Operational Warfighter Leader Uniform

OWLP Uniform

One Shepherd Regiment uniforms are steeped in tradition and function. All members are required to wear our uniforms in proper keeping with the Regiment’s standard. Uniforms are a Warrior responsibility for care and maintenance. The One Shepherd Dress Uniform (1SDU) will be provided to Warriors registered for the OWLP semesters. The Class B is issued at the STAFFEX weekend of the first semester; the Class A “Ike” jacket is issued at the STAFFEX weekend of the third semester.

The following standards set forth a new tradition for the One Shepherd Regiment. A reference for the One Shepherd standard is established with Army Regulation 670-1 (AR 670-1). However, One Shepherd reserves the right to vary from the U.S. Army standard as necessary.

I. History

One Shepherd uniform traditions and standards date back to May 1981. The Regiment has two combat uniforms – Opposing Force (OPFOR) uniform in solid olive drab green, and Blue Force (BLUFOR) uniform that has evolved through numerous changes over the decades. In 1982 the need for a BLUFOR uniform was apparent, and the USMC “frog” or “duck hunter” camouflage pattern uniforms of World War II era were ubiquitous and available. This quickly changed to M81 Woodland by 1983, then to Woodland Type II, Tiger Stripe in the mid-1990s, and back to Woodland starting in 2005. Staff officers and cadre instructors have also sought to visually set themselves apart from the Warriors in training. Staff and cadre historically wear the solid olive green uniform but are distinguished by Army/USAF patrol caps or Navy/USMC 8-point covers in either green to designate staff officers, or black to denote cadre instructors.

These hard-won traditions are worn with pride. Insignia includes earning the Regiment patch, skill tabs, and the coveted Lightfighter scroll. These standards are part of our current doctrine.

II. Intent of the Dress Uniform

The aforementioned uniform standards address the needs of both the Warrior Leader Program and the Cadre Development Program. Yet, as the One Shepherd Regiment grows, so too does our curriculum. The Battle Staff Program will soon transform into the Operational Warfighter Leader Course (OWLP). The OWLP calls for a new uniform standard.

First, a One Shepherd Dress Uniform (1SDU) pays dividends in differentiating the OWLP from the other two programs in the Regiment. The Alpha uniform looks different. This uniform is clearly intended for a different operating environment than a combat uniform. That fact emphasizes the unique nature of operational warfighting as a separate competency.

Second, the 1SDU presents a barrier to entry for the OWLP. This is similar in manner that the requirement of OPFOR, BLUFOR uniforms and field gear present a barrier to entry for the Warrior Leader Program (WLP). Generally speaking, a “barrier to entry” is viewed in negative terms. That’s understandable. However, a financial barrier to entry has also been shown to produce brand loyalty and repeat patronage. This is indeed healthy for the Regiment!

Third, the 1SDU may offer a more professional appearance when promoting, briefing, or otherwise collaborating with other martial organizations – schools, emergency services, or military units. There are benefits to the One Shepherd Regiment maintaining and standardizing a dress uniform that go beyond what we currently understand. After all, One Shepherd would not be the first non-government educational program to have a dress uniform tradition. Simply consider the Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, and the military cadet traditions of Norwich University, Texas A&M University, and Virginia Tech University. All are fine traditions.

III. One Shepherd Regiment Symbology

One Shepherd Regiment Patch

Two red arrows meet force-on-force within a white field. The event takes place under a blue sky. Emblazoned in gold text is the Infantry motto “FOLLOW ME.” From this event emerges a gold number “1” embodying one Warrior, one Leader, and one Shepherd. Red represents force. White represents integrity. Gold represents value. Blue represents our Infantry tradition. The black trim is a persistent reminder of the dark characteristic of force.

One Shepherd Regiment Crest

An armored shield depicts two red arrows meeting force-on-force in a white field. From this event emerges a gold number “1.” The shield is draped in a sky blue ribbon with the Latin declaration “Bellator, Princeps, Pastor.” The Latin translates to English as “a Warrior, a Leader, a Shepherd.” Infantry crossed rifles are impressed at the bottom of the ribbon, below the shield.

One Shepherd Regiment Flash

Four white arrows thrust out in cardinal directions to share the reputation and value of One Shepherd Leadership Institute. White again represents integrity – our story and reputation are never forced on others. Red represents force, the conceptual notion of resistance to the idea and existence of the our school and Regiment. When the Regiment crest is worn center of the flash, three diamonds are formed top, left, and right to symbolize our three academic programs – Warrior Leader Program, Operational Warfighter Leader Program, and Cadre Development Program. In the bottom diamond is positioned the crossed rifles of our Infantry traditions.

IV. One Shepherd Alpha Uniform

The U.S. Army recently re-introduced the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU). This is a uniform style introduced in the mid-1930s that gain notoriety during the Second World War, and was maintained as the principle Army uniform until 1957 when the Class A Service Green Uniform was introduced. However, the Army has seen fit to bring back into service this beloved uniform.

The AGSU forms the core of the One Shepherd Dress Uniform (1SDU) with notable exception that One Shepherd wears only the “Ike jacket” – and not the standard coat jacket of the AGSU:

  • AGSU Garrison Cap
  • AGSU Ike Jacket, Officer – NOT the full length suit jacket
  • AGSU Shirt, Officer (Long-Sleeve and Short-Sleeve are authorized)
  • AGSU Necktie
  • AGSU Trousers (Skirt is authorized for females)
  • AGSU Belt & Buckle
  • AGSU Brown Low Quarter Shoes
  • AGSU Socks
  • Brown Dress Gloves (Optional)

NOTE: No insignia of the Regiment will indicate the US military, rank, or MOS qualification! The 1SDU is agnostic of military service when employed for service in the One Shepherd Regiment.

V. One Shepherd Bravo & Tropic Uniform

One Shepherd Bravo Uniform

Flowing from the established 1SDU that is predicated on the existed AGSU, the One Shepherd Bravo uniform (a.k.a. Bravos or Class-B) simply removes the Ike jacket from the uniform:

  • AGSU Garrison Cap
  • AGSU Shirt, Officer (Long-Sleeve and Short-Sleeve are authorized)
  • AGSU Necktie
  • AGSU Trousers (Skirt is authorized for females)
  • AGSU Belt & Buckle
  • AGSU Brown Low Quarter Shoes
  • AGSU Socks

Warriors wearing the Bravo uniform display only the following insignia:

  1. National Flag, Color
  2. 1S Regiment Patch, Color
  3. AGSU-Style Name Plate, Tan Text on Brown Plate
  4. Optional: Green or Black Epaulettes – if earned

One Shepherd Tropic Uniform

The 1S Tropic uniform is worn only below Interstate 10 in the US east and Midwest, and below Interstate 20 in the US southwest from 1 April through 1 October each year. Flowing from the established 1SDU that is predicated on the existed AGSU, and similar to the Bravo uniform, the One Shepherd Tropic uniform simply removes the Ike jacket from the uniform:

  • AGSU Garrison Cap
  • AGSU Shirt, Officer (Short-Sleeve Only)
  • AGSU Necktie (Evenings Only)
  • AGSU Trousers (Skirt is authorized for females)
  • AGSU Belt & Buckle
  • AGSU Brown Low Quarter Shoes
  • AGSU Socks

Warriors wearing the Tropic uniform display all of the same insignia worn on the Ike jacket, but transferred to the short sleeved shirt. (See Section VI Basic Devices; Section VII Earned Devices; and Section VIII Other Martial Awards of the uniform standard.)

NOTE: No insignia of the Regiment will indicate the US military, rank, or MOS qualification! The 1SDU is agnostic of military service when employed for service in the One Shepherd Regiment.

VI. 1SDU Insignia – Basic Devices

1. Nation-State Flag

The size of each nation’s flag patch varies, but generally 2 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide. The national color flag patch (e.g. reverse US) is sewn centered on the right shoulder of the jacket, as high as possible, but maintaining ½ inch from the nearest inseam of the top of the sleeve.

2. One Shepherd Regiment Patch

The full color Regiment patch is sewn centered on the left shoulder of the Ike jacket, as high as possible, but maintaining ½ inch from the nearest inseam of the top of the sleeve.

3. One Shepherd Regiment Flash

The full color Regiment flash is sewn on the left side of the garrison cap, 1 inch back from the front fold, centered between the piping and the bottom of the cap. This shield shaped flash is worn in conjunction with the Regiment crest, pinned in the center of the flash.

The oval flash is worn in conjunction with any earned tab – One Warrior, One Leader, or the One Shepherd triple tab. The oval flash is worn high on the left side of the chest, ½ inch above the top of earned ribbons or left pocket. The tab is pinned center of the oval flash.

NOTE: The 1S Regiment repurposes the 618th Combat Engineer beret and oval flash for the sake of our uniform. This is a shield-shaped flash plus oval, red with a white diamond in the center.

4. One Shepherd Regiment Crest

The Regiment crest is worn two places on the uniform. First, it is worn on the garrison cap, centered on the shield flash. Second, it is worn centered, 1 inch above the right breast pocket seam without flash backing.

5. Name Plate

The AGSU name plate, tan lettering on brown plastic, is worn on the Ike jacket. The name plate is pinned on the right breast pocket flap, centered left and right, plus centered top and bottom of the pocket flap. The text protocol for the name plate is the same as it is for name tapes on the combat uniforms – initial of first name, period, space, last name. Use only capital letters.

6. United States Volunteer

The gold USV insignia is worn on both collars of the 1SDU Ike jacket, centered and canted at 90 degrees perpendicular with the seam apex. Foreign Warriors may wear the USV insignia, or an appropriate equivalent. Custom-made Citizen Martial Volunteer (CMV) is recommended.

NOTE: The aforementioned insignia are the minimum worn for every Warrior of the Regiment.

VII. 1SDU Insignia – Earned Recognition

1. Lightfighter Scroll

Warriors who have completed all requirements for recognition as a “Lightfighter” are authorized to wear the scroll beneath the Regiment patch. The scroll is sewn flush, seam-to-seam centered beneath the Regiment patch on the left shoulder of the uniform.

2. One Warrior Ribbon

Warriors who have completed all requirements for recognition as “One Warrior” wear the ribbon alone or on a rack centered above the left jacket pocket, ¼ inch above the seam. Additionally, the One Warrior tab is worn centered on the oval flash, ½ inch above the ribbon.

3. One Leader Ribbon

Warriors who have completed all requirements for recognition as “One Leader” wear the ribbon on a rack closer to the heart (center line) than the One Warrior ribbon. The One Leader tab is worn centered on the oval flash, ½ inch above the ribbon rack.

4. Cadre Instructor Ribbon

Warriors who have completed all requirements for recognition as “Cadre Instructor” wear the ribbon on a rack closer to the heart (center line) than the One Leader ribbon.

5. Operational Warfighter Ribbon

Warriors who have completed all requirements for recognition as “Battle Staff” wear the ribbon on a rack closer to the heart (center line) than the One Leader Ribbon, or on a second rack.

6. Triple Tab & Oval Flash

Warriors who have completed all requirements of the Warrior Leader Program AND EITHER the Cadre Development Program and/or Operational Warfighter Leader Program wear the “Triple Tab” as recognition. The triple tab is worn center on the oval flash, ½ inch above the ribbon rack. Two One Shepherd tabs are worn on the jacket’s left and right lapel to secure epaulettes (black or green, respectively). They are position ½ inch from the epaulette’s outer edge, parallel to the jacket’s sleeve seam, read from the side.

7. Funis Domini

Warriors wear the “Cord of the Master” in recognition of completion of WLP, OWLP, and CDP, plus service to the Regiment as either staff or instructor. Funis Domini is worn on the right shoulder, fastened to the jacket epaulette.

8. Service Ribbon

Staff Officers and Cadre Instructors who serve the Regiment for a two-year period wear the “Service” ribbon on a rack closer to the heart (center line) than the Cadre Instructor ribbon or Operational Warfighter ribbon, or on a second rack. NOTE: For sake of this recognition, the official date starts at entry into either the CDP or OWLP, as long as the Warrior actively participates as staff or instructor. The bronze oak leaf device denotes staff service, and the silver oak leaf device denotes instructor service. When both devices are worn, the silver is worn closer to the heart (center line).

15. Ten-Year Service Ribbon

Staff Officers and Cadre Instructors who serve the Regiment for a ten-year period wear the “Ten-Year Service” ribbon on a rack closer to the heart than the Service ribbon, or on a second rack. NOTE: For sake of this ribbon, the official date begins at the Warrior’s entry into the Regiment (e.g. WBC). The gold star device is worn for every subsequent ten years of service.

VIII. 1SDU Insignia – Other Martial Awards & Affiliations

A single (1) insignia from other martial organizations may be worn on the 1SDU. Such insignia falls into two classifications – either skill recognition or martial affiliation. Skill identifiers are worn on the left breast pocket flap, centered left-to-right and ½ inch below the upper pocket seam. Martial affiliations are worn on the right breast pocket, centered left-to-right and centered top-to-bottom on the pocket. Patches may be either sewn or attached with a pin, including skill identifiers when appropriate.

ONLY ONE INSIGNIA IS WORN AT A TIME – left pocket flap, or right pocket. Warrior’s choice.

Examples of Skill Identifier:

  • Eagle Globe & Anchor (Officer, Enlisted)
  • Airborne Paratrooper Wings
  • Air Assault Trooper Wings
  • Pathfinder Wings
  • Aviator Pilot Wings
  • Aircraft Crewman Wings
  • Scuba Badge
  • Marksman Badge (Expert, Sharpshooter)
  • Driver Mechanic Badge
  • Law Enforcement Officer Device
  • Firefighter Device
  • EMT Device
  • Radio Operator Device
  • Engineer Device (Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Nautical)

Examples of Martial Affiliation:

  • Military Regiment, Brigade, or Division Patch
  • Police, Fire Department, Ambulance Service Patch
  • DOD or First Responder Contracted Services
  • Affiliation Patches may be fastened with Martial Device:
    • Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Navy Pin
    • Military Occupational Specialty Pin
    • SOF/RANGER Tab Pin
    • EIB/CIB Pin
    • ESB/CAB Pin
    • EFMB/CFMB Pin
    • RECONDO/SCOUT/SNIPER Tab Pin
    • Engineer or Medical Pin

Operational Warfighter Leader Program Packing List