Independent of the parent cadre and original appointment, the Indian Army has established a new universal uniform regulation for senior officers with Brigadier and higher ranks, according to Army sources.
They said that the action will strengthen our shared identity and the Indian Army’s reputation as a just and egalitarian organization. The choice was made following thorough considerations at the just-completed Army Commanders Conference and extensive talks with all parties involved.
Officials said that headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belt and shoes of senior officers of flag rank (Brigadier and above) will now be common and standardised. The flag-rank officers will now not wear any lanyard.
The step has been taken to promote and strengthen common identity and approach in service matters amongst senior leadership beyond the boundaries of regiments, officials said.
Officers of the rank of brigadier or above have already held leadership of battalions and units, and they are typically assigned to headquarters or other locations where officers from many branches of the military come together to work and do business.
According to officials, a uniform will provide a shared identity for all senior-rank officers and reflect the genuine culture of the Indian Army.
According to Army sources, the uniform worn by Colonels and officers below that rank has not changed.