V Corps Standards

MISSION
Mission: Victory Corps sustains assurance and deterrence operations, focused on building allies’ and partners’ capability and capacity to respond to crisis, and, if deterrence fails, fights and wins in Multi-domain, Large Scale Combat Operations to reestablish sovereign borders and defend NATO territory.

Vision: As America’s Forward Deployed Corps in Europe, our Soldiers, Airmen, Civilians, and Families are our key to success and empower us to adapt, innovate and drive change. We stand ready to compete in the contact layer, respond to crisis, and should conflict occur, fight and win multi-domain and large scale combat operations. Victory Soldiers will maintain a high state of physical, mental, spiritual, personal, and professional readiness. Through our humility, respect, teamwork, and strong leadership we will build long lasting relationships critical to the success of our mission
INTRODUCTION
MEMORANDUM FOR All Leaders. Soldiers, Airmen, and DA Civilians Assigned, Attached, or OPCON to V Corps.
SUBJECT: V Corps Standards

1. The Victory Standard: The V Corps Standards Book serves as a critical guide for all Victory Corps Soldiers. Outlining the high standards of conduct, appearance, and professionalism expected within V Corps. Each member of the Corps represents the best of the United States Military to our local communities and our partners and Allies in Europe. Victory Corps top two priorities are U.S. Warfighting and NATO Warfighting. The principles and expectations within this book reinforce and showcase the discipline that enables us to focus on those priorities.

2. Professionalism and adherence to these standards are non-negotiable. While the 'Victory Standard' does not encompass every regulation governing Soldiers, it emphasizes key requirements every Soldier is expected to meet.

3. Upholding these standards is foundational to the discipline, morale, and readiness of every V Corps Leader and Soldier. These qualities ensure we remain prepared to execute our mission and assure our Allies. This readiness begins with individual pride and accountability. By taking ownership of our training, maintaining our equipment, and fostering strong teamwork, we lay the groundwork for success.

4. Our Corps' readiness hinges on a commitment to our understanding of the greater purpose of our efforts. Leaders and Soldiers must remain steadfast to doing what is right, even when no one is watching, and supporting one another to achieve our mission.

5. Every Soldier, from Private to Lieutenant General, is encouraged to read and internalize the standards outlined in this book. Together, we will continue to uphold the values and excellence that define V Corps.
V CORPS SONG
The Victory March
When Fifth Corps gets the call to fight,
With tanks and infantry,
The finest troops in all the land will soon make history!
Victory! Victory! Victory!
The fight is won!
Victory! Victory! Victory!
It will be done.
HISTORY
V Corps has been serving the nation in peace and war since 1918. Organized overseas, in France, in World War I, the Corps has spent most of its organizational life outside of the United States, either committed to battle in the two World Wars or on the front lines of freedom in times of uneasy peace.

The Victory Corps distinguished itself in eight campaigns in two World Wars, earning its nickname during the Meuse-Argonne offensive of World War I and validating its reputation for hard, steady fighting at Omaha Beach in June of 1944.

As a major subordinate command of U.S. Army Europe, during the Cold War, V Corps was responsible for executing NATO and other operation plans for the general defense of Germany from any attack by Warsaw Pact forces. In the post-Cold War era, V Corps has participated in numerous other contingency and stability operations, to include leading the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Having provided the staff for Multi-National Corps-Iraq in 2006, V Corps returned to Germany in early 2007… V Corps was tasked and manned its first 149-man Command Post element and deployed it to Afghanistan in the summer of 2009 and deployed its second Command Post package in the summer of 2010. In early 2011, the reconstitution, modularization, and relocation of V Corps from Heidelberg to Wiesbaden Army Air Field (WAAF), Germany, were accelerated. The reconstituted V Corps Headquarters staff deployed to Afghanistan in May and June 2012 to provide command and control for the International Security Force (ISAF) Joint Command (IJC) Headquarters. After its final combat deployment in this incarnation, the Army planned to “reduce” the V Corps Headquarters structure and stated it would not return to Europe. In actuality, the Victory Corps Headquarters redeployed to Germany in May 2013 and was inactivated effective 15 September 2013.

V Corps was reactivated on 16 October, 2020 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Once activated the Corps went through an accelerated training schedule consisting of multiple exercises to include; Victory Glide, Defender 21, and CPX3 culminating with Warfighter 22-1. This rigorous training program enabled the Corps to achieve Fully Mission Capable status within a year, a first for the US Army in the modern era.

In February of 2022 V Corps answered the Nation’s call again and deployed to the European Theater in support of the European Assure, Deter and Reinforce operation as TF Victory following Russia’s incursion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022; calling its first mission after reactivation, Operation Victory Vigilance. For the first time since deactivation in 2013, V Corps returned to Europe in the fall of 2021 with a small contingent of Soldiers consisting of the deputy commanding general for maneuver, a nominative command sergeant major, company commander, and first sergeant. Comprised of service members’ from the corps staff, VCF’s mission at Camp Kusciuzsko, Poland is to conduct operational planning, mission command and oversight of the rotational forces in Europe, supporting Allies and partners, and improving interoperability.
MAJOR CAMPAIGNS
1. Lorraine
2. St Mihiel
3. Meuse-Argonne
4. Normandy (D-Day)
5. Ardennes – Alsace (Battle of the Bulge)
6. Operation Iraq Freedom
7. Operation Enduring Freedom
8. Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce
HQ AND HHBN AWARDS

Meritorious Unit Commendation (2)

Army Superior Unit Award (3)
MOTTO
“It Will Be Done”
-MG Edmund L. Daley
UNIT INSIGNIA AND CREST
Insignia The Corp’s shoulder patch, a pentagon whose points lie on an imaginary circle 2 1/8 inches (5.40 cm) in diameter whose edges are white lines 3/16-inch (.48 cm) in width and whose radial lines are white 1/8-inch (.32 cm) in width, was approved on 3 December 1918. The triangles thus outlined in white are flag blue. The pentagon represents the number of the Corps, while blue and white are the colors associated with Corps flags.

Crest A pentagon forms the centerpiece of its unit crest, more formally known as a Distinctive Unit Insignia. Above the flag-blue pentagon, which consists of five triangles, are two fleurs-de-lis. The one on the left represents France, in honor of the unit's activation there in 1918 (the three stars in the base of the pentagon represent three World War I campaigns).

The fleur-de-lis on the right symbolizes the Corp’s action in France during World War II, with the five radial white lines separating the triangles representing the five campaigns the unit fought in; the line facing up is tipped with an arrowhead denoting the Corp’s role in the D-Day landings and subsequent Normandy campaign. The unit motto, "It Will Be Done", is conspicuously displayed at the bottom.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
- A. Purpose
  Posted 04/10/2025
  As Victory Soldiers, we represent much more than ourselves. Whether in uniform or civilian clothes, Soldiers stand out among the crowd. As representatives of V Corps, the U.S. Army, and the United States, it is vitally important that we maintain the highest standards of personal conduct and appearance. The people of this Nation look to you as examples of the Army Values, and your personal conduct must reflect this.
- B. Conduct in public establishments
  Posted 04/10/2025
  1. 1. When visiting public establishments, be especially courteous. (CONUS OR OCONUS)
  2. 2. Wear proper clothing and dress appropriately. On and Off Duty, you are still a Soldier in the US Army. Hold yourself and others to the highest standards.
  3. 3. Watch your noise level and your language. The Army Values and Warrior Ethos guide us in all aspects of our professional and personal lives.
- C. Do not drink and drive
  Posted 04/10/2025
  The legal drinking age in Kentucky is 21. Soldiers under the age of 21 are prohibited from drinking, on or off post, at any time. This can cost you your career. “Do the right thing”… especially when no one is looking.
  
  1. SM’s in the EAoR will adhere to AR 215-1, paragraph 19-1 and GO #1.
  
  2. Scooters are considered motor vehicles and are held to the same standard.
- D. Fraternization (IAW AR 600-20)
  Posted 04/10/2025
  When interacting with another Soldier of a different grade, each must be careful to avoid creating a perception of undue familiarity. Relationships between officers and enlisted Soldiers or NCOs and junior-enlisted must remain professional at all times. Examples of relationships at risk of becoming unduly familiar may include repeated visits to bars, eating establishments, or homes between Soldiers of different grades. Soldiers should continuously assess whether they are spending an inordinate amount of time off-duty time with any other Soldier and whether it could create a perception of undue familiarity. This prohibition does not apply for social gatherings that involve an entire unit, office, or work section.
  
  All relationships between Soldiers of a different grade are prohibited per AR 600-20, if they:
  1. Compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of supervisory authority or the Chain of Command.
  2. Cause actual or perceived partiality or unfairness.
  3. Involve, or appear to involve, the improper use of grade or position for personal gain.
  4. Are, or are perceived to be, exploitative or coercive in nature.
  5. Create an actual or clearly predictable adverse impact on discipline, authority, morale, or the ability of the Command to accomplish its mission.
- E. Military Customs and Courtesy
  Posted 04/10/2025
  1. 1. The V Corps greeting is “It will be done, Sir or Ma’am.” The response from the officer will be “Victory." When approaching an NCO the appropriate greeting of the day will be rendered, “Good morning, Sergeant” the response from the NCO will be the Unit Motto.
  2. 2. Reveille and Retreat ceremonies.
    1. a. Reveille: When you are outside, in/out of uniform, not in formation and you hear “Reveille,” you should face towards the US flag, if visible. If the U.S. flag is not visible, face towards the music. In any case, assume the position of attention. Soldiers will salute (in uniform) on the first note of music. After Reveille and before conducting PT. If in a vehicle on post, you will stop when the music is heard during Reveille. Military and civilian-attire occupants will dismount their vehicle and render the proper courtesy.
    2. b. Retreat: When you are outside, in/out of uniform, not in formation and you hear “Retreat” you should face towards the US flag, if visible. If the US flag is not visible, face towards the music. In any case, assume the position of attention. Soldiers will salute (when in uniform) when “To the Colors” is played. If in a vehicle on post, you will stop when the music is heard during Retreat. Military and civilian-attire occupants will dismount their vehicle and render the proper courtesy.
  3. 3. Attention and Parade Rest.
    1. a. Victory Soldiers will stand at attention for all officers and parade rest for all NCOs senior to themselves.
    2. b. When a Company Commander or higher enters the work/living area, the Command “Attention” will be called.
    3. c. When a 1SG, SGM, CSM enters the work or living area, the Command “At Ease” will be called.
  4. 4. Salutes.
    1. a. There are ZERO “No Salute Zones” within the V-Corps HQ footprint at Fort Knox.
    2. b. There are ZERO “No Salute Zones” within the V-Corps HQ footprint in Poznan, Poland.
    3. c. Salutes will be exchanged during field training unless specified by the Commander.
    4. d. Salutes will be exchanged outside the PX, post theater, and other congested areas to include under overhangs. All Soldiers, Officer and Enlisted, will render the salute unless the act would be impractical, e.g., arms full of packages, at which time render the appropriate verbal greeting.
    5. e. Salute all standards and flags for senior Officers displayed on military vehicles IAW AR 600-25. When you recognize a superior Officer in a vehicle, you should salute.
  5. 5. National Anthem.
    1. a. When outside in uniform and not in formation, face toward the Colors or music, assume the position of "Attention," and render the hand salute on the first note of the music.
    2. b. Veterans are authorized to render hand salute when the National Anthem is being played.
    3. c. In civilian clothes, stand at "Attention" and place the right hand over the heart or headgear over the left shoulder (if worn) or render the hand salute on the first note.
UNIFORM WEAR AND APPEARANCE
- A. References
  Posted 04/11/2025
  1. 1. AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniform and Insignia, 26 Jan 2021.
  2. 2. DA PAM 670-1 Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, 26 Jan 2021.
  3. 3. SRO/GOFP AoR Uniform Wear Policy - On and Off HN Installation
  4. 4. V Corps Leave and Pass Policy, 13 June 2022
  5. 5. Army Directive 2025-18, Appearance, Grooming, and Army Body Composition Program Standards, 12 September 2025
- B. Purpose
  Posted 04/11/2025
  The Army is a uniformed service where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which the individual wears the uniform prescribed. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by Soldiers is fundamental to the Army and contributes to building the pride and esprit that is essential to an effective military force.
- C. Duty Uniform
  Posted 04/11/2025
  The uniform of the day is prescribed by the commander and is normally the Army Combat Uniform or Improved Hot weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU) in Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). On occasion, other uniforms may be prescribed by the commander (i.e., ASU, field uniform, etc.). Regardless of the uniform, it will be worn IAW AR/DA PAM 670-1.
  1. 1. While in a military uniform, the following items will either be carried or worn at all times
    1. a. Pen and Paper (or notebook)
    2. b. ID Tags
    3. c. ID Card
    4. d. Drivers License
    5. e. V Corp Standards Blue Book
  2. 2. Soldiers are not authorized to walk and smoke cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or electronic cigarettes (vaping devices).
  3. 3. Smoking, dipping or any other use of tobacco is not authorized inside any government facility.
- D. Security Identification Badges
  Posted 04/11/2025
  In restricted areas, commanders may prescribe the wear of security ID badges IAW AR 600-8. Personnel will not wear security ID badges outside the respective building for which they are required. The manner of wear will be determined by the organization that requires wearing the badges as well as appliable policies from the V Corps security office.
- E. ACU and IHWCU in OCP
  Posted 04/11/2025
  1. 1. Uniforms will be worn IAW AR/DA PAM 670-1.
  2. 2. Uniform and boots will present a clean appearance at all times.
  3. 3. Rolled Sleeves on the blouse will be worn IAW AR/DA PAM 670-1.
- F. Field Uniform
  Posted 04/11/2025
  At a minimum, the field uniform consists of the following components:
  1. 1. IOTV/MSV-II with plates and IFAK on the lower left side, the Army Combat Helmet (ACH)/IHPS, gloves, and ballistic glasses or goggles.
  2. 2. Personally procured body armor (BA) is not authorized, only CIF issued BA will be worn.
  3. 3. Reference the BN TAC SOP for more information on tie downs and set up of equipment.
- G. The Physical Fitness Uniform
  Posted 04/11/2025
  1. 1. The Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) is the only authorized uniform for unit physical training during normal training days. The APFU will be worn IAW AR/DA PAM 670-1. Soldiers assigned to the VCF will adhere to local company SOP.
    1. a. Battalion commanders may authorize distinctive unit t-shirts at the battalion and company levels.
    2. b. SAMC/SMC members are authorized and encouraged to wear their SAMC PT shirt on the last duty day of the week to promote excellence and inquiry into the program.
    3. c. The physical training uniform is for physical training and will not be prescribed as a duty uniform unless it is for a specific unit function or attending a medical appointment. PTs may be worn during the duty week (Monday – Friday) in the DFAC for the breakfast meal only, at a shoppette during the hours of 0600-0900 to purchase essential items (such as bread, milk, gas, and emergency auto repair items). Those traveling to and from the installation may stop at an off post establishment for the same type of services. Soldiers may wear the physical fitness uniform to drop off/pick up children at the Child Care Center during the duty week (Monday – Friday) only when it coincides with conducting physical training. In all cases the APFU will be clean and serviceable IAW AR/DA PAM 670-1.
    4. d. Ear buds and/or headphones may be worn in the gym and on turf fields, but are not authorized while running, foot marching, or conducting other outdoor activities while in the PT uniform.
    5. e. Maternity PT Uniform: Pregnant Victory Soldiers will wear PT uniform until the uniform becomes too small or uncomfortable; pregnant Soldiers will then wear civilian athletic attire IAW the Blue Book
- H. Civilian Dress
  Posted 04/11/2025
  Grooming is a matter of pride within the military community. Wearing appropriate civilian attire is a personal responsibility within the parameters of good taste and social acceptability. Mixed military and civilian clothing is prohibited, except those garments authorized by AR/DA PAM 670-1.
  
  The following wear of civilian clothes is prohibited:
  1. 1. Garments, which contain, depict or display any obscene, pornographic, lewd, or lascivious word(s), character(s), picture(s), or symbol(s).
  2. 2. Garments, which contain, depict or display any word(s), character(s), pictures(s) that expressly condone any criminal conduct in violation of federal law or obviously offensive to individuals or groups on the basis of national origin, race, sex, religion, or employment.
- I. Uniform Wear in the MWR Facilities
  Posted 04/11/2025
  If engaging in a physical activity (for example: bowling, billiards, table tennis, basketball) the uniform blouse may be removed while in MWR facilities. The physical fitness uniform will not be worn in MWR facilities except for fitness facilities, unless forward deployed or stationed.
- J. Off-post
  Posted 04/11/2025
  Wearing the duty uniform off post is authorized, as long as the uniform is clean, serviceable, and the Soldier is in the complete uniform at all times. The duty uniform in this paragraph is defined as ACU and IHWCU in OCP. The Army Service Uniform (ASU), Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), and Mess uniforms are authorized for wear off-post.
  1. 1. Exceptions to wearing the duty uniform off post are:
    1. a. OCP will not be worn in off-post establishments, like restaurants or retail locations after normal duty hours (1700). Quick stops can be made after completion of duty for immediate necessity items only.
    2. b. Soldiers will not visit off-post drinking establishments in the duty uniform. NOTE: A drinking establishment is defined as a bar or club that primarily sells alcohol. Restaurants primarily selling food items are not considered drinking establishments.
    3. c. Soldiers appearing in court during the duty day, whether on- or off-post, may wear the ASU or AGSU if warranted with all awards and badges IAW AR/DA PAM 670-1.
    4. d. SM’s at forward locations in Europe will refer to the local uniform policy.
  2. 2. Travel:
    1. a. Personnel traveling on Air Mobility Command and non-Air Mobility Command flights on permanent change of station orders, emergency leave, or space-available flights are authorized to wear civilian clothes. (See DOD 4500.54E for information concerning mandatory wear of civilian clothing in foreign countries.) Personnel on official travel and traveling by commercial travel means will wear the service uniform or appropriate civilian attire. Soldiers may wear the combat uniform on commercial flights only when deploying/redeploying or on rest and recuperation leave to and from the combat theater.
    2. b. Civilian attire while on official TDY travel will, at a minimum, consist of pants/tasteful jeans and tasteful shirt for male Soldiers and pants/tasteful jeans/skirt and tasteful shirt or blouse for female Soldiers. At no time will Victory Soldiers wear offensive clothing while on duty or travelling in a TDY status.
- K. Seasonal Uniforms
  Posted 04/11/2025
  Dependent upon weather conditions, commanders may prescribe cold/warm weather uniforms. Commanders will establish reasonable uniformity throughout their units by applying the following guidance:
  1. 1. The coyote tan fleece is authorized for wear as an outer garment.
  2. 2. The microfleece cap (black or tan) is authorized for wear when either directed by the chain of command or when the temperature (ambient or wind chill) reaches 32º F and below. The V Corps embroidered micro-fleece cap or unit cap is authorized.
  3. 3. Fleece caps are not authorized for wear off Fort Knox, KY, or as a replacement for the PC while at establishments on post. The fleece cap should only be worn when conducting training, maintenance in unit motor pools, or while stationary at a static guard post.
  4. 4. Leaders have the discretion to implement changes to the seasonal uniform requirements as needed.
- L. Black Beret
  Posted 04/11/2025
  The black beret will be the prescribed headgear when directed by the Chain of Command. The black beret will be retained and worn with the ACU and IHWCU in accordance with AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1.
- M. Patches and Tabs
  Posted 04/11/2025
  As America’s only Forward Deployed Corps, all Victory Soldiers will wear the subdued SSI and authorized tabs on the left shoulder, and subdued SSI-MOHC and U.S. flag on the right shoulder. RAF and direct reporting units (DRU) should expedite the intent of this policy by supplying subdued hook-and-pile tape flags to all service members.
  By exception:
  1. 1. Non-subdued (color) patches (SSI and SSI-MOHC), authorized tabs, and U.S. flag will be worn on the left and right sleeves on the last duty day of the work week to display pride and esprit-de-corps.
  2. 2. Non-subdued (color) patches (SSI and SSI-MOHC), authorized tabs, and U.S. flag will be worn on the left and right sleeves during special events such as parades or changes of command/responsibility for those attending and participating in the event/ceremony as directed by the unit commander.
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V Corps Standards

U.S. Army Blue Book