The sword belt for officers is of tan leather with a cross strap over the right shoulder and diagonally to the left side above the hip, very similar to the British “Sam Browne” belt. It is worn by officers at all times when on duty in service uniform.
The enlisted men of the French Army have service uniforms of the same color as those for officers. The uniform consists of a single-breasted sack coat, with standing collar and a patch pocket with buttoned flap on each side below the waist, cut to fit easily; breeches cut full above and close fitting below the knees; wrap puttees of cloth of the same color as the coat and breeches; tan leather shoes; and a plain cap of the kepi pattern with sloping visor.
The Algerian troops wear uniforms of the same design but of khaki-colored cloth and very loose “Zouave” style breeches.
The Colonial Infantry wear service uniforms of the same design as those for the home troops but of khaki-colored material.
Mounted troops and field artillery wear tan leather boots or tan leather leggings and shoes.
The overcoat for enlisted men is single-breasted, reaching a little below the knee, with side pockets, and fitted to have the skirts buttoned back from the front so as not to interfere with the freedom of the legs in marching. The overcoats are of the light blue-gray cloth.
The rank of noncommissioned officers is indicated by short stripes of cloth worn diagonally across the outer side of the coat sleeves between the elbow and the lower edge, as follows:
| Sergeant Major | Three stripes of dull gold braid. |
| Sergeant | Two stripes of dull gold braid. |
| Corporal | Two stripes of cloth of the distinctive color of the arm of the service. |
| First class private | One stripe of cloth of the distinctive color of the arm of the service. |
The arm of the service to which an enlisted man belongs is shown by color patches upon the collar on both sides of the front opening. These patches are of yellow for infantry, blue for cavalry, red for artillery and black for engineers, and have the number of the regiment upon them in black figures for infantry, white for cavalry and artillery, and red for engineers. Aviators wear an insignia consisting of two eagle’s wings upon each side of the collar.
The belts, belt suspender straps and cartridge boxes are of tan leather, though webbing is also in use. The water bottle (canteen) is covered with cloth of the same color as the uniform.