IDF Soldiers to Resume Wearing Dress Uniforms at Official Ceremonies After Nearly Three Years

After nearly three years of not wearing dress uniforms at official events due to the war, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that soldiers will return to wearing their formal dress uniforms (Madi A) during ceremonies. According to military orders, conscripted soldiers will wear these uniforms at state ceremonies, national events, official occasions led by top state officials, command handover ceremonies, graduation ceremonies at the main training base (Bahad 1), and during military completion courses, as well as at funerals and memorials.

Additionally, the dress uniform will be worn at official receptions for commanders and foreign military delegations, military assemblies, heritage evenings, official civilian appearances on behalf of the IDF, including conferences and public events outside military bases. It will also be used at rank promotions, awards ceremonies, oath-taking, pinning ceremonies, unit openings and closings, and other events designated by the IDF's Discipline and Order Branch or commanders.

The IDF stated that this move aims to restore emphasis on military appearance and representation at official events, reinforcing adherence to dress and ceremony protocols alongside a return to routine and military traditions. In April 2025, the IDF had announced that combat soldiers could wear tactical uniforms outside bases, while preserving dress uniforms for ceremonies and special events. Non-combat soldiers may wear service uniforms (Madi B) outside bases with commander approval, and permanent staff will wear Madi B, with plans to introduce dedicated uniforms featuring name tags, the Israeli flag, and unit patches.

This announcement follows other recent IDF reforms, including the dismantling of company symbol posts by combat soldiers who subsequently left their bases, signaling ongoing changes within the military structure and culture.