a. These uniforms are designed to fit loosely; alterations to make them fit tightly are not authorized. A tight fit reduces the airflow needed for ventilation and cooling. The only alterations authorized are those listed in AR 700-84. Personnel are authorized to mix and match hot-weather and enhanced hot-weather coats, trousers, and patrol caps. However, personnel may not mix hot-weather and temperate uniform items, to include the patrol cap.
b. The coat is worn outside the trousers, and the trousers are worn with a belt. The coat will not extend below the top of the cargo pocket on the pants and will not be higher than the bottom of the side pocket on the pants. Commanders may authorize exceptions to this policy under conditions deemed appropriate in the interest of health, comfort, and efficiency because of climatic conditions, or to accommodate a soldier’s religious practices in accordance with AR 600-20, para 5.6.
c. Soldiers will wear the trousers bloused, using the draw cords or blousing rubbers, if the trousers are not tucked into the boots. Personnel will not wrap the trouser leg around the leg tightly enough to present a pegged appearance. Soldiers will not blouse the boots so that the trouser leg extends down to the ankle area. When bloused, the trousers should not extend below the third eyelet from the top of the boot. When soldiers wear the sleeves of the coat rolled up, the camouflage pattern will remain exposed. Personnel will roll the sleeves neatly above the elbow, no more than 3 inches above the elbow.
d. The commander may require that soldiers press these uniforms for special occasions when an especially sharp appearance is required, such as parades, reviews, inspections, or other ceremonial occasions. Although soldiers are authorized to starch the BDU, commanders may not require them to do so. Soldiers are authorized to press military creases in the BDU coat (see para 1.9a(4)).
e. When uniformity in appearance is required, commanders may prescribe a specific uniform for formations or ceremonial occasions, such as parades. When a specific uniform is not prescribed, soldiers may wear the enhanced hot- weather, hot-weather, or temperate BDU, or other authorized utility uniforms.
f. Soldiers may wear the black leather shell gloves with utility uniforms without cold-weather outer garments, provided that sleeves are rolled down. Personnel may wear the woodland camouflage cold-weather coat with all utility uniforms. Soldiers may wear the black all-weather coat as a raincoat with these uniforms only in a garrison environment when they have not been issued organizational raingear. When the cold-weather coat or other authorized cold- weather outer garments are worn, personnel may wear the olive-green scarf and the black leather shell gloves, but are not required to do so. Coats are worn buttoned and zipped, and the shirt collar is worn inside the cold-weather coat and other outer garments. Soldiers may wear the hood of the cold-weather coat at their option. However, when the hood is not worn, soldiers will tuck it into the jacket and will zip the zipper. Female personnel may carry handbags with these uniforms only while in a garrison environment.
g. Commanders may authorize the use of a camouflage personal hydration system only in the following situations: in a field environment, in high-heat areas, or on work details. Soldiers will not carry hydration systems in a garrison environment unless the commander has authorized it for one of the situations described above. Soldiers will not let the drinking tube hang from their mouths when the device is not in use.