The Indian Army has announced that it will be adopting a common uniform for officers of the rank of Brigadier and above, regardless of their parent cadre or appointment. This move is aimed at making the army a more equitable and fair organization. The decision was taken after comprehensive deliberations during the Army Commanders’ Conference held recently.
Starting from August 1, 2023, the headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belts, and shoes of all senior officers of flag rank will be standardized and common. According to reports, flag-rank officers will no longer wear lanyards. However, there will be no change to the uniform worn by Colonels and below-rank officers in the Indian Army.
The move is expected to reinforce the Indian Army’s character as an organization that values fairness and equity. It is also expected to help strengthen camaraderie, esprit de corps, and regimental ethos among the officers of the Indian Army.
The reason behind this change is that different types of uniforms and accouterments have a specific association with respective Arms, Regiments, and Services in the Indian Army. This recognition of distinct identity within the Arms or Regiment Services is essential for 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 and battalion level, a distinct sense of identity reflects a strong bond among officers and men in the same regiment.
This is not the first time the Indian Army has made changes to its uniform. Last year, the army adopted a digital pattern combat uniform that was similar to the US Army. The new uniform has an informal look compared to the older one, with the shirt not being tucked in to hide the belt on the waist. The soldiers also wear a round-neck T-shirt under the shirt.