New Delhi: In a significant move, the Army has decided to go for a common uniform for the officers of the brigadier rank and above from August 1 irrespective of their parent cadre or regiment, military sources said on Tuesday.
The decision was taken after detailed deliberations during last month’s Army Commanders Conference and extensive consultations with all stakeholders, they said.
“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 above rank officers,” said a source.
“This will also reinforce the Indian Army’s character to be a fair and equitable organisation,” the source added.
The changes will come into effect from August 1.
The headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belt and shoes of flag rank — brigadier and above — will now be standardised in view of the decision, the sources said.
The flag-rank officers will now not wear any lanyards.
There will be no change to the uniform worn by Colonels and below-rank officers.
In the Indian Army, 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.
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.
