DA PAM 670-1: 20-2. Bags, backpacks, handbags, and purses

20-2. Bags, backpacks, handbags, and purses

a. Wear policy for bags, backpacks, handbags, and purses not addressed in this paragraph can be found in AR 670–1.

b. Soldiers may carry authorized bags by hand, on one shoulder using a shoulder strap, or over both shoulders using both shoulder straps. Soldiers may not wear a shoulder bag in such a manner that the strap is draped diagonally across the body with the bag resting on the hip opposite the shoulder holding the strap. The bag must be black or match one of the colors of the authorized camouflage patterns when wearing the ACU and Class B uniforms.

c. Handbag, clutch-type, leather, polyurethane, or vinyl.

(1) Type. The handbag is an optional purchase item.

(2) Description. The handbag is made of leather, polyurethane, or vinyl in a commercial design with a zipper, snap, or envelope-type closure.

(3) How worn. Female Soldiers may carry the clutch-type handbag with the female ASU, AGSU, and dress variations and with the utility uniforms while in a garrison (nonfield) environment. The leather version of this handbag is authorized for use with the female ASU, AGSU, and dress variations during and after duty hours. The black leather handbag is worn with the ASU. The brown leather handbag is worn with the AGSU.

d. Handbag, fabric or leather, dress.

(1) Type. The handbag is an optional purchase item.

(2) Description. The handbag is untrimmed, in leather or fabric, of a commercial design, envelope or clutch-type, with or without a chain or strap.

(3) How worn.

(a) Female Soldiers may carry the leather handbag with the female ASU, AGSU, and dress variations during and after duty hours. The black leather handbag is worn with the ASU. The brown leather handbag is worn with the AGSU.

(b) Female Soldiers may carry the fabric handbag with the white and blue mess and evening mess uniforms. It is also authorized for use with the ASU, AGSU, and dress variations after duty hours.

e. Handbag, fabric or leather, white, dress.

(1) Type. The handbag is an optional purchase item.

(2) Description. The handbag is untrimmed, in white leather or fabric, of a commercial design, envelope or clutch-type, with or without a chain or strap. The handbag and shoes must be made of the same or similar material.

(3) How worn. Female Soldiers may carry the fabric or leather white dress handbag with the Army all-white mess uniform during and after duty hours.

f. Handbag, shoulder.

(1) Type. The handbag is a one-time cash allowance item as part of the initial clothing bag allowance.

(2) Description. The handbag is a commercial design in polyurethane or leather with a shoulder strap attached.

(3) How worn. Female Soldiers may carry this handbag with the female ASU, AGSU, and dress variations and with utility uniforms while in a garrison (nonfield) environment. Female Soldiers may carry the bag in the hand or wear it over one shoulder. Soldiers may not wear the shoulder bag in such a manner that the strap is draped diagonally across the body with the purse resting on the hip opposite the shoulder holding the strap.