WHITE MILITARY GLOVES

Though classified as an optional item in all five branches of the Armed Forces of the United States, both Officers and Enlisted personnel should consider white military gloves a mandatory item for their uniform wardrobe because they typically can be prescribed by commanders for a variety of functions, from inspections to ceremonial events.

In the United States Army, white gloves may be worn by male and female personnel with the Army Service Uniform and the Blue / White Mess Dress and Evening Dress uniforms; they’re also authorized for wear with the Maternity Service Uniform. Additionally, commanders may authorize Military Police to wear white gloves with their Service uniforms.

White gloves are prescribable for Navy Officers and enlisted personnel at the E7 rate (CPO) or higher; E6 and below are permitted to wear white gloves if their wear is prescribed for a particular event, but they are not required to do so. All Marines may wear or carry white gloves with the Evening Dress, Blue Dress, or Blue-White Dress uniforms during winter and summer uniform seasons; in the Air Force, white gloves are prescribed for personnel serving in the Honor Guard (including Arlington National Cemetery Chaplains) and members of USAF Bands (including the Academy band and the various Regional bands). The Coast Guard limits the wear of white gloves to Officers wearing Dinner Dress, Full Dress, and Formal Dress uniforms.