What was/is your favorite military uniform?

self | May 21, 2006 | Battlegearboat

[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?

[BIGLOOK]

Cotton is King!

[theFIRMbss]

>You must be an Airdale

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U.S. Navy slang

• Airedale: A sailor who works on or around aircraft.

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Sadly, no, I'm just
an ex-[?] Trekkie geek who likes
simple uniforms.

[Sarajevo]

How about the early BDU's with the wide "Disco-Collar? Better yet, the Bad Toelz PT uniform-spandex shorts and a tank top!

[longhorn too]

I went to Navy boot camp in 1968 in San Diego, Co. 778. Were you in San Diego?

[larryjohnson]

AF tan bush jacket,bermuda shorts and knee socks.

[YankeeinOkieville]

I personally am rather fond of the uniform worn by officers of the British navy during the Napoleonic era.

[squirt]

Dress Blues

[battlegearboat]

Hey Bud, wow! Company 659, graduated around December 8th, 1968. Yes, San Diego! Nimitz! Grinders, great big powerful Naval Training Center, stressed to the bursting point. Do you realize that was the all-time high for capacity at RTC?

I learned so much there. knots and other things.

Wisk.

Square knots and clipboards...on bicycles.

It was a square deal and I full-filled my end of the bargain.

Now, I can't stomach the idea of ever visiting California.

Maybe it was the three years of living in Hollywood, hanging on to my neighbor and schoolmate chum, Randy Quaid.

I wanted it, asked him for a cut in the line...and I can't blame him if I didn't have any talent and turned to jello in front of a audience. (We did comedy at Bellaire High School in Houston.)

Anywho, Company 659, Chief Cloud was our CC and he was alright.

We came in second at graduation, amongst a full field, and I was fifth squad leader, 55 pounds lighter than when I arrived there on 18 September 1968.

Well, it's just great to hear from someone who was there.

Best Regards,

Battlegearboat

[battlegearboat]

Yes, if you're referring to the thirteen button, laced up back (Never got the full story on that aspect), very studly uniform that helped so much in my conquests stateside.

[battlegearboat]

I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.

I regretted never being Ships Company and crossing the Equator.

Yeah, right.

Hey, my young cousin, after Vanderbilt, a tour aboard the USS Antietam (as Gunnery Officer) and completing a very hard Navy Nuc School, is now a Nuc Officer aboard the Enterprise which deployed last week.

She be smart!

Eight reactors on board!

[Enterprise]

Congratulations to your cousin. She has an important job on an important ship. God bless her!

[Airborne_Iron_Mike]

I prefer the green Jungle Boots as opposed to the all leather combat boots, or deserts.

Although for hunting I use an old pair of Mickey Mouse Boots. Can't be beat for warmth, but walking is tricky.

[TADSLOS]

Pre-BDU camo jungle fatigues and the one piece flight suit.

[tongue-tied]

yeah what were they thinking? Eight?!

I have to say, with the rumor of a dress khaki coming back, that would be my favorite. The old movies (colorized or originally color) and the posters from yesteryear...they look sharp!

I hope I'm in long enough to sport one of them.

[fredhead]

I joined the Navy in 1978, and received the Zumwalt uniforms. Coat and tie service dress blues, (like the CPO's wear, just with silver buttons) winter blues (black slacks, black shirt with tie; nicknamed "Johnny Cash's") summer blue (black slacks white shirt called salt & pepper) tropical white (called summer white now) and ugly utilities (blue shirt with almost purple toned blue pants). Threw away the utilities right after boot camp and bought dungarees (Seafarers), and during the first summer, the jumper (crackerjack) uniform returned. They were expensive, but I bought in my first year in the Navy. I was so skinny that I had to have the tie removed from the pants to make them fit. I think I really looked good when I was thin. Loved the way they looked. I had a fine silk neckerchief from Mary's Tailors just outside the gate at Great Lakes, and liberty cuffs of an American flag on the right cuff and a Confederate flag on the left. Learned how to put just the right bend in the dixie cup, and had a Chief tell me to always wear it down on my forehead with just a little cock to the right. Change it from Service Dress Blue (Jumper) to Full Dress Blue (with large medals) and you have what I wore to my wedding, and my retirement in 1998. My only regret is that I never had a portrait made in that uniform right before I retired.

I've gained 30 pounds over the last 8 years, and could never fit back into my beloved crackerjacks.

[bentover]

My, Dress Blues

[Freedom4US]

We called them "Elvis collars".

[revspike]

I can use the Blues and the Whites uniforms you have there. I think they will fit me. After 911 I enlisted in the NYG (NY State militia)as a Chaplain. I'm due to get promoted to Major soon and all I have to do is change the insignia.
Please let me know if you'd still like to get rid of them.