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What was/is your favorite military uniform?
self | May 21, 2006 | Battlegearboat

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?


TOPICS: VetsCoR
KEYWORDS: dressblues; dresswhites; dungarees; fatigues; militaryuniforms; uniform
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1 posted on 05/21/2006 10:33:26 AM PDT by battlegearboat
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To: battlegearboat

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.


2 posted on 05/21/2006 10:35:45 AM PDT by AlaninSA ("Beware the fury of a patient man." - John Dryden)
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To: battlegearboat

Tank boots, and the parka I was issued in Korea. Jungle fatigues and boots weren't bad, either.


3 posted on 05/21/2006 10:36:54 AM PDT by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
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To: PzLdr

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.


4 posted on 05/21/2006 10:42:06 AM PDT by Donald Meaker (If you want to make money on the lottery, sell tickets.)
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To: Donald Meaker

I've worn a field jacket ever since the Army. On my third incarnation [Wear, tear and waistline].


5 posted on 05/21/2006 10:53:29 AM PDT by PzLdr ("The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am" - Darth Vader)
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To: battlegearboat
The Navy's peacoat is a winner. Mine was silk lined in '67, stolen in '68 by some hippie.

Spent most of the time in Marine green and a nomex flight suit which I deem the worst item for comfort, appearance and smell.
6 posted on 05/21/2006 10:56:31 AM PDT by BIGLOOK (Keelhauling is a sensible solution to mutiny!)
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To: battlegearboat

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?


7 posted on 05/21/2006 10:56:47 AM PDT by Bringbackthedraft
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To: battlegearboat

Did Lady Godiva ever engage in battle?


8 posted on 05/21/2006 11:00:14 AM PDT by RedBloodedAmerican
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To: battlegearboat

I was perfectly happy with the dungarees, boondockers, and blue jacket.


9 posted on 05/21/2006 11:02:38 AM PDT by Enterprise (The MSM - Propaganda wing and news censorship division of the Democrat Party.)
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To: Bringbackthedraft

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.


10 posted on 05/21/2006 11:04:28 AM PDT by Bringbackthedraft
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To: battlegearboat

They all look good to me.


11 posted on 05/21/2006 11:05:20 AM PDT by keithtoo ("Drilling in ANWaR is OK with us" - Alaskan Caribou Benevolent Association.)
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To: BIGLOOK
I've stood watch in that peacoat through a pouring rain.

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!

12 posted on 05/21/2006 11:07:20 AM PDT by battlegearboat
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To: battlegearboat

Right now, the desert fatigues are my favorite. When I see those all around me, I feel very, very safe. ;-)


13 posted on 05/21/2006 11:07:30 AM PDT by Allegra (My Tagline is Humblegunner Approved)
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To: Enterprise
"I was perfectly happy with the dungarees, boondockers, and blue jacket."

Me too, except the shorts and T-shirt won out over dungarees in the tropical heat.

14 posted on 05/21/2006 11:10:49 AM PDT by battlegearboat
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To: Allegra

I pray you stay safe, Beautiful.


15 posted on 05/21/2006 11:12:47 AM PDT by battlegearboat
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To: battlegearboat

Well, I didn't go anywhere tropical. (Dang it!)


16 posted on 05/21/2006 11:15:54 AM PDT by Enterprise (The MSM - Propaganda wing and news censorship division of the Democrat Party.)
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To: battlegearboat
Up in I Corps, the uniform was all jungle fatigues; still have some though the pants don't fit anymore.

I've checked the local Army/Navy Surplus store for a peacoat. They're expensive and always the wrong size.

Sounds like Zumwalt cut you guys some slack. Our sleeves were rolled in hot weather but appreciated in the winter.
17 posted on 05/21/2006 11:25:57 AM PDT by BIGLOOK (Keelhauling is a sensible solution to mutiny!)
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To: BIGLOOK
Zumwalt set the style.

I sure didn't like the changes he made in 1971-72. That polyester uniform looked and felt like a Maytag repairman outfit.

18 posted on 05/21/2006 11:30:09 AM PDT by battlegearboat
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To: battlegearboat
>What was/is your favorite military uniform?

The simple look's cool . . .
(But if you're gonna beam down
don't wear the red shirt!)

19 posted on 05/21/2006 11:36:14 AM PDT by theFIRMbss
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To: theFIRMbss

You must be an Airdale.


20 posted on 05/21/2006 11:39:30 AM PDT by battlegearboat
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