Army Officers Of Brigadier Rank And Above To Sport Same Uniform For Promoting 'Common Identity'

The Indian Army has announced that all top officers above the rank of Brigadiers will wear the same uniform starting from 1 August, in a bid to promote and strengthen a common identity, among the senior leadership.

Earlier, they used to wear distinctive insignia, headgear, shoulder and gorget patch, lanyards, shoes and belts of their respective regiments. They will now wear standardised 'Olive-Green' uniforms that do not display regimental identity.

"The Army has decided to adopt a common uniform for the one-star Brigadiers, two-star, Major-generals, three-star Lieutenant generals and four-star generals and the chief, irrespective of their parent cadre and appointments from 1 August onwards," an Army officer said.

According to a TOI report, the decision to standardise the uniform of the top officers was taken in the 'Army Commanders Conference'. They will wear a standardised black belt, with the Indian Army's insignia instead if the regimental one, anodised golden-coloured stars, Ashoka lion and crossed swords as their shoulder rank badge.

The junior officers, from Lieutenants to Colonels, however, will wear the uniforms which display their regimental affiliations.

This is essential as it "strengthen's camaraderie, esprit de corps and regimental ethos," the report quotes an officer as saying adding that, "At the unit or battalion level, a distinct sense of identity reflects a strong bond among officers and men in the same regiment".

The Army last year, on Army Day (15 January), released new digital pattern camouflage uniforms for Army soldiers. The improved uniform has a lighter, stronger, and more breathable fabric. It is also quick-drying, easier to maintain, and does not require being tucked under the trousers, making belts unnecessary.