MultiCam Uniform Regulations of the U.S. Army

The MultiCam is currently the official military uniform worn my U.S. Army soldiers in Afghanistan and throughout the middle east. Like other military uniforms of the U.S. Army, standard-issue wear of the MultiCam uniform comes with specific regulations to improve battle-readiness and discipline of specific dress codes. The primary purpose of MultiCam uniform regulations (as well as other common uniforms) is for the evaluation, interpretation, revision, and development of acceptable military uniform and insignia dress codes that will improve the uniformity and image of U.S. Army units.

In this Army and Military blog post, we outline the general military-issue regulations of the MultiCam uniform.

MultiCam Trousers

MultiCam trousers is held up by a two-inch web belt that is made of nylon, and includes Velcro pouches for inserting knee pads. The trousers must always be tucked into the top of the boots or secured by drawing the string at their bottom ends. Trousers must never extend below the third eyelet from the boot’s top. MultiCam trousers manufactured using flame resistant materials are currently standard issue for soldiers being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

MultiCam Jacket 

Much of the MultiCam jacket regulations focus on the patches and insignia worn on the jacket. The embroidered rank insignia is 2 inches in height and 1 3/4 inches wide. It must always be worn centered between the front hook and loop-face pad of the MultiCam jacket for all U.S Army ranks. The rank insignia’s background may be either the universal camouflage pattern or just plain olive drab, and must always match with the background of the name and the name tape.

The U.S. flag patch must always adorn the right shoulder pocket flap of the MultiCam jacket. Current MultiCam regulations also require that the Army jacket must never extend below the top of the cargo pocket or go higher than the bottom of the side pocket. Finally, the MultiCam jacket sleeves must strictly be worn down at all times.

MultiCam Headgear

The MultiCam typically includes the Advanced Combat Helmet, a patrol cap, a fleece hat for cold weather, and boonie hat. Green, maroon, and tan berets may be worn in barracks by army special forces, paratroopers and Rangers, in that order. The green micro fleece cap is only allowed for use in the field and garrison outside of unit patrols while camouflage cover rank must always be sewn when worn although its use is limited because it is often obstructed by the night vision device mount.

MultiCam Undershirt

MultiCam military uniforms must be worn with a moisture wicking cotton tan t-shirt. The MultiCam undershirt must be worn underneath the coat and tucked inside the trousers at all times.

A pure cotton foliage-green T-shirt is authorized for MultiCam regulation wear by soldiers in special training environments or for those deployed in Korea, Afghanistan or Iraq. Black T-shirts are the standard issue for the uniforms worn by certain instructors on Army posts in areas like the Ranger School, Special Forces, Snipers, Jumpmaster, Airborne, Sapper, and Pathfinder (although much less common.)

MultiCam Combat Boots 

Military-issue combat boots for the MultiCam uniform must be made from tan rough side out cattle hide leather that has a plain toe and tan rubber outsoles. The boots must at all times be diagonally laced using tan laces, with any extending lace neatly tucked into the top of the boot underneath the bloused trousers, or securely wound around the top of the boot.

There are no metallic cleats, side tabs, or zipper tacks that are either sewn or laced in allowed by the MultiCam regulations. The MultiCam must at all times be worn with the official tan Army Combat Boots and moisture wicking socks. There is also a Mountain Combat Boot that is provided to cater for tough terrain and Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots for walking on snow and ice. An innovative Modular Boot System is in development to eventually replace the current Army Combat Boot in the near future.

The U.S Army is a uniformed service where a soldier’s discipline is partially dependent on the manner in which they wear their officially sanctioned uniforms, as well as by their personal grooming. A smart and well-groomed appearance by all soldiers is thus essential to a functional Army, and contributes fundamentally to the pride and spirit that are the major drivers of an effective military force.

The Ranks of the U.S. Army

The ranks of U.S. Army personnel are often worn on their military uniforms to distguish their status. Army rank patches are worn on shoulder (or in some cases the on sleeve) of the uniform.

There are 9 levels of enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army. The first of the U.S. Army ranks commence with the Private and conclude with Sergeant Major of the Army.

Alongside each proper Army rank name is the abbreviated rank identifier and the enlisted grade (or pay grade.) An enlisted grade begins at E1 and ends at E9. Grades E9, E8, E7 and E4 are distinguished since each of them has multiple ranks linked to them.

Below is a list of each rank found the U.S. Army and there distiguished chevrons (or stripes) that define each rank insignia

• Private, PV1, E1 is a basic recruit grade and rank. Their collar and sleeve are bare as they wear no insignia.
• Private, PV2, E2 wears insignia of one chevron on the collar and sleeves.
• Private First Class, PFC, E2 wears insignia of one chevron and a rocker
• Specialist 4, SP4, E4 is somewhat a unique rank. It is the only enlisted rank which doesn't bear rockers or chevrons. Instead, its rank is a solid shield with one eagle centered on it.
• Corporal, CPL, E4 wears the insignia of 2 chevrons.
• Sergeant, SGT, E5 sometimes referred to as 'Buck Sergeant', wears the insignia of 3 chevrons.
• Staff Sergeant, SSG, E6 wears insignia of 3 chevrons and one rocker.
• Sergeant First Class, E7 wears insignia of 3 chevrons and 2 rockers. Platoon Sergeant, E7 is of the same rank as Sergeant First Class and so wears the same number of Army rank patches- 3 chevrons and 2 rockers.
• Master Sergeant, E8 wears insignia of 3 chevrons and 3 rockers.
• First Sergeant, E8 wears insignia of 3 chevrons and 3 rockers but has more authority than Master Sergeant. One small diamond resides in the space of the rockers and chevrons.
• Sergeant Major, E9 wears 3 chevrons and 3 rockers. A small 5-pointed star resides inside the space of the rockers and chevrons.
• Command Sergeant Major, E9 wears a small 5-pointed star with a wreath within the space of 3 chevrons and 3 rockers.
• Sergeant Major of the Army, E9 is the highest enlisted rank and he represents all the Army enlisted soldiers. Centered between 2 5-pointed stars is the eagle from the United States Great Seal. This is centered horizontally within the 3 chevrons and 3 rockers.

Each one of the U.S. Army rank insignia patches. There are specific patches for certain types of military uniforms, such as MultiCam or ACU Army rank patches. There are even rank patches in sew-on and Velcro options, depending on the standards of the Army or military branch.

Each Army rank is special in its own unique way and holds a valuable position in the military hierarchy. Soldiers serving at any level of the order of military are equally as essential as their fellow service members even though their training, duties, responsibilities and ranks may vary.

Technology Infiltrates The Army

With smartphones becoming the preferred mode of communication, it was only a matter of time before the Military can find an excellent use for such technology. That time has arrived with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office announcing the opening of their mobile-friendly website.

Jason Kelly, PAO emerging media manager agree that "our society is very mobile". Further, he believes that the Fort Meade mobile website makes it easier to get information using smartphones while away from desktop computers. 

The idea just came up two weeks ago but Kelly immediately began designing and testing the application. The result reveals two noteworthy attributes.

·         Designed with the general audience in mind, the application works on any smartphone equipped with an Internet browser.

·         Users can choose to get information like schedule changes via the website or through a text message.

Users can access the mobile version of Fort Meade's website at www.ftmeade.army.mil using any smartphone. The website includes a telephone directory, calendar of upcoming events, directions to post from the surrounding area, the menu for the Freedom Inn Dining Facility, content for the weekly Soundoff! Newspaper and access to social media sites. Kelly reveals they are looking at ways to customize information for internal and external communities. 

To get text messages, users need to register to the service by typing, follow ftmeadealert, and sending the message to 40404.  Text messages for changes in operating schedules will be automatically sent to registered users. Texts are sent via Twitter but don’t require registration in the social media site. Standard SMS rates apply but the service itself is offered free by Fort Meade.

Director of Public Affairs Office, Chad Jones, is pleased with the application's launch. He says, "Our goal at PAO is to make information as accessible and useful as possible". The new mobile friendly website helps the Army do that. Jones adds that he "wants to encourage feedback from the community to make this as effective as possible".

According to Kelly, Fort Meade is the first military community to launch a mobile friendly website that doesn't need additional apps to access. He said, "We’re offering a new example of how to embrace emerging media to better communicate with our community" through the enhanced version of the website. 

ACU Patches: From The Simple To The Intricate; You Can Find It Here

Army patches have been used since the Revolutionary War when its main function was to establish the identity of the soldiers. Today, patches are used for other reasons, among which are to signify the soldier’s rank, unit or division and special achievements. Often, army patches reflect the pride and sense of belonging that soldiers have for the unit they are a part of. At the online military store, Military Uniform Supply.com, you can find a great selection of acu patches that adhere to US military specifications. Ranging from ROTC to Ranger patches, MilitaryUniformSupply.com can provide a solution when you need them. The store carries 591 types of acu patches that are attached with Velcro or an equivalent hook fastener.


The army unit patches sold at MilitaryUniformSupply.com come in various designs and match the camouflage pattern of the current ACU. Army unit patches bears symbols representative of the unit’s past, values, spirit and accomplishments. Because of this many unit patches have intricate designs though some may come in very simple ones like the unit patch worn by the 1st Infantry Division which is designed with a very simple number “1”. The 1st ARMY ACU patch sold at MilitaryUniformSupply.com is just as simple with just the letter “A” embroidered on it. The 1st Corps ACU features a circle on it while the 2nd Medical Brigade ACU patch features the number “2” superimposed on a cross.


One of the most detailed unit patches at MilitaryUniformSupply.com is the embroidered 101st Airborne Patch. It measures 7 inches tall by five inches wide and includes an “Airborne” tab. It features the head of an eagle in side view. Because of its size and intricate design, the 101st Airborne Patch is priced higher than most at $14.99. Some army patches are worn with either the combat uniform or the dress uniform. MilitaryUniformSupply.com offers some designs for both, the Multinational Corps Iraq ACU patch which is available in foliage green for the ACU and the Multinational Corps Iraq Dress Patch which uses black, red and blue embroidery thread.


A US soldier is required to conform to the standards of the US Military and that includes the wearing of the combat or dress uniform. It should fit well, be clean and pressed, and ensure that the placement of patches is correct. The various army patches that can be bought at MilitaryUniformSupply.com answer the need for the different patches that can be worn by a soldier. Flag patches are worn with ACUs but not in dress uniforms. They should also wear rank, name and branch patches current unit and combat patches and special skills patches if applicable. MilitaryUniformSupply.com sells the most widely used as well as the less common army patches in use.


MilitaryUniformSupply.com’s commitment to its customers is based on its desire to provide you with high quality military clothing, accessories and other paraphernalia. If you’re looking for army patches, acu uniforms, military combat boots or any military items, the best place to get them is at MilitaryUniformSupply.com. You can be assured of excellent quality at very competitive prices; just about the two most important things you should consider when choosing the right military clothing supplier.