Army to adopt common uniform for Brigadiers, higher-rank officers

New Delhi: The Indian Army has decided to adopt a common uniform for officers of the rank of Brigadier and above from August 1, irrespective of their parent cadre and appointment, to strengthen a common identity amongst the senior leadership.

The headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belt and shoes of senior officers will be standardised. Flag-rank officers will not wear a lanyard.

There will be no changes to the uniform worn by officials of the rank of Colonel and below. The decision was taken after deliberations during the recently held Army Commanders Conference, following extensive consultations with all stakeholders.

Brigadiers and above officers are those who have already commanded units and battalions, and are mostly posted at headquarters or establishments where officers from all arms and services work and function together.

"In order to promote and strengthen common identity and approach in service matters amongst senior leadership, beyond the boundaries of regimentation, the Indian Army has decided to adopt a common uniform for Brigadier and higher-rank officers, irrespective of the parent cadre and appointment," according to sources. “This will also reinforce the Indian Army’s character to be a fair and equitable Organisation,” they added.

According to sources, a standard uniform will ensure a common identity for all senior-rank officers, while reflecting the true ethos of the Indian Army.

Different types of uniforms and accoutrements have specific association with respective arms, regiments and services in the Indian Army.

This recognition of distinct identity within the arms or regiment or services is essential for junior leadership and the rank and file to further strengthen camaraderie and regimental ethos which is the bedrock of soldiering, the sources said.

Last year, the Army introduced a new combat uniform for all its soldiers. The new camouflage uniform was based on a “digital disruptive” pattern.