U.S. Army considers new uniforms

Staredge · Dec 13, 2008

dhermann1 said:
Staredge: My apologies for besmirching the CAP. They're a great outfit.

lol No worries. I spent most of my youth planning on a military career that for a number of reasons never happened.....a fact which brings me a great deal of pain to this day. That's part of the reason I defend the CAP so strongly...it's the closest I came. As I said though..we were a special unit. We did hold ourselves to a higher standard. We did our best to uphold the finest traditions of the military. Many CAP units resemble your remark.

Now...mission wise??? It is a fantastic organization.

DocMustang · Dec 13, 2008

Otium said:
Sadly Johnsons in Annapolis went under and no longer sells the straw framed combination covers though you can get them online. That was another wad of cash well spent, very comfy.

Johnsons is gone?! I am very sad to hear that. Are the combination covers they sell now the same as the one's available in their storefront? I almost picked one up for my wedding but I had already spent way too much on groomsman's gifts to justify the expense. I had planned to gift one to myself once I graduated from Medical School.

What makes the Abbot khakis and whites so great? The one thing that gets me about navy uniforms is all the damn polyester. If I thought I could pull it off I would have my Choker's made out of silk gaberdine rather than CNT. But I am afraid the regs are quite specific polyester and nothing else.

Doc

TopGumby · Dec 13, 2008

Very interesting thread. Some thoughts from a retired Marine Corps MSgt -

Tradition is a weapon, too.

It's called the service for a reason. The public deserves the respect shown by wearing a proper off duty uniform when in public. At the end of my career we got boots you didn't polish and utility uniforms you didn't iron. Great stuff for on base or in the field, but IMHO that only increases the need for wearing a dressier uniform off base.

I'll probably go to my maker wearing my Blues, and I'm glad that the Marine Corps stays closer to tradition when authorizing uniforms. I enjoy interservice rivalry as much as anyone, but I do hope the US Army gets something that looks as good. The public and the fine soldiers of the Army deserve it, but I hope they look to thier own proud past and not to the other services for inspiration.

My hat is off to all those currently serve. Fair winds and following seas to you!

Widebrim · Dec 13, 2008

TopGumby said:
Very interesting thread. Some thoughts from a retired Marine Corps MSgt -

Tradition is a weapon, too.

It's called the service for a reason. The public deserves the respect shown by wearing a proper off duty uniform when in public. At the end of my career we got boots you didn't polish and utility uniforms you didn't iron. Great stuff for on base or in the field, but IMHO that only increases the need for wearing a dressier uniform off base.

I'll probably go to my maker wearing my Blues, and I'm glad that the Marine Corps stays closer to tradition when authorizing uniforms. I enjoy interservice rivalry as much as anyone, but I do hope the US Army gets something that looks as good. The public and the fine soldiers of the Army deserve it, but I hope they look to thier own proud past and not to the other services for inspiration.

My hat is off to all those currently serve. Fair winds and following seas to you!

Well, we are looking back to our past with the selection of the Dress Blue uniform as the new Class A, but the inclusion of the white short sleeve shirt is foolish. Light gray or khaki would have been much more preferable. In addition, the service cap should be issued for enlisted-men, and not the beret. Even though I'm no longer in, if I ever put on my Blues for a ceremony, it'll be my old style ones, with my service cap.

Harp · Dec 13, 2008

TopGumby said:
Very interesting thread. Some thoughts from a retired Marine Corps MSgt -

Tradition is a weapon, too.

Amen, Gunny.

Lone_Ranger · Dec 13, 2008

DocMustang said:
I come from one of those families where joining the military is just a part of life. I learned to read a uniform shortly after I learned to swim and cannot recall a time in my life when I could not do both. When my father retired from the US Army as a Colonel, he hosted a dining out (formal military dinner party) and all of the myriad relations dusted off their mess dress uniforms and showed up. I was in the army at the time (been both blue and green in my time) and wore the enlisted mess dress blues (a rare sight but directed by the Colonel) We all felt pretty sharp looking until cousin Vince shows up in his Marine Officer's Mess dress with boat cloak. His arrival was well timed the room seemed to part before his matador splendor. With a practiced flourish of Blue and Red he removed his cloak and handed it to the coatroom attendant. It was one of the coolest things I have seen outside of film. I have wanted one of my own ever since.

Doc

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Henry_William_Paget00a.jpg

I think the Army should bring back the Hussar uniform. At least for the cavalry. The Marine boatcloak doesn't come close to a Hussar dolman, with the ornamental braid, and a fur lined pelisse slung over one shoulder. Then again, the busby is a bit much, and it really wouldn't work with a beret, would it? [huh]

Widebrim · Dec 13, 2008

Lone_Ranger said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Henry_William_Paget00a.jpg

I think the Army should bring back the Hussar uniform. At least for the cavalry. The Marine boatcloak doesn't come close to a Hussar dolman, with the ornamental braid, and a fur lined pelisse slung over one shoulder. Then again, the busby is a bit much, and it really wouldn't work with a beret, would it? [huh]

As an Infantryman who served with the Cavalry, I second that motion!:eusa_clap

Lone_Ranger · Dec 13, 2008

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. (Though they have adopted the hussar uniform)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqPKBT6DDd8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw7jeXy17KQ

In all seriousness. I think a ceremonial dress uniform is all the more important, now, because the uniform of the day is battle dress. There's something to be said for esprit de corps .

Otium · Dec 13, 2008

DocMustang said:
Johnsons is gone?! I am very sad to hear that. Are the combination covers they sell now the same as the one's available in their storefront? I almost picked one up for my wedding but I had already spent way too much on groomsman's gifts to justify the expense. I had planned to gift one to myself once I graduated from Medical School.

What makes the Abbot khakis and whites so great? The one thing that gets me about navy uniforms is all the damn polyester. If I thought I could pull it off I would have my Choker's made out of silk gaberdine rather than CNT. But I am afraid the regs are quite specific polyester and nothing else.

Doc

Johnson's is gone. Apparently they just weren't profitable enough. You can still buy the combination covers online and I like mine, but be careful, sizing on handmade covers isn't as exact as the plastic crap at the NEX. I'm a 7 3/8 but I had to get a 7 1/2 Johnson's. Nonetheless, it is actually comfortable to wear which I can't say for most others.

Abbotts khakis are just a softer, nicer material. Oh they are still polywools, but if you request a fabric sample then compare it to the NEX you know right away which is more comfortable after hours of wear. Both styles of pant are fully lined making them more comfortable, and in the whites case, less see through! For actual use, I'd get Abbotts khakis, everything else from the NEX.

Incidentally, I've decided against the boat cloak. Last night I had a black tie event where I wore my mess dress and realized that I just don't like that uniform enough to justify a cloak I could only use with it. There are better ways to frivolously spend that much and get more use out of it.

bonnieprince · Dec 19, 2008

I think the WWI pilot uniforms for the Army were the best Army uniforms ever. This is a picture of Eddie Rickenbacker in his dashing uniform. These would probably cost too much however.

draws · Dec 19, 2008

I'm a bit biased. I think it's a toss-up between the early Army Air corps, the Polish Lancer (with variations) and pre-WWII officer's uniform.

Otium · Dec 20, 2008

bstrickmma said:
Shipmate, I wore my cloak last weekend as well to the Naval War College Holiday Ball out at Rosecliff Mansion (it was cold and I actually needed it as well). Always nice seeing another "O" who appreciates the finer things in life.

BTW, there are other options to paying $600 at the Marine Shop. I got my cloak off of craigslist for 1/2 that. Keep your eyes out and one will turn up eventually.

Best Wishes,
Ben Strickland, LCDR, USCG

Now a find like that would be awesome. I wonder how many years I would have to wait to find a jewel like that. Incidentally I was at a function when I would have loved that cloak, mess dress to nothing to keep the lower half warm!

bstrickmma · Dec 20, 2008

Otium said:
Now a find like that would be awesome. I wonder how many years I would have to wait to find a jewel like that. Incidentally I was at a function when I would have loved that cloak, mess dress to nothing to keep the lower half warm!

Actually, it took me only about a month or so to locate one. I bought my cloak from a retired O5/JAG who had only worn his like 4-5 times since he had it tailor-made in 1972 (the year I was born). lol

Keep your eyes out and be persistant and you'll find one...and most importantly save $300 to spend on your date/wife for the evening.

BTW, and sidebar, do you have Abbott SDW/Chokers? I've heard that the only difference with them is they have the "old school" hook closures on the collar vice the cheapo velcro. I would like to try and "convert" my collar to the more traditional type if possible. Not worth it to buy a new blouse (in the CG I only wear them every few yrs or so for an occasional Change of Command).

marineabilly · Dec 20, 2008

TopGumby said:
Very interesting thread. Some thoughts from a retired Marine Corps MSgt -

Tradition is a weapon, too.

It's called the service for a reason. The public deserves the respect shown by wearing a proper off duty uniform when in public. At the end of my career we got boots you didn't polish and utility uniforms you didn't iron. Great stuff for on base or in the field, but IMHO that only increases the need for wearing a dressier uniform off base.

I'll probably go to my maker wearing my Blues, and I'm glad that the Marine Corps stays closer to tradition when authorizing uniforms. I enjoy interservice rivalry as much as anyone, but I do hope the US Army gets something that looks as good. The public and the fine soldiers of the Army deserve it, but I hope they look to thier own proud past and not to the other services for inspiration.

My hat is off to all those currently serve. Fair winds and following seas to you!

Ooh Rah Top!! I picked up MSgt on 1 Sep here in the good ol' "Sand Box." There's also a 1stSgt on TFL. Thanks for your service!

R/s
Top V

bstrickmma · Dec 20, 2008

Otium:

Here is one on Ebay if you don't mind an older one. This one is obviously from a smaller man though...

http://cgi.ebay.com/US-Navy-Officer...ptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Just be patient and keep your eye out on Ebay and/or watch Craigslist and one will turn up.

bstrickmma · Dec 20, 2008

For those who are interested, my Boat Cloak (for USN/USCG):

...in comparision to the other services.

USMC Boat Cloak:

Army Cape:

Navy/CG Boat Cloak is lined in Black satin w/ the knot closure. USMC Boat Cloak is lined in Red statin w/ a rope closure. Army Officers cape is lined in blue (for General Officers) and varies for all others depending on branch/specialty.

Lone_Ranger · Dec 20, 2008

bonnieprince said:
I think the WWI pilot uniforms for the Army were the best Army uniforms ever. This is a picture of Eddie Rickenbacker in his dashing uniform. These would probably cost too much however.

Is there a company like "What Price Glory" that does WWI uniforms?

draws · Dec 20, 2008

WW1 Uniform mfgs

You might want to look at

http://www.schipperfabrik.com/

I have bought from them and their repros are absolutely fantastic, to say the least.

BTW - I have pulled together a complete WW1 pilot's uniform that fits and will try to post
a photo shortly.

Pip · Dec 20, 2008

Would love to see the photos, its next on my list of uniforms to put together actually, both American and British (RNAS rather than RFC)

draws · Dec 21, 2008

WW1 Aero Uniform

Pip said:
Would love to see the photos, its next on my list of uniforms to put together actually, both American and British (RNAS rather than RFC)

Pip, I would recommend that you start slowly. If you are looking to fill your aero pilot's kit with originals, I'm afraid it will cost. I would estimate that my aero kit came to close to $1,000 USD. I'm also afraid that your primary source for equipment will come from eBay and finding items your size will be a problem. If you're under, let's say, a size 38 jacket and slimly built, your chances are quite good that you'll find what you're looking for sooner and at a lower cost since the smaller sizes aren't as much in demand, it seems. I am a 42 jacket and 36L breeches and these sizes are almost impossible to find. Best of luck.

I should be posting a photo of me in my aero uniform by early next week at the latest.

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