Space Force Honor Guard members recently unveiled the unit’s ceremonial service dress uniform, the latest step in the new service’s journey to create its own distinctive visual appearance.
The uniform is an evolution of the new Space Force service dress uniform, which is intended to replace the modified Air Force uniform Guardians have worn since the service was first established in 2019.
But the Honor Guard’s new uniform features distinctive light blue accents to the outer belt and service cap band as well as a light blue rope that’s worn over the left shoulder to help the uniform stand out to the public, according to an Aug. 21 Space Force press release.
“Having a dedicated ceremonial uniform ensures that our Guardians present a unified, unmistakable presence during high visibility global missions,” Chief Master Sgt. Ross Koehler, senior enlisted leader for the Space Force Honor Guard, said in the release. “The updated uniform reflects the force’s evolving individual culture and pride in those who wear it.”
The guidance for the new uniform was released Jan. 13 and took eight months for the Honor Guard to make finishing touches to its new uniform, according to the release.
“There have been many adjustments that we have seen on paper over the past several months,” Honor Guard member Spc. 3 Amelia Olsen said in the release. “To be able to see it, wear it, and finally be able to show it to the public now feels rewarding.”
Honor Guard members debuted the new uniform for the first time publicly Aug. 23 at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix Event in Washington, D.C.
“The Space Force is honored to share a history with the Air Force, but our mission to the space domain is concentrated and strategic,” shared Koehler, “It requires further establishing a distinct identity.”
The Space Force didn’t wait long to begin developing its unique appearance. Two years after its establishment, the service unveiled the prototype of the service dress uniform at AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference in September 2021.
The new ensemble featured a dark blue coat, upturned collar, and diagonal row of buttons, but feedback from Guardians prompted Space Force to make several design adjustments that included better fitting pants, a redesigned collar, and a better-draping fabric that resulted in an improved overall fit.
Outgoing Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said in January that the new uniform will service as a “significant step in establishing the service’s unique culture and visual identify.”