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2.1 ASU and AGSU Configuration, Insignia, Badges, and Awards Placement
Army Promotion Board SGT/SSG
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1 The Promotion Board Process, Eligibility, and Preparation
1.1 AR 600-8-19 Board Eligibility, TIS/TIG Zones, and PME Requirements 1.2 Board Proceedings, Protocol, Uniform Inspection, and Boardroom Bearing 1.3 Promotion Points, the AFT Conversion, IPPS-A, and Monthly Cutoff Scores 1.4 Board Preparation: Study Plan, Current Events, and World Affairs 1.5 Situational Questions, ICTL Proficiency, and Board Scenario Technique
2 Uniform Standards, Grooming, and Awards (AR 670-1, AD 2025-18, AR 600-8-22)
2.1 ASU and AGSU Configuration, Insignia, Badges, and Awards Placement 2.2 Hair, Cosmetics, Fingernails, and Jewelry Standards (AD 2025-18) 2.3 Wear of Combat Uniforms, Duty Accessories, and Body Modification & Tattoo Policies 2.4 Facial Hair, Medical Exceptions to Policy, and Religious Accommodation 2.5 The Army Awards and Decorations System (AR 600-8-22)
3 Army Leadership & Doctrine (ADP 6-22 & FM 6-22)
3.1 The Army Leadership Requirements Model: Attributes and Competencies 3.2 Leadership Levels, Dynamics, Command Climate, and the Warrior Ethos 3.3 The Counseling Process (ATP 6-22.1 & DA Form 4856) 3.4 The Evaluation Reporting System & NCOER (AR 623-3 & DA Form 2166-9 Series)
4 Customs, Courtesies, and Military Traditions (AR 600-25 & TC 3-21.5)
4.1 Saluting Protocols, Courtesies to Officers, and Hand Salute Standards 4.2 National Flag Etiquette, Colors, Reveille, Retreat, and Honors to the Nation 4.3 Drill and Ceremonies Fundamentals (TC 3-21.5) and Formations 4.4 Rank Structure, Chain of Command, the NCO Support Channel, and Unit Organization
5 Army History, Heritage, and Creeds
5.1 Army Birthday, Continental Army Foundations, and Historical Milestones 5.2 Evolution of the NCO Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Army 5.3 Major American Campaigns and Military Battle History 5.4 The Army Values, The Soldier's Creed, and The NCO Creed
6 Army Programs, Command Policy, and Soldier Readiness
6.1 SHARP Under AR 600-52: Reporting Options, Complaint Processing, and the OSTC 6.2 The Military Equal Opportunity and Harassment Prevention Program (AR 600-20, Chapter 6) 6.3 Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and SUDCC (AR 600-85) 6.4 Soldier and Family Support Programs: AER, Red Cross, ACS, EFMP, and BOSS 6.5 Suicide Prevention, Behavioral Health, and Resilience 6.6 Prohibited Activities: Extremism, Retaliation, Prohibited Relationships, and Political Activity 6.7 Retention, Reenlistment, and the Career Counseling of Subordinates
7 Tactical Combat Casualty Care & First Aid (TC 4-02.1 & ATP 4-02.83)
7.1 TCCC Phases of Care: Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care, and TACEVAC 7.2 MARCH PAWS Assessment: Massive Hemorrhage and Airway Management 7.3 Respiration, Circulation, Shock, Burns, and Environmental Injuries 7.4 9-Line MEDEVAC Request Protocol and Tactical Evacuation Procedures
8 CBRN Defense & Force Protection (ATP 3-11.32 & AR 525-13)
8.1 CBRN Hazards, Chemical Agent Classifications, and Physiological Effects 8.2 MOPP Gear Levels, Protective Mask PMCS, and Decontamination 8.3 Antiterrorism, Physical Security, and Force Protection Conditions (AR 525-13)
9 Weapons, Land Navigation, and Physical Readiness
9.1 M4/M16 Rifle Characteristics, Clearing, Malfunctions, and Weapons Safety (TC 3-22.9) 9.2 Map Reading, Grid Coordinates, and Marginal Information (TC 3-25.26) 9.3 Land Navigation: Terrain Features, Azimuths, Intersection, and Resection 9.4 Holistic Health and Fitness, the Army Fitness Test, and the Combat Field Test 9.5 The Army Body Composition Program and the Waist-to-Height Standard (AD 2026-13) 9.6 Crew-Served Weapons, Sidearms, and Munitions
10 Military Justice, the Law of War, and Duty
10.1 The UCMJ, Article 15 Non-Judicial Punishment, and Courts-Martial 10.2 The Code of Conduct, the Law of War, and Rules of Engagement 10.3 Guard Duty, the Three General Orders, and Operations Security
11 Training Management and Unit Sustainment
11.1 Training Management: ICTL, the Digital Job Book, and Sergeant's Time Training 11.2 Maintenance, Supply Discipline, and Property Accountability
2.1 ASU and AGSU Configuration, Insignia, Badges, and Awards Placement
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
Army Regulation (AR) 670-1 governs the statutory policy of uniform wear, while Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 670-1 provides procedural instructions, placement schematics, and wear tolerances.
The Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) is the primary everyday service uniform with a mandatory possession timeline of October 1, 2027, reclassifying the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU) as an optional dress uniform.
On male service coats, U.S. and branch insignia are placed centered 5/8 inch above and below the collar notch; on female coats, insignia are centered 5/8 inch above and below the notch with the centerline parallel to the inside lapel seam.
Ribbons are centered 1/8 inch above the left breast pocket (or aligned with the nameplate bottom for females) in precedence order per AR 600-8-22, with unit awards centered 1/8 inch above the right pocket flap.
Combat and special skill badges adhere to a strict five-group hierarchy where no more than five badges total may be worn simultaneously, with Group 1 through Group 3 badges taking precedence over qualification badges.
Last updated: September 2026
ASU and AGSU Configuration, Insignia, Badges, and Awards Placement
Board Primer: Promotion board members expect candidates to articulate the exact regulatory authority governing uniform wear and display flawless dimensional precision on their service uniform. Every insignia pin, badge clutched to the coat, and ribbon on the chest communicates attention to detail, military discipline, and professional pride.
1. Governing Publications: Policy vs. Implementation
The wear and appearance of Army uniforms is governed by two complementary Department of the Army publications:
Army Regulation (AR) 670-1 ( Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia ): Sets the overarching statutory policy, command responsibilities, authorized uniform configurations, and non-negotiable legal baselines for personal appearance. AR 670-1 establishes the "what" and the "why" of uniform standards.
Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 670-1 ( Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia ): Serves as the step-by-step procedural manual and visual guide. It dictates precise physical measurements (e.g., fractions of an inch for insignia placement), authorized component combinations, grooming schematics, and sewing or positioning instructions. DA PAM 670-1 establishes the exact "how" of uniform wear. +-------------------------------------------------------------+
- | AR 670-1 |
- | - Statutory Policy and Standards Baseline |
- | - Outlines authorized uniforms and legal mandates |
- | - Defines leadership enforcement responsibilities |
- +-------------------------------------------------------------+
- |
- v
- +-------------------------------------------------------------+
- | DA PAM 670-1 |
- | - Procedural Implementation & Measurement Guide |
- | - Exact placement tolerances (1/8", 5/8", etc.) |
- | - Component assembly, alignment, and spacing rules |
- +-------------------------------------------------------------+
- 2. The Service Uniform Transition: AGSU vs. ASU
The Army has undertaken a historic transition in its service uniform portfolio, reintroducing a modernized version of the World War II-era "Pinks and Greens":
Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU): Re-established as the primary service uniform for everyday professional, administrative, and public-facing duties. The AGSU bridges the gap between field combat attire and evening formalwear. The mandatory possession date for all Active Duty, Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers is October 1, 2027 .
Army Service Uniform (ASU): The blue uniform has transitioned from its previous role as the general service uniform to an optional dress uniform (referred to as the Army Dress Blue Uniform). It remains authorized for formal ceremonies, social functions, military balls, and events where black-tie or tuxedo-equivalent attire is requested.
Primary Component Comparison
Uniform Component Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) Army Service Uniform (ASU)
Coat Heritage Green 564 four-button single-breasted coat with waist belt Army Blue 150/450 single-breasted tailored coat with shoulder loops
Trousers / Slacks Heritage Tan 565 ("pink") straight-leg trousers without cuff Heritage Light Blue 151 or Dark Blue with gold soutache braid (NCO/Officer)
Skirt (Female) Heritage Tan 565 straight skirt with rear kick-pleat Army Blue pencil or straight skirt without braid
Shirt Heritage Khaki 555 long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt Commercial white long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt
Neckwear Heritage Walnut 567 four-in-hand tie (male) or necktab (female) Black four-in-hand necktie (male) or black necktab (female)
Primary Headgear Heritage Green garrison cap with branch-color piping or service cap Black beret (standard issue) or Army Blue service cap
Footwear Heritage Walnut brown calfskin leather oxfords or jump boots Black patent leather or polished calfskin oxfords / pumps
Belt Heritage Walnut brown leather belt with brass buckle (1.75-inch) Black web belt with brass buckle or brass tip (1.25-inch)
3. Enlisted Insignia Placement Specifications
Insignia placement requires meticulous measurement using a standardized military ruler or alignment template. Even a deviation of 1/8 inch can cause a candidate to lose composure and inspection points during a board.
U.S. and Branch Insignia on Service Coats
Enlisted Soldiers wear polished brass 1-inch disc insignia denoting nationality ("U.S.") and branch of service:
Male AGSU and ASU Coat:
U.S. Insignia Disc: Placed on the right lapel, centered horizontally on the lapel, 5/8 inch above the notch , with the centerline of the insignia bisecting the collar notch and parallel to the inside edge of the collar lapel.
Branch Insignia Disc: Placed on the left lapel, centered horizontally on the lapel, 5/8 inch below the notch , with the centerline parallel to the inside edge of the collar lapel.
Female AGSU and ASU Coat:
U.S. Insignia Disc: Centered on the right lapel, 5/8 inch above the notch , with the vertical centerline of the insignia disc running parallel to the inside edge of the lapel collar.
Branch Insignia Disc: Centered on the left lapel, 5/8 inch below the notch , with the vertical centerline parallel to the inside edge of the collar lapel.
Enlisted Grade Insignia (Chevrons)
AGSU & ASU Coats: Noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted personnel wear large embroidered cloth grade insignia chevrons. The chevrons are sewn onto both sleeves, centered horizontally between the shoulder seam and the elbow bend.
Khaki / White Service Shirts: When worn without the service coat, enlisted Soldiers wear non-subdued, polished brass grade insignia pinned on both collars. For open-collar configurations, the insignia is centered between the inside and outside edges of the collar, with the bottom point of the chevron positioned 1 inch above the collar point , bisecting the collar angle.
Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI / Unit Crest)
AGSU Coat: Enlisted Soldiers wear the DUI centered on the shoulder loops equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the button, with the base of the insignia facing the shoulder seam. On garments without shoulder loops, the DUI is worn centered on the upper portion of the coat lapel or pocket according to branch-specific authorizations.
ASU Coat: Centered on the shoulder loops, halfway between the outside shoulder seam and the inside edge of the button.
Garrison Cap: Centered vertically on the left curtain of the garrison cap, 1 inch from the front crease .
4. Awards, Decorations, and Badges Placement
Decorations represent personal sacrifice, valor, and institutional merit. They must be mounted in precise sequence and spacing. MALE SERVICE COAT: BREAST POCKET SCHEMATICS
- [RIGHT BREAST] [LEFT BREAST]
- +-----------------------------+ +-----------------------------+
- | | | [BADGE GROUP 1/2/3] |
- | [UNIT AWARDS RACK] | | 1/4" above |
- | 1/8" above | | +-----------------+ |
- | | | | RIBBON RACK | |
- | +---------------------+ | | +-----------------+ |
- | | NAMEPLATE | | | 1/8" above |
- | +---------------------+ | | |
- | (Centered on Flap) | | +-----------------+ |
- | | [O] Button | | | | POCKET FLAP | |
- | +---------------------+ | | +-----------------+ |
- | | | | MARKSMANSHIP | |
- | [FOREIGN DECORATION] | | | BADGES ON FLAP| |
- +-----------------------------+ +-----------------------------+
- Ribbons and Medals Precedence (AR 600-8-22)
Ribbons are arranged in order of precedence from the wearer's upper right to lower left (the observer's upper left to lower right). Highest precedence begins with the Medal of Honor, followed by the Distinguished Service Cross, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and meritorious service ribbons, down through training ribbons.
Male Coat: Ribbons are worn centered horizontally 1/8 inch above the left breast pocket flap , mounted flush or in rows of three or four ribbons. No ribbon row will be narrower than the row below it. When the coat lapel obscures portions of the ribbons, rows may be aligned to the left edge of the pocket.
Female Coat: Centered on the left side of the coat, with the bottom line of ribbons aligned horizontally with the bottom edge of the nameplate. Spacing may be adjusted slightly to accommodate natural body curvature while maintaining horizontal symmetry.
Unit Awards
Unit citations (e.g., Presidential Unit Citation [PUC], Valorous Unit Award [VUA], Meritorious Unit Commendation [MUC], Army Superior Unit Award [ASUA]) represent collective organizational achievement:
Male Coat: Centered horizontally 1/8 inch above the top of the right breast pocket flap . If an emblem with a laurel wreath frame is worn, the leaves point upward.
Female Coat: Centered on the right side of the coat, positioned 1/2 inch above the nameplate .
Nameplate
Male Coat: Centered horizontally on the flap of the right breast pocket, exactly halfway between the top seam of the pocket flap and the top of the pocket button.
Female Coat: Centered horizontally on the wearer's right side, 1 to 2 inches above the top button , adjusted symmetrically to align with the bottom row of ribbons on the opposite side.
Combat and Special Skill Badges (Groups 1 through 5)
Under AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1, badges are categorized into five distinct precedence groups. A maximum of five combat and special skill badges may be worn simultaneously on the service coat:
Group 1: Combat Infantryman Badges (CIB) and Expert Infantryman Badges (EIB).
Group 2: Combat Medical Badges (CMB) and Expert Field Medical Badges (EFMB).
Group 3: Combat Action Badge (CAB), Army Aviator Badges, Flight Surgeon Badges, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Badges.
Group 4: Parachutist Badges (Basic, Senior, Master), Military Free Fall Badges, Air Assault Badge, Space Badge, Ranger Tab (metal replica).
Group 5: Driver and Mechanic Badge, Diver Badges.
Wear Hierarchy Rules:
Only one badge from Group 1 or Group 2 may be worn above the ribbons.
If a Group 1 or Group 2 badge is worn with a Group 3 badge, the Group 1/2 badge is mounted on top.
Skill badges worn above the ribbons are centered 1/4 inch above the ribbon rack (or 1/4 inch above preceding badges). Badges worn on the pocket flap are centered between the flap seam and the button.
Marksmanship Badges: Worn on the left breast pocket flap (male) or below the ribbons (female). Up to three marksmanship badges may be worn simultaneously, spaced at least 1 inch apart .
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI & SSI-MOHC)
Left Sleeve (Current Unit): The shoulder sleeve insignia of the Soldier's current assigned organization is centered 1/2 inch below the top shoulder seam .
Right Sleeve (SSI-MOHC): The shoulder sleeve insignia for Military Operations in Hostile Conditions (formerly combat patch) is centered 1/2 inch below the top shoulder seam . If a special tab (e.g., Airborne, Mountain) is part of the SSI-MOHC, the tab is positioned 1/2 inch below the seam, with the patch placed 1/4 inch below the tab.
- 5. Comprehensive Measurement Specification Tables
- Table 1: Male Service Uniform (AGSU / ASU) Measurement Standards
- Item Location Exact Dimensional Placement Tolerance
- U.S. Insignia Disc Right Lapel Centered horizontally, 5/8 inch above the collar notch ± 1/16 inch
- Branch Insignia Disc Left Lapel Centered horizontally, 5/8 inch below the collar notch ± 1/16 inch
- Nameplate Right Pocket Centered on flap between top seam and top of button Centered
- Unit Awards Rack Right Breast Centered horizontally, 1/8 inch above the pocket flap ± 1/16 inch
- Ribbon Rack Left Breast Centered horizontally, 1/8 inch above the pocket flap Flush to 1/8"
- Primary Skill Badge Left Breast Centered horizontally, 1/4 inch above the ribbon rack ± 1/16 inch
- Marksmanship Badge Left Pocket Flap Centered on flap, upper edge 1/8 inch below top seam Centered
- Shoulder Patch (SSI) Left Sleeve Centered on sleeve, 1/2 inch below shoulder seam ± 1/8 inch
- Combat Patch (MOHC) Right Sleeve Centered on sleeve, 1/2 inch below shoulder seam ± 1/8 inch
- DUI (Unit Crest) Shoulder Loops Centered halfway between shoulder seam and button Centered
- Table 2: Female Service Uniform (AGSU / ASU) Measurement Standards
- Item Location Exact Dimensional Placement Tolerance
- U.S. Insignia Disc Right Lapel Centered on lapel, 5/8 inch above the collar notch ± 1/16 inch
- Branch Insignia Disc Left Lapel Centered on lapel, 5/8 inch below the collar notch ± 1/16 inch
- Nameplate Right Breast 1 to 2 inches above top button , centered horizontally Parallel
- Unit Awards Rack Right Breast Centered horizontally, 1/2 inch above the nameplate ± 1/16 inch
- Ribbon Rack Left Breast Lower edge aligned horizontally with bottom of nameplate Parallel
- Primary Skill Badge Left Breast Centered horizontally, 1/4 inch above ribbon rack ± 1/16 inch
- Marksmanship Badge Left Breast Centered 1/4 inch below bottom edge of ribbons Centered
- Shoulder Patch (SSI) Left Sleeve Centered on sleeve, 1/2 inch below shoulder seam ± 1/8 inch
- Combat Patch (MOHC) Right Sleeve Centered on sleeve, 1/2 inch below shoulder seam ± 1/8 inch
- DUI (Unit Crest) Shoulder Loops Centered halfway between shoulder seam and button Centered
- 6. Boardroom Inspection Methodology & Common Deficiencies
During an oral promotion board, board members conduct an in-person uniform inspection before firing situational and doctrine questions. They look specifically for common assembly errors:
"Gig-Line" Misalignment: On service shirts, the gig-line must form an unbroken vertical line running down the shirt edge, the edge of the belt buckle, and the trouser fly seam. A broken gig-line immediately indicates carelessness.
Ribbon Space Creep: Allowing ribbons to tilt diagonally or leave visible gaps between rows. Ribbons must be firmly pressed together on the mounting bar.
Inverted Unit Crests: Failing to verify the motto or crest orientation on shoulder loops (e.g., ensuring Latin mottos are upright and read left to right).
Incorrect Badge Stacking: Placing a Group 3 badge (such as the Combat Action Badge) above a Group 1 badge (Combat Infantryman Badge). The CIB/EIB always takes top billing.
Thread Fraying ("Strings"): Hanging threads on patches or seams. Every thread must be cleanly trimmed flush before reporting.