FAQ

Do you have questions about the new Service Dress?

This page provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Decorative outline person wearing uniform

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Project information

With the Belgian Defence Service Dress (BDSD), all Service Dress items are brought together under one integrated contract for all active military personnel and the trained reserve. The project aims to further improve the wearing comfort, uniformity and availability of the Service Dress.

For the Army, a new cut is being introduced, featuring a contemporary appearance that aligns with a modern, professional and operational armed force. The other forces will retain their existing look but will benefit from an optimisation of the fabric and the sizing chart.

Thanks to the new fabric, wearing comfort is improved for all forces. In addition, the expanded sizing chart makes it possible to provide ready-to-wear sizes for approximately 97% of the population regardless of gender. As a result, a made-to-measure Service Dress will only be required in exceptional cases.

The new Service Dress once again aligns more closely with the tradition and history of Defence, with respect for the past and an eye toward the future. The design combines a contemporary appearance with recognisable elements that reflect the military heritage and identity of the Land Component.

Since the beginning of 2026, the consortium, consisting of three companies, has started, in close cooperation with the BDSD project team within DGMR, to finalise the models of the new BDSD clothing for the Land Component. This was done in close cooperation with the protocol service and the Land Component authorities, with respect for the monarchy and its traditions.

Initially, the new Belgian Defence Service Dress (BDSD) is being introduced within the Army. In later phases, the Navy, the Air Force and the Medical Service will also follow.

The Service Dress is intended for all active military personnel and the trained reserve, and is issued as an initial issue item. Candidates receive the SD at the end of their first year of service, after completing their weapons school training. The new Service Dress will be assigned to all active military personnel.

The new Service Dress issue package includes various garments and accessories, tailored to the wearer’s role and personnel category.

For male military personnel, the package include, a jacket with belt, winter trousers, summer trousers, long- and short-sleeved shirts, a winter pullover, headgear (kepi), socks, shoes, a tie, a belt for the pants, a ceremonial belt and the appropriate grades and insignia.

For female military personnel, the package includes a jacket with belt, winter trousers, summer skirt, long- and short-sleeved shirts, a winter pullover, headgear (kepi), pumps, a tie, a belt for the pants, a ceremonial belt and the appropriate grades and insignia.

As a general rule, volunteers are not issued a kepi, except in specific exceptional cases.

The roll-out of the new Belgian Defence Service Dress (BDSD) starts with the Army, for which a new cut has been developed. The other forces will follow. The fitting for these forces will start from Q1 2027 for everyone who has not yet received a Service Dress in the initial issue, with delivery planned from Q3 2027 onwards.

The other forces will retain their current cut and recognisable appearance, but they will benefit from the same quality improvements as the Army. They will also use the new fabric, which increases wearing comfort, as well as the same extensive sizing chart. As a result, 97% of military personnel in these components will also be able to receive ready-to-wear sizes.

The fitting phase for the new Belgian Defence Service Dress (BDSD) runs from 08 June 2026 until September 2026. During this period, military personnel will be fitted at different quarters according to a schedule drawn up in cooperation with the Comdo der Scholen and the Belgian Army Staff, allowing for maximum distribution over time.

The actual distribution of the new Service Dress and the withdrawal from service of the current Service Dress model ’96 are planned for Q1–Q2 2027. The fitting location will also be the distribution location, except in exceptional cases.

Your S4, CSM or the POC of your unit will inform you in due time about the further process and the planning of your fitting appointment.

Recruits who have not received a Service Dress from the Air Force, Medical Service or Navy since 2023, as well as students who were in a training institution during the fitting period, will be able to complete their fitting in Q1 2027, with distribution scheduled for Q3 2027. Further details regarding these arrangements will follow later through an official notice.

During the development of the new Service Dress, a great deal of attention was paid to wearing comfort, for example through the materials used. In addition, innovative and modular systems have been integrated to facilitate the use and replacement of insignia, buttons and other components.

Yes. During the development of the new Service Dress, a strong focus was also placed on sustainability. The fabric quality of the uniforms contains recycled polyester and wool that complies with the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). In addition, most components are labelled according to OEKO-TEX standards. This means that these components were produced under conditions that are safe for people and the environment.

Fitting & planning

If your unit has not yet been scheduled, this is likely because the notes (26-00068000, 26-00080853) have not been consulted or the required information (POC, number of personnel) has not yet been submitted.

We kindly ask you to consult these notes and send the requested information as soon as possible to the mentioned email address mentioned in the notes.

It is possible to try on the new Service Dress after the official fitting period. Further guidelines regarding this will be communicated later.

The Service Dress model ’96 may be worn until 31 March 2029. You will receive only one Service Dress in the initial issue, so the timing of the fitting is important.

It is possible to try on the new Service Dress after the official fitting period. Further guidelines regarding this will be communicated later.

The Service Dress model ’96 may indeed be worn until 31 March 2029. You will receive only one Service Dress in the initial issue, which is why the timing of the fitting is important.

When planning the fitting, personnel are already asked to provide their expected unit as of 01/01/2027 and their anticipated rank as of 01/01/2027. In this way, efforts are made to minimise changes between the fitting and the distribution.

If changes in rank, function or place of employment still occur afterwards, certain components or insignia can, if necessary, be corrected or ordered afterwards through the BEMILSHOP.

In that case, contact the POC of your unit. Together, you can examine which alternative fitting option is available.
The individual measurement sessions will start from 8 June. The detailed schedule will be communicated later through the unit’s POC.
The fitting itself takes on average approximately 30 minutes. During this time, each military member is given sufficient time to carefully determine and assign the correct sizes. Please note, however, that any waiting time upon arrival and registration is not included in this duration.

The fittings are organised over a period of 14 weeks, with a 2-week interruption. The measurements will take place from 08 June 2026 until September 2026 inclusive.

During this period, the fittings will be organised in 11 different barracks. Practical information regarding the fitting location and planning will be provided through the unit’s POC and via note 26-00068000.

Upon arrival, you report to the fitting location, where your registration and identity will be checked. For this, you must bring your military identity card. Without your service number, the fitting cannot take place.

The fitting follows a fixed procedure and scheduled time slots. During the measurement process, the different Service Dress items are fitted in order to determine the correct sizes. For this purpose, you should wear close-fitting clothing (close to skin, such as tights/leggings).

During the fitting, various personal details and uniform elements are also confirmed, such as rank, branch, unit, function and the selection of a maximum of three embroidered badges. It is therefore important to coordinate beforehand with your POC regarding the insignia and badges to which you are entitled.

At the end of the process, you review the overview of the selected sizes and items together with the buddy. After confirmation and signature, your measurement process is completed.

To ensure that the fitting runs smoothly, good preparation is important. You must bring your military identity card and know your service number. Without your service number, the fitting cannot take place and a new fitting appointment will have to be scheduled, possibly at another location.

In addition, it is important that you can correctly confirm the following information:

  • your rank;
  • your current unit;
  • any functions such as RSM, CSM or corps corporal;
  • the choice and priority order of embroidered badges.

In case of doubt, it is best to verify this information beforehand with your CSM or the POC of your unit.

For the measurement session, you should report in close-fitting sportswear so that measurements can be taken accurately and efficiently.

You are requested to wear:

  • a fitted T-shirt;
  • close-fitting running trousers or leggings;
  • if necessary, thermal underwear that fits closely to the body;
  • thin socks.

Loose or bulky clothing is best avoided, as it may affect the fitting and size determination.

During the fitting, measurements are taken by experienced professionals. Based on these measurements, the most suitable size is determined from the extensive sizing chart, ensuring that every military member receives a comfortable and proper fit.

Thanks to the new sizing system and the wide range of ready-to-wear sizes, a suitable standard size will be available for the vast majority of military personnel. Only in exceptional cases, when no suitable ready-to-wear size is possible, may a made-to-measure uniform be provided.

Yes. The fitting is mandatory, as the new Service Dress is imposed through the clothing regulations.

From 1 April 2029 onwards, the current Service Dress model ’96 will no longer be permitted for active military personnel. It is therefore necessary to take part in the measurement process in order to be provided with the new Service Dress in time.

Your branch is generated automatically. Therefore, it is not necessary to know your branch.

The delivery of the new Service Dress ordered during the measurement process is scheduled to take place during Q1 and Q2 of 2027.
The following flowchart was prepared by Bur Expat of DGHR. Questions regarding the scheduling of official travel should be directed to them.
Flowchart Measuring
Flowchart Pick Up

Service Dress & Comfort

Yes. For certain items of the new Service Dress, different fabric qualities adapted to the seasons will be available.

The jacket will be available in a winter version. For the trousers, both summer and winter versions will be available, while for the skirt only the summer version will be available. This ensures that wearing comfort remains optimal in different weather conditions.

A maximum of one badge can be chosen per zone. Think carefully about your choice in advance, so that the fitting can proceed smoothly and without unnecessary delay.

Please pay attention to badges that are not provided through the military supply chain. These will not be attached by the consortium. Before deciding to attach them, please consult DGHR-SPS-INSIGNE-001.

Some of the basic principles of the Service Dress are to project professionalism and dignity.

The medals may be transferred from the current Service Dress model ’96, but they are not included in the roll-out. Medals are not part of the issue package. See clothing regulation DGMR-REG-TENUE-001.

The guidelines for the correct wearing of the Service Dress will be included in the Defence clothing regulations. In addition, further practical information will also be available via the digital platform BDSD.

Through these channels, information can be found regarding, among other things, the wearing of insignia, badges, medals and the correct composition of the uniform.

Orders & Costs

During the distribution in Q1 2027, military personnel will receive the items included in the issue package.

Afterwards, it will be possible to purchase additional items, different sizes or optional clothing, about which further communication will follow, through the BELMILSHOP. These additional purchases will be made using the clothing allowance.

In a first phase, everyone will receive the items included in the issue package. In a later phase, additional items may be purchased through the BEMILSHOP using the clothing allowance.
The SD is Cercopes equipment and is therefore not on loan.

Old Service Dress & Recycling

When collecting the new Service Dress, it will immediately be possible to hand in the old Service Dress model ’96. These items will subsequently be sorted. Depending on their condition, certain pieces will be given a second life or will be recycled or upcycled. Further information on this will follow at a later stage.

he metal badges may be transferred from the current SD, but they are not included in the roll-out. Metal pins are not part of the issue package. See clothing regulation DGMR-REG-TENUE-001.

The exception is the Para A pin; this will be replaced by the embroidered Para A badge. The Para A pin will therefore no longer be worn on the SD.

Delivery & timing

The uniforms fitted during the fitting will be delivered during Q1 and Q2 of 2027. Further timing and planning will be communicated later through the usual channels.

The delivery of the uniforms takes place in the same barracks where the fitting took place. The exact date and practical arrangements for collection will be communicated later through the usual channels.

Contact & Support

How and when can I contact customer service?

Customer service can be reached by telephone from Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 15:00 at +32 9 218 18 50.

In addition, contact can always be made by e-mail at: info@bdsd.be.