 |
The simple look's cool . . . (But if you're gonna beam down don't wear the red shirt!) |
Posted on 05/21/2006 10:33:23 AM PDT by battlegearboat
I grew up land-locked and developed an intense interest in reading sea stories from an early age. Prior to my coming along, everyone in my family who served, did so in the Army. I enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1968 at the age of 18.
One thing about serving in the military, one's wardrobe undergoes a complete overhaul, right down to the skivvies.
I remember that first day at bootcamp where I stood outside with my Company, a big pile of new clothing at my feet and a new seabag to put it in after every piece of it was stenciled with my name and number.
During my four years of active duty, I wore many uniforms as dictated by a Plan-Of-The-Day. These included: Dress Blues, Dress Whites (Tropical and Tropical Long), Dungarees (Seafarers okay), T-shirt and khaki shorts, USMC style greens in RVN, Undress Blues, boondockers, dress shoes and two styles of combat boots.
The Navy's Enlisted Dress Blue Uniform has to be the most intricate uniform ever designed. It's actually a life perserver as is the whites and dungarees as well as the white cover (hat).
Anyway, recalling all the different uniforms that I wore, I must say that the T-shirt and khaki shorts, albeit along with black socks and boondockers, was my favorite daily uniform while stationed at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.
My all-time favorite item from my military wardrobe was my rugged big buttoned Pea Coat. What was yours?
I'd have to say it's the extreme cold weather parka and pant set that was issued to me while my ARNG unit was assigned as the roundout for 6ID.
Tank boots, and the parka I was issued in Korea. Jungle fatigues and boots weren't bad, either.
I like Tank boots too. Khaki pants are still part of my standard kit.
I still wear my ripstop camoflage four pocket tunic from 30 years ago. In fact, i am wearing boots, khaki pants and that very tunic right now, with a "wife beater" under it.
I've worn a field jacket ever since the Army. On my third incarnation [Wear, tear and waistline].
The Ike Jacket, when I had the shape for it. It went out just before I entered the Army. I still have one. Its a little tight. I'm suprised they don't issue the old tan shorts, or do they?
Did Lady Godiva ever engage in battle?
I was perfectly happy with the dungarees, boondockers, and blue jacket.
PS I still have most of my uniforms in storage. Anyone need a set of Army mess dress whites (LTC)? Dress Blues? Probably size 36 -38 and 42jacket. My kids took the fatigues and I recently gave away my set of #3 model jungle fatigues that I had the fortune not to wear.
They all look good to me.
Dry as toast on the inside.
I was issued Marine greens at Pendleton prior to my assignment to the Brownwater Navy in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, I was also issued Army style greens with all those pockets. Being Navy, we had the sleeves shortened while the Army guys had to roll their sleeves up.
We also wore the USMC starched green cover, minus the Globe and Anchor.
We wore no rank insignia on our greens. It made it more advantageous when dealing with Merchant Marine masters.
I paid a mamasan to wash and iron while papasan shined my boots.
Try and catch a nap while that is going on!
Right now, the desert fatigues are my favorite. When I see those all around me, I feel very, very safe. ;-)
Me too, except the shorts and T-shirt won out over dungarees in the tropical heat.
I pray you stay safe, Beautiful.
Well, I didn't go anywhere tropical. (Dang it!)
I sure didn't like the changes he made in 1971-72. That polyester uniform looked and felt like a Maytag repairman outfit.
|
The simple look's cool . . . (But if you're gonna beam down don't wear the red shirt!) |
You must be an Airdale.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.