The Language of a Uniform
Throughout history, uniforms have communicated significant information without words: where a person comes from, what their job is, and even what you are supposed to think when you see them. In the modern day, this type of non-verbal language is highly curated.
Rank
A person’s rank in the military describes how they relate to others. They may have authority over numerous members or answer to specific individuals, depending on their rank, as indicated by their uniform.
In the US, the Army combat uniform is well-known: camouflage green and brown with a billed hat. The rank is directly stated via epaulettes (shoulder patches) or above the left pocket. This allows anyone who sees the individual to immediately, without words, understand how that person relates to them, whether as a figure of authority, someone they can command, a peer, or even an individual with specific skills. Gold and silver stars indicate a senior officer’s rank, with both the color and number reflecting their level, while lower-ranked service members use gold or silver bars. Such clear visuals provide simple communication faster than words.
Role
Within a service member’s rank, they also have a specific role to fulfill. In the U.S. military, patches or tabs communicate this information. This is one part of the uniform that does rely on explicit written language: Airborne, Ranger, Special Forces, U.S. Army, and many others. Being able to identify a person’s role quickly allows for streamlined operations and greater safety during military operations.
Social status
While military uniforms are primarily meant as a form of non-verbal communication among peers in the military, they confer some level of social status as well. A person’s decorations, such as a distinguished service cross, indicate their place as an honored member (in the case of the cross, for extraordinary gallantry and risk of life in actual combat). This may also speak to that person’s character or interests, providing subtextual information without words.
More Covert Communicative Functions
Much of what a military individual wants you to know about them is placed directly on their uniform so that you can gather information without needing to say a word. This is, of course, useful during military engagements when speaking may not be feasible or safe, but it is also simply an efficient method of consistent language. However, uniforms say a lot more than just what is printed directly on them or attached with a badge or epaulette.
Color psychology
Color psychology is a field of study examining how colors affect the human mind (e.g., perception, behavior, opinion, and more). In the US military, the green and earth tones found in the Army, Marines, and some other groups are used for camouflage, to be certain, but they also communicate other ideas. Greens and browns are closely tied to a grounded, utilitarian feel, which conveys a sense of function and efficacy; if you see soldiers in these colors, your mind believes that they are hardy and ready to do business.
Contrast this with the powerful effect of the Navy’s dress whites. Because white stains so easily, the brain immediately associates wearing this outfit with discipline and control, with the outfit itself functioning as a test of self-governance. White is also closely tied to ideas of nobility and purity, prompting a more favorable view of the Navy individuals wearing it.
Shapes and lines
In many branches of the military, taking care of one’s uniform is not just a daily task. It is an essential behavior and representation of one’s effort in the same manner as completing physical challenges. Clean, pressed lines with crisp edges are their own form of communication, indicating a precise attention to detail that the brain may extrapolate to the individual’s martial or tactical skill. While not always true, it tends to be the case that the higher-ranking an individual, the sharper and cleaner the lines of the uniform. The message to civilians becomes: we are trustworthy, professional, and in control.
However, just because a uniform is not crisp and tight does not mean it loses its subtextual function. The baggy outfits of enlisted army individuals, for instance, serve as an indicator of practicality and adaptability. Their silhouette says that this is a person ready for any situation. Additionally, the more vague outline with repeating camouflage patterns helps the person blend in with others in their unit. Is this valuable on the battlefield? Sure. However, when the latent message is “a soldier” instead of “this soldier,” the uniform itself encourages cohesion within the unit, with no soldier standing above the rest.
Whether the military is currently serving a tactical purpose, operates primarily for aesthetics, or something in between, the latent communication of a uniform continues to send its message. However, the military is far from the only place that hosts language without words or sounds. Are there any other areas where you might be communicating without even realizing it?
