Brigadiers and above to have common uniform

Similarly, officers of rifle regiments such as Gorkha Rifles and Rajputana Rifles wear black rank badges and buttons, while others wear brass-coloured rank badges and buttons. The belts also vary and carry insignia of specific regiments that the officers belong to.

Defence sources said the latest change entails that the headgears, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches (worn on collars), belts and shoes of senior officers of flag rank (Brigadier and above) will now be standardised and common. These officers will not wear any lanyard and pouch belt once the change is implemented.

Sources told The Indian Express that the common uniform will comprise dark olive green beret, single-piece belt with the Indian Army insignia on the buckle, and brass rank badges without backing. The officers are also likely to wear a black peak cap as part of their ceremonial dress, instead of hats donned by officers of certain regiments.

According to sources, the decision was taken after detailed deliberations during the recent Army Commanders’ Conference and extensive consultations with all stakeholders.

The change, however, will not affect the uniform worn by officers of the rank of Colonel and below. Explaining the reason, sources said this recognition with distinct identity within the arms or regiment or services is essential for the junior leadership and the rank and file, to further strengthen camaraderie, esprit de corps and regimental ethos which is the bedrock of soldiering.

“At the unit or battalion level, a distinct sense of identity reflects a strong bond among officers and men in the same regiment,” a defence source said.

However, officers of the rank of Brigadier and above would have completed appointments where they command units or battalions, and would be posted at headquarters or other establishments where officers from all arms and services work together.

The process to ensure a common uniform for all flag-rank officers is being implemented in two stages. In 2021, the mess dress for all officers of the rank of Brigadier and above was made common. Side caps and cummerbund, which were earlier of different colours, were made a common black, with the Army crest on the cummerbund, all the rank badges were made brass and the backing was removed.

Sources said the latest change was planned to be implemented last year, and extensive deliberations were held by the Army’s top brass. However, there was a difference in opinion on whether the beret should be dark green or black.

The decision, said sources, will also reinforce the Indian Army’s character as a fair and equitable organisation. A standard uniform, they said, will ensure a common identity for all senior-rank officers, while “reflecting the true ethos of the Indian Army.”