Service Alphas
COVER: the green barrack's cover (depicted) or the green service cap may be worn
BADGES: Marksmanship badges are centered above the left breast pocket with the bottom edge of the holding bar ⅛ inch above the pocket’s edge. When two badges are worn, they are symmetrically placed with about ¾ inch spacing between holding bars. Start by aligning the badge with the thickest holding bar 1/8 inch above the pocket. Align the top of the smaller badge's holding bar with the top of the thicker holding bar. This alignment may cause a gap greater than 1/8 inch between the skinnier holding bar and the pocket.
When three badges are worn, space badges about 1/4 inch apart. The women’s uniform may have as little as ¼ inch space between two bars, 1/8 inch when three badges are worn.
RIBBONS: Ribbons are centered 1/8 inch and parallel above the top of the left pocket edge. When marksmanship badges are worn, place the ribbons 1/8 inch above the widest holding bar. Ribbons are normally worn in rows of three, but rows of four may also be worn. All rows must have the same number of ribbons except for the top row. Rows of ribbons may touch with no gap or have a 1/8 inch spacing between them.
BREAST INSIGNIA (Wings) Breast insignia are worn centered left/right ⅛ inch above the ribbons, badges, and left breast pocket.
EGA: positioned on the eyelets of the coat collar, eagles facing inboard, wingtips parallel to the bottom of the coat.
ENLISTED GRADE INSIGNIA: 4 inches below shoulder seam, centered on the seam. (3 inches below for E8 and above)
OFFICER GRADE INSIGNIA: centered on collar ¾ inch from shoulder seam.
BELT: The belt’s tapered end will pass through the buckle to the wearer’s left and extend 2¾ to 3¾ inches beyond the buckle. The belt will pass through a ½ inch wide keeper. The inside edge of the keeper will be positioned halfway between the tip and the outside of the buckle. I have always seen it in line with the bottom pocket.
From the Order:
The service "A" uniform includes the service coat. When the service "A" uniform is prescribed as the uniform of the day, it is appropriate to remove the coat in office buildings within the confines of a military activity or establishment. Females may wear either the long or short-sleeve khaki shirt, and green neck tab with this uniform. The service "A" uniform is authorized for leave and liberty.
The service "A" uniform may be prescribed for parades, ceremonies, social events, and as the uniform of the day. It will normally be worn when reporting for duty, unless otherwise prescribed by the commander. The service "A" uniform will be prescribed for the following official military occasions:
a. When assigned as a member of courts-martial or courts of inquiry.
b. Official visits and calls of, or to, United States civil officials, officers of the United States Armed Forces, and officials/officers of foreign governments
