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 east 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 on a line with about ¾ inch between holding bars. Women’s uniform may be as little as ¼ inch in between bars. When three badges are worn, ¼ inch spacing and ⅛ spacing for women.
RIBBONS: Centered ⅛ inch above the left pocket and parallel to the top edge. When shooting badges are worn, ⅛ inch above the widest holding bar of the marksmanship badge. Normally worn in rows of three, but rows of 4 may also be worn. All rows must be the same number of ribbons except for the top row.
BREAST INSIGNIA (Wings) Centered left/right ⅛ inch above the ribbons.
EGA: positioned on the eyelets, 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
