US Army Revises Wear of Chaplain Corps Identification on the ACU and ECWCS

Today the US Army issued guidance for Chaplain Corps uniforms emphasizing their role as religious leaders and pastoral care providers across the force.

“A chaplain is first and foremost a chaplain, and an officer second. This change is a visual representation of that fact.”

– Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

Within 90 days, Chaplains will remove chaplain rank insignia on the Army combat uniform (ACU) and place the branch insignia to a position of prominence at the collar.

According to the guidance this emphasizes a chaplain’s primary role as a pastoral care provider and enhances approachability, ensuring all Soldiers feel comfortable accessing religious support.

The branch insignia is worn centered on both collars of the ACU coat, with the centerline of the insignia bisecting the points of the collar. Subdued pin-on or sew-on branch insignia may be worn. Sew-on insignia width will not exceed one inch. Chaplains will not wear rank on the ACU. Chaplains must remove the hook-and-loop fastener from the center of the chest and will not wear a blank hook-and-loop fastener. The guidance also includes instructions for the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System.

The approved designs consist of the Latin cross, the Jewish tablets (with the Star of David superimposed), the Muslim crescent moon, the Buddhist wheel of righteousness, and the Hindu Om.