U.S. Space Force Trainees Unveil New Dress Uniform at Graduation

A group of trainees from the U.S. Space Force will be the first to wear the service’s new dress uniform during their upcoming graduation ceremony on December 18, 2023. This milestone follows a series of fittings that took place on November 19, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, where the trainees donned the freshly designed uniforms for the first time.

The new dress uniform, which has undergone four years of development, reflects extensive feedback from service members and multiple testing phases. Key features of the uniform include a dark blue jacket adorned with diagonal silver buttons, a matching tie, gray trousers, and a colored shirt.

Uniform Launch Timeline and Details

In September 2023, the Air Force announced that guardians, the term used for Space Force members, would have the chance to be fitted for the new service dress uniform. According to a release detailing the uniform’s rollout, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized the significance of the design. He stated, “Our service dress uniform represents the unique identity of guardians, blending heritage with a modern design that reflects our unity and mission. From the start, guardian feedback shaped its design and fit. I know the force will wear it with pride.”

The phased rollout of the new uniform is scheduled to start in late 2025 and continue into 2026. Initial orders will be prioritized for select groups, including recruiters and training instructors. Guardians stationed in the national capital region are expected to receive their uniforms by mid-December 2023.

As of the latest update, guardians are not yet required to order the new uniform, but a mandatory-wear date will be established once it becomes widely available. Space Force members near military clothing sales stores can place orders between November and December 2023, with an estimated delivery by June 2026. For those without access to a physical store, online ordering will be available starting in January 2026, also with a June delivery timeframe.

Ensuring Readiness and Addressing Challenges

Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna highlighted the importance of a phased approach to the rollout, stating, “Our guardians are our top priority, and this phased approach reflects that. It allows us to proactively address potential challenges in production and distribution while also providing guardians with ample time to acquire the new uniform.”

Once the new dress uniform is fully issued, the Space Force plans to give guardians at least 12 months’ notice to order the uniform and prepare for the mandatory-wear date. This strategic rollout aims to ensure that all service members can transition smoothly to the new attire while maintaining operational readiness.

As the Space Force continues to evolve, the introduction of a formal dress uniform underscores its commitment to establishing a distinct identity and fostering pride among its members.