Army updates Chaplain Corps uniforms

WASHINGTON - The Department of the Army released implementation guidance for the Army Chaplains Corps uniform and maternity tunic emphasizing their role as religious leaders and pastoral care providers across the force.

As outlined by Department of War announcement in March 2026, chaplains serving in the Regular Army, Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve will remove rank insignia from the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). The chaplain insignia will now be located on the collars of the Army Combat Uniform, the patrol cap and beret. This change will occur no later than 90 days from the date of the Army Directive. Chaplain candidates will continue to wear rank and the chaplain branch insignia on all uniforms in accordance with current regulations.

The Extended Cold Weather Clothing System Generation III (ECWCS Gen III) and Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), rank insignia is also replaced with the chaplain insignia. Chaplains will discontinue wearing rank insignia on the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System no later than 180 days from the date of this directive. There is no change to the chaplains Army Service Uniform (ASU), Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), the Army Blue and White Mess uniforms, or their associated service caps pursuant to AR 670-1.

While rank will no longer be worn by chaplains in the ACU, established customs and courtesies for commissioned officers will remain in effect according to AR 600-25 (Salutes, Honors, and Courtesies):

• Officer-to-Chaplain Interactions ("When in doubt, salute")

When officer rank is visually indistinguishable (such as chaplains in ACUs), mutual courtesy governs both officers should exchange a salute and verbal greeting. If a junior officer recognizes a senior, the junior initiates the salute. When in doubt, initiating a salute out of professional courtesy always satisfies military customs, and no officer will be faulted for rendering one.

• Enlisted-to-Chaplain Interactions ("Always Salute")

This dynamic remains functionally unchanged: because all military chaplains are commissioned officers, enlisted personnel and NCOs will use the chaplain insignia itself as the visual cue to initiate a salute, regardless of the chaplain's specific grade.

The Army remains committed to strengthening the pastoral readiness of the force. These changes reinforce the chaplain's identity as a trusted pastoral advisor and ensure Soldiers of all ranks and their families feel comfortable seeking religious support.