full dress uniform
Formal military garb
Full dress uniform is the most formal military attire, worn for ceremonies, state occasions, and official functions.
It typically includes elaborate elements—medals, sashes, swords, ceremonial headgear—that distinguish it from everyday service dress: Officers appeared in full dress uniform for the president's inauguration.
Each branch of military service specifies its own version.
Ceremonial public procession
- galaFestive formal occasion
- state dinnerFormal diplomatic reception meal
- ballSpherical plaything or gala
- receptionAct of receiving guests
commissioning · retirement · funeral · wedding · awards ceremony · military tattoo · trooping the colour
Awards for achievement
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- epaulettesOrnamental shoulder insignia
- sashWaist-worn cloth strip
- badgesWorn symbols of status
braid · cord · lanyard · plume · gorget · cockade · shoulder boards · cuffs
Ceremonial public procession
- honorsRecognition for achievement
- saluteGestural sign of honor
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
review · presentation · commemoration · graduation · coronation · inauguration · memorial · tribute
Plumed ceremonial military cap
- busbyTall fur military cap
- bearskinUrsine pelt or cap
- peaked capVisored hat with flat crown
- service capFormal uniform hat with visor
garrison cap · beret · bicorne · tricorne · pith helmet · kepi · tam o'shanter · turban
parade
Ceremonial public procession
- galaFestive formal occasion
- state dinnerFormal diplomatic reception meal
- ballSpherical plaything or gala
reception · commissioning · retirement · funeral · wedding · awards ceremony · military tattoo · trooping the colour
medals
Awards for achievement
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- epaulettesOrnamental shoulder insignia
- sashWaist-worn cloth strip
badges · braid · cord · lanyard · plume · gorget · cockade · shoulder boards · cuffs · buttons
parade
Ceremonial public procession
- honorsRecognition for achievement
- saluteGestural sign of honor
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
ceremony · review · presentation · commemoration · graduation · coronation · inauguration · memorial · tribute · protocol
shako
Plumed ceremonial military cap
- busbyTall fur military cap
- bearskinUrsine pelt or cap
- peaked capVisored hat with flat crown
service cap · garrison cap · beret · bicorne · tricorne · pith helmet · kepi · tam o'shanter · turban
army
Organized land-based military
coast guard · regiment · battalion · rank · officer · enlisted · general · admiral · colonel · commander
- military traditionssalute, 21-gun salute, saluting, salutes, honor guard
- formalwearball gown, tuxedo, evening gown, formal gown, tux
- West Pointcadets, plebe, plebes, firsties, yearling
full dress uniformcombat fatigues
Military field clothing
battle dress · work uniform · field uniform · service dress · fatigues
full dress uniformcivvies
Non-uniform attire
mufti · street clothes · casual wear · plain clothes · plainclothes
full, fullness, fuller, fullest, dress, dressed, dresses, dressing, dresser