Uniforms of the US Space Force: The Ultimate Guide

 
The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is not only the newest branch of service in the U.S. Armed Forces, but it also has a very unique mission when compared to the other services. Naturally, it makes sense that the newest and most technological branch of our armed forces has distinct uniforms to represent its unique missions.

As the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Space Force continues to make strides in developing its own identity. While the utility uniform for the USSF is similar to the U.S. Air Force’s OCPs (differences being the patches and colors used on the patches), USSF’s physical fitness and service dress uniforms are unique.

Let’s take a look at Space Force uniforms.

Physical Training Space Force Uniforms

In March 2024, USSF began the roll-out of its physical training uniform when it was provided to the newest basic military training Guardian trainees. The new uniform now includes performance features such as breathable, moisture-wicking shorts designed for running, and soft, quick-drying material to help curb sweat and odor. The uniforms will be available in both men’s and women’s sizes, rather than unisex, for a better fit.

Uniform delivery to select AAFES locations will begin in the next several months at Peterson, Schriever, Buckley, Vandenberg, and Patrick Space Force Bases, Los Angeles Air Force Base, and the Pentagon.

Guardians will utilize the same wear instructions as the U.S. Air Force physical training uniform utilizing DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of United States Air Force and United States Space Force Personnel, until a standalone Space Force Instruction for Dress and Appearance is released.

The PT uniform cost will be calculated into the Guardian uniform replacement allowance beginning 2024. Guardians are encouraged to only purchase one set of the uniform as supplies will be limited as rollout begins. 

Combat Utility Space Force Uniforms

In January 2020, USSF adopted the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) as its combat utility uniform. It made sense for USSF not to reinvent the wheel since OCPs were worn when Guardians were still a part of the Air Force and they were known as Air Force Space Command.

The full-color United States flag is worn on the left side of the uniform, seemingly moving forward. While the Army and Air Force use black and brown thread, respectively, in their embroidery of patches on the OCPs, USSF name tapes, branch tapes, and ranks are embroidered in space blue on the Space Force uniforms. It is important to note that while USSF followed the Army and Air Force by including a U.S. flag on their Space Force uniforms, the U.S. Army and Air Force wear the full-color flag on the right arm. OCPs were first introduced by the Army in 2015 and adopted by the Air Force in 2019.

Service Dress Space Force Uniforms

In 2023, USSF began to wear test its service dress prototypes. More than 100 Guardians in eight locations were selected to evaluate and provide feedback on the durability, functionality and comfort of the new Space Force uniform design. The wear tests signify the final stage of uniform development prior to production and force-wide distribution, according to the Air Force. Testers received the most updated lightweight jackets, service dress coats, pants, skirts and shirts. They also received a guideline handbook for proper wear of the uniform, a wear-test log, uniform history and a feedback survey link.

USSF collected the feedback from the field, made modifications to the uniforms, and the service dress Space Force uniforms are slated for force-wide issuance in late 2025. The design process drew inspiration from science fiction, with a focus on functionality. The uniform's lines and cuts mirror the aerodynamic shapes of spacecraft, conveying a sense of forward momentum. This emphasis on futuristic design serves as a constant reminder of the Space Force's forward-thinking mission.

The uniform itself looks very, well, space age. The jacket is a standout piece, characterized by its sharp lines and tailored fit. It features a high collar reminiscent of classic military attire, while the modern cut adds a contemporary twist. The jacket’s color is a dark hue, like space, and there are no lapels and those aforementioned modernized collars give the Space Force uniforms a modernistic look. The jacket’s buttons are off-center and diagonal along the wearer’s body, and the buttons have the Space Force logo on them. Ribbons, badges and name tags are placed on the wearer’s left side.

Colors play a crucial role in the Space Force dress uniform, each chosen for its symbolic meaning. The dominant color is a deep navy, representing the vastness of space. This choice connects Guardians with their environment and mission, as they strive to protect the expanse beyond Earth.

The pants are gray in color and initially, there was a lot of push back about how baggy the Space Force uniforms pants were, but as part of the feedback, those issues were addressed. The trousers are a set designed for both comfort and style. The trousers maintain a sleek silhouette, allowing Guardians to move with ease while projecting a professional image. 

The development of the service dress Space Force uniforms marks a significant moment in the evolution of military attire. Uniforms have historically adapted to reflect changes in technology, strategy, and culture. The Space Force continues this tradition, introducing innovations that align with its unique mission.

By incorporating elements of science fiction and futuristic design, the uniform acknowledges the influence of popular culture on military aesthetics. This blending of tradition and modernity captures the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines the Space Force.