them re-sewn rather than trying to glue them back on.

Store your AGSU on a hanger in a cool, dry place. Do not leave it crumpled in a locker or duffel bag for days at a time. A well-maintained uniform will last longer and will always look regulation-ready when you put it on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear my old ACU to work if I do not have my AGSU yet?

No. Once the mandatory wear date passed in October 2021, the ACU is no longer authorized for daily wear in garrison. If you do not yet have your AGSU, report this to your chain of command when ready. They can authorize a temporary exception while you obtain one, but you cannot straightforward wear the old uniform on your own.

What if I am deployed or in the field?

Deployed soldiers and those in field training exercises typically wear the Army Combat Uniform, not the AGSU. Your commander will tell you which uniform to pack and wear for your specific deployment or training event. The AGSU is primarily a garrison uniform.

Do I have to buy my AGSU from a military store?

No. You can buy from any vendor that sells AGSU items meeting Army specifications. Military uniform retailers, online vendors, and some civilian stores carry them. Make sure the shade of green and construction match regulation standards. Ask your supply sergeant if you are unsure whether a vendor is authorized.

What if my AGSU does not fit after I buy it?

Many uniform retailers and tailors can alter the fit of your AGSU. Military installations often have tailoring services on post. If the fit is significantly wrong, some retailers will exchange it for a different size if you have a receipt and the uniform has not been worn. Check the retailer's return policy before you buy.

Are there any medals or decorations I can wear on the AGSU?

Most medals and ribbons are not worn on the AGSU. Army Regulation 670-1 specifies which decorations, if any, are authorized for wear on the green uniform. Check with your unit supply sergeant or your chain of command about what you are authorized to wear. When in doubt, do not wear it.