A modernized version of the historic Army Green Service Uniform was on full display Monday when 182 trainees in the 434th Field Artillery Brigade graduated from basic training.
This was the first group of trainees to graduate wearing the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), according to Col. Daniel Blackmon, commander of the 434th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Sill.
The uniform was first introduced in 1921, but was most noticeable during World War II and the Korean War. That historical note was not ignored by the newest batch of soldiers who realized the importance the uniform played as the Greatest Generation battled German and Japanese soldiers in the 1940s.
Blackmon said he considers it an honor to wear the same uniform his family members donned during WWII.
“This is really special for me personally because this uniform was originally worn by the Army Air Corps,” he said. “My dad and grandfather both served in the Army Air Corps in World War II so wearing the same uniform as them is humbling. This is a throwback from the Greatest Generation.”
The uniform is considered to be a better fit and appearance for soldiers and officers, Blackmon told reporters prior to the basic training graduation.
“Largely, the feedback is good. It’s been very positive,” he said, noting the uniform’s historical value and neat appearance.
Sgt. 1st Class Antrell Bender, a senior drill sergeant, said the new graduates were
taught about Army history, which included the Army Green Service Uniforms and their significance.
“The trainees loved it,” he said. “They were proud to be included and have them (uniforms) be part of history again.”
New graduate Tyree Smith, 20, of Indianapolis, said he’s honored to wear the new version of the AGSUs.
“I love this,” said Smith.
In the past, some Army uniforms could not be worn by female soldiers, but that’s not the case for the new AGSU.
“It’s a great honor to be female and wear this uniform,” Private 2nd Class and basic training grad Rebecca Beird said. “Females didn’t get to wear this uniform during World War II. Equal opportunity for females is growing in the Army.”
A new uniform was requested by the Department of the Army headquarters for the business environment and research showed that the AGSU would be the best fit. It was also noted that the Army was the only military branch that did not have a uniform for everyday professional reasons.
“The Army has been talking about it (new uniform) for a few years, but it was just announced last year,” Blackmon said.
The Central Initial Issue Point, the clothing department for basic trainees, has enough AGSUs to service more than 1,000 soldiers and will receive more periodically. The AGSU will be the every- day service uniform for the office environment, while the Army Service Uniform will be for formal dress occasions.
Although the new uniform has immense significance to the Army, basic training graduation keynote speaker Lt. Col. Jason Carter reminded the soldiers “it takes more than boots and a uniform to make a soldier.”
Carter reminded the soldiers and guests that the trainees spent four consecutive days in “intense outdoor training in the beautiful and ever-changing weather of Oklahoma” and that they “met each challenge head-on” during their 10 weeks of basic training. However, the AGSU received didn’t escape Carter’s attention during his speech.
“From the time I saw someone wearing it, I wanted one,” he said, while singling out military giants and World War II heroes Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, Gen. Omar Bradley and Gen. George Marshall. “But it’s what’s under the uniform that counts.”
The newest basic training graduates will report to their Advance Individual Training posts this week, a post spokeswoman said.