Ahead of one of the greatest rivalry games in all of sports, the Army Black Knights football program has revealed the uniforms the Knights will wear when they take the field to face Navy in Foxboro on Dec. 9.
Army Football Releases “Dogface Soldiers” Special Uniforms
For the 124th edition of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, the Army football team will wear special uniforms honoring the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division.
Inspired by the 3rd Infantry Division, we will honor the Dogface Soldiers and their legacy of excellence. #GoArmy x #ROTM pic.twitter.com/WaK4xkTJrR
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) November 21, 2023
The uniform reveal day for the Army-Navy Game is one of the most hotly-anticipated amongst college football fans, with each year the two programs producing exceptional football artwork that honors the service of the academies while providing a visual treat for fans. Although Army revealed their 2023 uniforms a day after Navy, their design was well worth the extra day’s wait.
Named after the official fight song of the 3rd Infantry Division, the “Dogface Soldiers” uniforms contain several nods to the division and their work in conflicts around the world.
The stunning all-tan with black trim uniform harks back to the work of the 3rd Infantry Division in the desert-strewn landscape of Operation Iraqi Freedom, honoring the 20th anniversary of the division’s participation in the initiation of offensive operations in Iraq. To date, it is the longest and most rapid armored advance since the Second World War.
MORE: Navy Reveals Special Uniforms for Rivalry Game
The color scheme of the special edition Army Football uniforms also corresponds to the camouflage patterns and vehicle paint schemes of that operation in Iraq.
While the Army football special editions that will be used in the 124th edition of the Army-Navy Game honor the anniversary of operations in Iraq, there are also multiple nods to the historic importance of the 3rd Infantry Division in world events.
“Rock of the Marne” is the nickname given to the division during the First World War, when soldiers from the 3rd Infantry overcame a German attack on the banks of the Marne River. The ROTM acronym down the pant leg of the Army football uniform pays homage to a nickname that has lasted for over a century.
The Rock of the Marne.https://t.co/E23tIbFswP#GoArmy x #ROTM pic.twitter.com/XsLd28PTvd
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) November 21, 2023
While the Army football uniforms contain event-specific details such as the ROTM pant embroidery and the Iraq Campaign streamer on the collar, long-standing traditions of the 3rd Division are a central theme to the special edition.
The words “Dogface Soldier” adorn the front of the helmet visor, while “Rocky the Bulldog” replaces the traditional football logo on the side of the helmet. Rocky was a Walt Disney creation dating back to 1965, with Army holding the rights to use the image. Meanwhile, the 3rd Infantry Division patch is prominent on the sleeve.
Army concludes their 2023 college football season against Navy in Gillette Stadium on Dec. 9. Although the Black Knights aren’t bowl eligible this year, they can still capture the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy with a win over the Midshipmen in the season-ending showdown against their bitter service academy rival.