Army unveils new uniform ahead of America’s Game

Jason Jones

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Army unveils new uniform ahead of America’s Game image

Every fan and spectator tends to get up for their team’s games. It doesn’t matter the size of the school or its budget. Fans are serious about their teams. The one time most college football fans will set aside their personal loyalties is for the annual Army vs Navy game. There is just nothing quite like the two oldest service academies facing off against each other.

These games typically don’t involve cutting edge offensive and defensive schemes. They are not typically high scoring and very few of the players involved are being scouted for a future in the NFL.

This game is not about playoff seeding or strength of schedule. However, the pageantry and stakes for the combatants are unmatched. From non-player cadets doing pushups on the sidelines to a shared respect between players, the Army vs Navy game is an important part of college football.

According to CBS Sports and the US Army official twitter account, when these two service academies meet for the 95th time annually, Army will wear their "1775" uniforms. Make no mistake about it, the annual Army vs Navy game is an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their respective military history and the country’s history.

It is also an opportunity to promote those branches of military service and recruit. This time not for future football players, but for future soldiers. In recent years, fans have also been given incredible cinematic military recruiting commercials.

On December 13th when Army and Navy meet in Baltimore, Army will be wearing a 1775 inspired uniform. Paying respect to 250 years of service. The US Army, not to be confused with the US Army football program, was founded in 1775. Back then it was referred to the Continental Army and was formed just prior to the Revolutionary War.

The most striking details are found in the font and numbers. The numbers might seem striking and a dramatic detour from years past. However, the font reveals the inspiration. The name plate on the back of the jersey should be familiar to almost every American.

It reads, “The United States Army”. However, the font will remind everyone of another phrase. “We the People”. It is the same font and series of numbers that would be found on an important American document signed one year later in 1776. The US Constitution.

There are several interesting design elements that are clearly intentional. The jersey itself may appear white at first glance. However, upon further investigation, the base color seems to be almost ‘marble-like’. That is to honor those soldiers who have fallen in battle and now reside at Arlington National Cemetery.

Another great subtle detail is a faint purple border around the numbers. The purple is to honor all those soldiers who received a Purple Heart for their contributions in battle.

The helmets also have new details. The side emblem is the US Army seal. That one should be relatively self-explanatory. In previous years, Army has used several helmet logos. From the Airborne patch to the Black Knights logo to crossed sabers to the 1st Armored Division logo and many others throughout history.

In addition, the detail that resides where a helmet stripe might usually be is the image of a spontoon. The spontoon, a pointy ornate metal piece attached to the tip of a spear or half-pike was a commonly used weapon by military officers between the 17th and 19th century, represents the Army as the tip of the spear.  

The 95th annual Army vs Navy game will take place on December 13th from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Navy has had the better record, currently sitting at 7-2. Army has had a less fruitful season with a 5-4 record. When the game kicks off, the records won’t matter. Conference rank won’t matter. This game is about honoring these academies and fighting to the final whistle.

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