The change in Army uniforms was an early example of political correctess. The uniform worn during World War II was actually quite different between officers and the other ranks (enlisted). Officers wore “pinks and greens”, a dark olive jacket and taupe trousers. Enlisted soldiers wore a ligher shade of olive for both blouse (jacket) and trousers that was more simply tailored and made of courser material. The Army Green uniform was introduced in 1955 to make the Army more “democratic”, reducing the differences between officer and enlisted uniforms. The basic green uniform was the same, with the addition of black braid on the cuffs and the trouser legs as the only distinction between officer and enlisted uniforms.
I think that most would argue today that they would have done better just to put enlisted soldiers into pinks and greens and be done with it.
You’re correct. Actually, given the level of unwed motherhood I saw at Forts Lee and Eustis, perhaps all pinks might be appropriate in some cases. You’re probably old enough to remember when soldiers had to ask permission to get married, as opposed to showing up to with his bride and four children to demand housing and BAS.