Soldiers in our U.S. Army are now wearing ACU's (Army Combat Uniforms), which have replaced BDU's (Battle Dress Uniforms) and DCU's (Desert Camouflage Uniform). I've read recently, that some soldiers feel as though this 'versatile' option, is not for the best. Airmen are wearing ABU's (Airman Battle Uniform), with the expectation to completely replace BDU's by 2011. Oh my, oh my...we will not even begin to discuss the fiasco which erupted after the NWU's were first introduced. Is Blue Camo on a boat necessary? What was wrong with wearing coveralls on ships? If a sailor goes overboard wearing Blue Camo, won't they be impossible to find?
And then there is the MCCUU (Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform) which is their current battledress uniform. Its distinctive camouflage pattern MARPAT is exclusive to the Marine Corps, which holds the patents to their design. MCCUU is available in two color schemes, woodland and desert.
Should there be one Battle Uniform for all U.S. Military Branches? Would it be more cost efficient to choose one uniform? Or is there a risk of melding into one huge military, with no individuality?
***Please note, I am not talking about Full Dress Uniform!!!
18 comments:
this has been going on for eons of time, in 19 months in vietnam I had 4 different fatigue uniforms.
I was never aware of ALL the different battle uniforms.
Not necessarily a laughing matter - your blog entry made me laugh. Thank you! Especially, the contemplation whether blue is necessary on a boat! Aren't the carriers gray?
In terms of individuality...in the military?
sarge...and I have no doubt it will go on and on and on...... Thanks for stopping by!
relocation...thanks for stopping by.The carriers are indeed gray, so the blue camo does make one wonder. As for individuality, I should have it made it more clear; I was speaking of the individual branches, obviously not the individual person I do appreciate your words!
It all gets so confusing. I started out in 1974 wearing plain OD green fatigues. I liked them...simple. We had Class A's for dress and the old Kakis (no longer used).
The AF used the same uniform.
Then I came back into the Nat Guard and they had BDUs. Went' to Iraq and got DCUs...half way in that tour, soldiers were arriving in ACUS and we wondered what they were. The ACUs are crap. Melt when they get his with flame...velcro sticks to everything and it looks like you slept in it.
I'll retire before the next uniform comes along.
When I read your post this morning it made me laugh. Just recently when my sons were home my Dad and Mom were in town visiting for the holidays. My dad being an old Navy man mentioned how their uniforms have changed. Now It's called ACU's (The Camo Looking outfit) (Not the dress class A's) I myself, get a little confused with the acronyms. (learning) Anyhow, they mentioned how the Navy uniform is the Blue Camo look with the funky looking boots/shoes. OMG I thought my dad was going to have a stroke. He couldn't believe it. He asked what ever happened to the dungarees? All they could say is times have changed Grandpa.
Love ya, You and your family are always in my prayers.
I prefer the different looks of the services. It's not like the government is paying for the uniforms, either. The individual pays for his sea bag and/or kit. But the people who work in offices in buildings far away from reality know best.
The Sailors do not like the new blue camo uniforms. The Navy Commander wher emy husband works does not allow them in his site. HAHA.
ci-roller dude...thanks for the info. I knew by posting this topic, there was so much more to learn!
bonnie...dungarees did work well for sailors; if ain't broke, why fix it? Thanks for you kind wishes.
coffeypot...as I stated earlier, I knew I could learn so much from your comments! Thank you!
michelle...I hear you! Mu husband was telling me how difficult it is to read rank on the sleeve. My, oh my.
Airman mom,
By the end of this year, there will be so much I'll forget...when I retire.
Just think someday your son can say" I remember back in 10' when we had to were uniforms that were made out of...."
ci...I thank you for your service. Oh..I do hope you are not going to retire from the blogosphere!
I"m gonna assume CI roller dude is right and say that any uniform with those problems is best left out of the military.
as to the changes. the point made that personnel buy their own uniforms is a good one. all these changes get expensive.
mightymom...point well taken. Thank you for stopping by!
The USN had many uniform changes back in the late 60's and early 70's thanks to Adm. Zumwalt and Company. It got so bad that when I chewed out one young sailor for mixing the different clothes that were authorized he asked just what was he supposed to wear?
Having listened to my share of bovine excrement over the years, I came away with the distinct impression he was telling the truth.
Posts like this remind me of those days and how good it is to be retired. Thanks!
subvet...posts like this also give me the opportunity to once again thank you and all our veterans! Enjoy your well deserved retirement!
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