As a This Is Who We Are ambassador and a former member of the armed forces, uniforms as an institution in themselves have long interested me. They tend to reflect an organization’s core values, and I have found this to hold true within the Forest Service.

Our uniform is an important part of our identity. While it may have changed throughout our history, with styles and elements shifting for function and comfort, we have a long history of representing the Forest Service through our attire.

There may be a perception among some in our agency that we have become inconsistent or uninformed on how we abide by uniform direction provided in the Forest Service Handbook. With that in mind, I’d like to provide a refresher of the guidance from the handbook.

Appropriate and Required Wear of the Uniform

Criteria for Wearing Uniform:

Forest Service employees and other personnel are authorized to wear the uniform when they have significant, frequent, or recurring contact with the public, or when it is important to establish their authority or identification as agency representatives. This policy applies to all employees, including permanent, seasonal, temporary, and part-time; and other personnel, such as volunteers, including hosted participants, authorized to wear the uniform as noted in section FSH 6509.11k Ch. 40, Section 48.03b.

Conduct while Wearing Uniform:

Uniform wearers must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects credit to the Forest Service. Employees may wear the uniform during off-duty hours when representing the Forest Service in an official capacity. Employees shall use good judgment when wearing the uniform to avoid situations, which may reflect adversely on the Forest Service. Inappropriate conduct or behavior of employees while in uniform, whether on or off duty, may result in disciplinary action (FSM 6170). 

Proper Wear of the Uniform

Appearance and Uniformity:

The uniform is a symbol of the Forest Service and should be worn with dignity and pride.

1. Appearance. Employees in uniform must maintain and wear the uniform in a manner that reflects credit to the Forest Service. The uniform should be neat and clean; should not be frayed or untidy; and should not show excessive wear. 
2. Uniformity. Mixing uniform components with civilian clothing is not permitted except under special circumstances, such as […] wearing safety apparel (such as high visibility rainwear or safety vest). 
3. Obsolete Uniform Components. Obsolete uniform components or components identified as being phased out and discontinued may continue to be worn with the uniform, providing they meet appearance standards unless the Chief determines that the discontinued or obsolete component may no longer be worn with the uniform.

Exceptions to Wearing Uniform

1. Line officers with delegated authority may approve exceptions to wearing the uniform, as follows: 
2. When pregnancy, medical conditions, physical disabilities, or climatic conditions require special consideration; and/or
3. When wearing the uniform would jeopardize the employee's safety or when the visibility of the uniform is not in the best interest of the Forest Service. 

The Uniform as a Symbol of Our Core Values

With field season and public lands visitation at their peak in many parts of the country, this information will hopefully serve as a reminder of how we represent the Forest Service. The uniform is a symbol of our agency’s core values:

1. Wearing the uniform is a reminder to others—and to ourselves—of the proud tradition of public SERVICE we are part of.
2. When we wear the uniform, we invite others to engage and learn with us, reflecting our recognition of the INTERDEPENDENCE at the heart of our collaborative efforts to steward the whole.
3. The Forest Service uniform has always been—and always will be—a symbol, inviting people to join us in answering the call of CONSERVATION
4. When others see the diversity of people who wear the same Forest Service uniform, they see a reflection of our respect for DIVERSITY in all things.
5. Our uniform can be a trusted beacon to help ensure the SAFETY of those who engage with and rely on our national forests and grasslands.

Additional Information & Resources

Ordering the Uniform

When an employee has a work-related need to wear the uniform and has gained approval from their supervisor, their Uniform Allowance can be accessed through the ConnectHR Dashboard, and once submitted, will go to the supervisor listed in Paycheck8 for approval. Approval of this form is needed to access the official uniform catalog.

Uniform Development & Design

If you have ideas or suggestions for modifications to uniform functionality—or other accommodations that could be made—to account for situations that may require special consideration, please contact your regional uniform coordinator. The agency list of coordinators can be found at the following link: https://usdagcc.sharepoint.com/sites/fs-cfo-bfp/Pages/UniformsandSafetyBoots.aspx 

Uniform History & Legacy

For more background and access to broader historical archives on the agency, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/our-history.