Army debuts World War I inspired camo for Navy game
The special uniform for the December 12 matchup pays tribute to the 4th Infantry Division's century of service.
By Tunde Bailey ·
The United States Army football team will wear a special camouflage uniform when it faces the Navy on December 12. The new look honors the 4th Infantry Division, a unit with a history spanning more than 100 years. The 127th meeting between the two schools will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The design features a green color scheme and a pattern that mimics dense ivy foliage. A news release from the Army stated that the visual elements reflect the "dense, ivy-covered foliage of Central and Eastern Europe." This choice directly references the division's legacy of service in that region.
The 4th Infantry Division was established in December 1917 during World War I. It earned the nickname "Ivy Division" due to its Roman numeral designation, IV. The name and symbol of the ivy plant appear on the Army West Point Athena Shield. Players will also wear gloves and cleats that feature the ivy motif.
Specific details on the uniform and equipment pay tribute to the unit's history. The jersey's left shoulder patch displays the unit's insignia. The camouflage green helmet includes a lid with an "IV" decal surrounded by four ivy leaves. The visor's wings bear the division's motto, "Steadfast and Loyal," while the back of the helmet features a 9/11 decal.
Nike designer Jason Cochran explained the intent behind the collaboration. He noted that the service academies exist to serve the country, not just to play football. The numbers and letters on the uniform use a chiseled typography style. This design is inspired by memorials such as the Utah Beach monument.
The nameplate on the back of the jersey reads "IVY SOLDIERS." The letters "IV" appear in white, while the remaining text is green. The game balls used in the match will also feature the 4th Infantry Division's insignia and an ivy-adorned Athena Shield. The swoosh on the balls will match the uniform's green color and pattern.
This marks the 11th consecutive year that Army, the U.S. Military Academy's Department of History and War Studies students, and Nike have created a special uniform for this rivalry. Army coach Jeff Monken described the project as a tremendous source of pride. Navy has not yet announced its uniform for the game.
