The Army has announced that soldiers will begin wearing the “Army Greens” uniform as early as the summer of 2020, and the entire Army will be wearing the new service uniform by 2028, making official the long-anticipated adoption of the iconic World War II uniform known as “pinks and greens.”

In a statement posted on Veterans Day, the Army said Army Greens will become the everyday business wear uniform for all soldiers, returning the Army Blues Uniform to use as a formal dress uniform. The Army Combat Uniform will remain as the Army’s duty/field uniform.

“The Army Greens will be fielded to soldiers reporting to their first units as early as the summer of 2020. The mandatory wear date for all soldiers will be 2028,” according to the statement. The long transition period is designed to accommodate soldiers nearing retirement.

Army leaders have long advocated for adoption of the uniform worn by America’s “Greatest Generation” in World War II, saying it will inspire “America’s Next Generation” of soldiers and enhance esprit de corps. Leadership has also maintained that the impact of the uniform will play an important role in attracting quality people into the Army at a time when less than 4 percent of American youth are qualified or want to serve.

The new uniform will be “cost-neutral” for enlisted soldiers, to be purchased as part of their annual clothing allowance, and the formal Army Blues Uniform will be optional for enlisted soldiers as it was before the last uniform change 10 years ago. Women will have an option of wearing versions with pants or skirts and will have a choice of corresponding footwear.