How to Place Patches on ACU

The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) was implemented by the United States Army in 2005, replacing the Battle Dress Uniform and the Desert Combat Uniform. The uniform is designed to be wash and wear, eliminating the need to starch and iron it. The patches that go on the uniform are Velcro so that they can be changed easily and include a name tape, US Army tape, combat patch (if applicable) and unit patch, along with any additional qualifying patches that have been earned and authorized for wear on the ACU. The uniform and patches can be purchased at the Military Clothing Sales store on a military installation.

Place the name tape with the US Army tape on the Velcro patch on the left side chest of the ACU jacket. On the right side of the jacket, place the service member's name tape on the Velcro patch. Place the ACU rank patch on the center of the jacket where the jacket zips up.

On the left arm of the jacket, place the service member's current unit patch in the middle of the large Velcro area. If the service member has any qualification patches, such as the Ranger tab, Airborne tab or Special Forces tab, place it above the unit patch on the Velcro flap.

On the right arm of the jacket, place the US Flag patch, with the stars facing to the right, in the center of the Velcro patch. If the service member has earned the right to wear a combat patch (deployment) and has authorization orders, place the combat patch from the unit he deployed with below the flag in the center of the large Velcro area.