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About This Quiz
Everyone knows the military is big on rules and standards. It's an important part of making soldiers feel like they're a part of something bigger than themselves. They need to adhere to the same rules as everyone else, to see the discipline in action and understand everyone is subject to the same code of conduct.
In order to achieve a universal standard that every soldier can learn and understand, the Army has a ton of rules. Those rules cover everything, including acceptable behavior while on duty, training, rules of engagement and of course how to wear your uniform. Your appearance reflects your position as a soldier, and as such must be professional no matter the circumstance. There's a lot to learn, but that's par for the course for being a soldier.
Army regulations will cover everything from how to press your uniform to how to wear your medals and even how to trim your fingernails. Nothing is left up to chance. When in doubt, consult the regulations or ask a commanding officer. There is nothing that doesn't have an answer. If you think you have a good handle on how Army uniform standards, there's one surefire way to prove it. Polish those boots and take this quiz, prove you know your stuff.
What is the name of the regulation that covers the wear and appearance of uniforms and insignia?
AR 700-84
AR 222-2
AR 670-1
Army Regulation 670-1 covers the wear and appearance of uniforms and insignia. You can view it in full on the Army website as a 75-page long pdf file. It was last updated in 2017. The info in it covers male and female soldiers as well as every kind of uniform you could possibly wear while on duty.
AR 316
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The Army issues something called an IPFU. What does that stand for?
International Procedures For Uniforms
Improved Physical Fitness Uniform
The Improved Physical Fitness Uniform is essentially workout clothes for soldiers. Soldiers are permitted to wear these in combination with civilian clothes off the base, and the components consist of running pants or shorts, moisture-wicking shirts, a jacket, and a hat.
Industrial Production Full Uniform
Intelligent Platform for Uniforms
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How many years are represented by one service stripe?
One
Two
Three
Service stripes or hash marks are the embroidered stripes worn on the sleeves of army uniforms. In the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, these stripes represent four years of service, while in the Army they represent three.
Ten
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What is the acronym for the uniform that is designed for wear in freezing temperatures?
ECWCS
ECWCS stands for "extreme cold weather clothing system" and is designed for temperatures that range for 40 Fahrenheit all the way down to -60. It was developed in the 1980s and consisted of a number of winter items including a parka and mittens.
SZUS
ELTUS
FREEZ
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Army regulations even cover who can have an exposed pen in their breast pocket. Which one of these uniforms are allowed to bear pens?
Physical Training Uniform
Hospital Duty Uniform
Generally speaking, a pen is not a part of any standard Army uniform. That said, certain roles require that you carry a pen for your duties. One of those is in a hospital, so a hospital duty uniform is permitted to have pens in the pocket.
Drill Instructor Uniforms
Combat Uniforms
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Are you allowed to give a public speech wearing your military uniform?
No
Yes
Only if authorized
Public speeches, marches, picket lines, rallies and public demonstrations all require authorization from further up the chain of command if you want to participate in them while wearing your uniform.
Only if you are retired
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What's a circumstance in which you would not be required to wear any kind of headgear?
At any evening social event
When riding a bicycle
On the subway
All of these
There are a number of circumstances under which you don't need to hear any kind of headgear including at social events, on private transportation like a bicycle or on public transportation like a bus or the subway.
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Your IPFU shirt is supposed to be tucked into your trunks at all times. What's the exception to that rule?
If it's raining
If the soldier is pregnant
Regulations require that the shirt portion of the improved physical fitness uniform be tucked into your trunks or pants at all times. That said, if a soldier is pregnant this regulation will not apply.
If the soldier is injured
If you're engaged in rigorous training
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An Army uniform has a lifespan of wear. How long are you expected to wear an Army Combat Uniform?
Two years
One year
Nine months
Six months
Your Army Combat Uniform has a lifetime of 6 months. This is the same as a uniform like the Enhanced Hot Weather Battle Dress Uniform. After that time, the uniform should be retired and replaced with a new one.
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What was the code name of the Operational Camouflage Pattern?
Razorback
XS-X
Red Condor
Scorpion W2
Scorpion 2 was the code name for the operational camouflage pattern that became the go-to camo pattern for the US Army in the mid-2010s. It is currently the main camouflage pattern for army uniforms.
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Do military uniform standards allow you to sport a goatee?
Only if neatly trimmed
Yes
No
Facial hair, in general, is limited strictly to mustaches which must be trimmed and not extend past the edges of your lips. Goatees are not permitted, nor are other styles of facial hair unless for religious or medical reasons. In fact, the guidelines specifically prohibit "Fu Manchu" mustaches by name.
Only with authorization
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How long are your sideburns allowed to be, according to regulations?
To the jawline
To the bottom of the earlobe
To the ear hole
If you're going to sport some sideburns, they can't extend below the hole of your ear. They must also be kept neatly trimmed and not look bushy in any way. They should end neatly with a solid, horizontal line.
Any length as long as they are neatly trimmed
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What is the regulation regarding a male soldier's fingernails?
There is none.
They can't extend beyond the fingertip.
Fingernails are required to be clean at all times and can't extend past the fingertip for males. Men can also not wear polish. Females are allowed to have nails at 1/4 inch in length.
They can't extend more than one inch.
They can't extend more than 1/2 an inch.
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Is a soldier allowed to use hair dye?
Yes
No
Only when authorized
Only if it results in natural hair color
Hair dyes and tints are allowed for soldiers, but only if the resulting hair color is natural looking. It will be up to the discretion of a commanding officer to determine if the hair meets those standards. A color like purple is obviously a no-go.
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Under what circumstances can a solider wear a wig while in uniform?
To cover natural baldness
To cover surgical scars
To cover up from disfigurement from an accident
All of the above
Wigs and hairpieces are only allowed for a good reason. Those reasons include covering natural baldness as well as scars from surgeries or accidents. You cannot wear a wig just for kicks.
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Under what circumstances can a female soldier wear fake eyelashes?
At any time
Never
If a CO allows it
If it's medically prescribed
Eyelash extensions are prohibited except if they have been medically prescribed. Medically prescribed reasons would be any instances when a soldier had suffered hair loss, such as from chemotherapy.
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What does SSI-FWTS stand for?
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service
Shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service is also known as the Army combat patch. It recognizes a soldier's participation in combat and there are varying standards for how it should be worn.
Standard Service Issue-Full Wear To Set
Simple System Increments-First Wave Team Standard
Supply Standard Issue-Feature Wartime Service
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How many pieces are in the male dress uniform?
5
7
10
The male dress uniform has 10 pieces. They are a coat, trousers, shirt, necktie, undergarments, belt, headgear, footwear, socks and undershirt. Depending on the situation, not all items are necessary.
12
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What is the Army's regulation with regard to pockets in your uniform?
There are no regulations.
Pockets are decorative only.
Hands should only go in pockets to retrieve an item.
According to regulations, while in uniform you can only place your hands in your pockets momentarily to retrieve an item. Any buttons need to be polished and free from scratches as well.
Pockets cannot store anything noisy.
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What kind of behavior is prohibited when you are walking while in uniform?
Eating
Smoking
Using electronic devices
All of the above
Soldiers in uniform are not permitted to do any activities whole walking that will interfere with their ability to salute or detract from their professional image. This includes eating, smoking or using a cellphone, among other things.
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Which of these is an actual standard for how a soldier must keep their teeth?
No gold caps
No jewels on your teeth
No unnatural shaping of your teeth
All of the above
Oddly enough, there are a number of dental regulations in the uniform code. Soldiers can't have decorations on their teeth like jewels or initials. They also can't have gold or platinum caps. Finally, you can't shape your teeth, meaning no fangs for you.
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According to regulations, what is the one kind of facial tattoo that is permitted?
Religious tattoos
Tattoos hidden beyond the hairline
Permanent makeup
There are strict regulations regarding the kinds of tattoos a soldier can have and also where they can have them. When it comes to the face, there is only one kind of tattoo permitted and that is permanent makeup, which still must meet standards of good taste.
Tattoos smaller than 1/2 inch
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Who would wear an insignia featuring two crossed gold-colored pistols?
Military Police Corps
Officers in the military police corps wear insignia featuring two crossed gold pistols. Enlisted personnel will wear the same insignia on a small, 1-inch gold-colored metal disk.
Military Intelligence
Field Artillery Officer
Chemical Corps
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What kind of officer has 3 stars on their shoulder strap?
Captain
Major General
Lieutenant General
You can identify a general by the stars on their shoulders. Four stars is a general, three stars is a lieutenant general, two is a major general and one is a brigadier general.
Colonel
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Where should the US flag be worn on Army utility uniforms?
Left shoulder
Left chest
Right chest
Right shoulder
The US flag is to be worn on the right shoulder pocket flap of the utility uniform. On uniforms without pocket flaps, the flag insignia is worn on the uppermost section of the hook-and-loop-faced pad with the top of the insignia at the top of the pad.
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What are the branch colors of the Army Corps of Engineers?
Green and black
Scarlet and white
Every branch of the army has their own colors used for insignia and various emblems. The Army Corps of Engineers use the colors scarlet and white.
Red and yellow
Blue and gold
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What medal is meant to be worn around the neck, outside the shirt collar and inside the coat collar, above the tie?
Legion of Merit Medal
Distinguished Service Medal
Bronze Star
Medal of Honor
While most medals can be worn on the uniform on the chest, the medal of honor is worn on a ribbon around the neck. Any other medals worn around the neck are to be worn under the Medal of Honor.
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This is the lowest rank that a shoulder board comes in.
Corporal
Shoulder boards cover ranks all the way up to sergeant major as well as officer ranks. The starting rank where you'll see shoulder boards is corporal.
Sergeant
Captain
Major
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What kind of uniform does a soldier who drives a tank wear?
Combat Uniform
Combat Vehicle Crewman's Uniform
The combat vehicle crewman's uniform is also known as a tanker's uniform. It's quite a bit different from a standard uniform, as it includes a coverall and a vest. It's also made of flame-resistant materials.
Ground Assault Uniform
Cavalrymen's Uniform
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How far above the eyes should the band of the beret be worn?
One inch below the hairline
One inch above the eyes
One inch above the eyebrows
The headband of your beret needs to be worn one inch above the eyebrows. It should be a straight line across the forehead. The excess material should be worn draped over the right ear, and your hair should be short enough that the hat doesn't look misshapen when worn.
Even with the tops of the ears
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What is the difference between how a belt is worn on a male class A uniform and a female class A uniform?
The tab extends right on women and left on men.
When a male wears a belt, the tab should be pulled across to their left and for a female, it is the opposite. There is no regulation regarding a difference in belt width between men and women.
The tab extends left on women and right on men.
There is no difference.
Women's belts are 1/2 inch thinner.
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What method of carrying a gym bag is prohibited by uniform standards?
Two straps over the shoulders like a backpack
One strap over the shoulder
Using the straps as handles
One strap diagonally across the body
Backpacks are allowed to be worn, as are gym bags over one shoulder. A bag cannot be worn over the shoulder so that the strap is diagonal across the body, however.
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How many boots should a soldier have?
One pair
Two pairs
Three pairs
Soldiers should have three pairs of boots in their possession for their combat uniform. Two pairs should be hot weather and one pair should be temperate weather. They should be tan or coyote leather.
Four pairs
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What style of a knot is acceptable for your service uniform tie?
Four-in-hand
Windsor
Half-Windsor
All of the above
When wearing your tie with your service uniform, it should be only black and the material can be either silk or satin. It can be tied in a Windsor know, a half-Windsor or a four-in-hand knot.
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If you're wearing a hat as part of the physical fitness uniform, can it cover your ears in the cold weather?
Yes
Hats are a permitted part of the physical fitness uniform. It has to be made from black fleece, and in cold weather, it can cover the tops of your ears. However, it can't be pulled down below your eyebrows.
No
Only with permission
Only for medical reasons
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