When can females carry a handbag with the Army dress uniform?

Females in the Army can carry a handbag with the dress uniform during and after duty hours, which provides flexibility for personal items while maintaining the uniform's professional appearance. This policy allows female soldiers to have necessary personal items accessible while still adhering to the standards of the Army's dress code, ensuring they are prepared for any situation that may arise during or after official duties.

The option that suggests handbags are allowed only during official events is too restrictive, as it does not account for the practical needs of soldiers outside of specific occasions. The idea of carrying a handbag at any time during duty hours overlooks the necessity for a uniform appearance that may not include personal items. Lastly, restricting handbags to when soldiers are off duty does not align with the Army's recognition of the importance of personal items during the course of their duties. Therefore, the correct answer—allowing handbags during and after duty hours—captures the balance between professionalism and practicality for female soldiers in uniform.