Army class A jacket with kilt

[aj555]

Newbie here. I'm getting married next summer and wanted to wear a class A jacket with my kilt. My kilt will be here in about a month, and it's the Modern Kennedy tartan so I think the green Army class A color will look better than a mess jacket or dress blue jacket. I was active duty Army for 3 1/2 years. Infantry the whole time, 15 month deployment to Iraq, Sergeant, and now I'm in IRR going to school full time. I've searched all over the internet, and I just joined this site today, but I've been searching around it for the past few days. I havent found really what I'm looking for. I want to know about either getting a green Ike style jacket. All I can find is black, blue, or ww2 era. Or good clear information on how to correctly convert a regular class A jacket, so I can take it to the local alteration shop. I ordered "So you're going to where the kilt" from Charles Thompson since everyone said it was good, and I should receive it in a week. I attached a picture of the look I'm going for. Also, what are your opinions on wearing a belt with it? Thanks

[BCAC]

I understand that you are no longer on active duty?

If your answer is that you are no longer active duty that means (for me) that you're no longer in the Army and therefore no longer entitled to wear the uniform. Well, maybe the entitlements differ in the US, so not talking about entitlements any more, should you alter an Army uniform jacket when there are so many styles of civilian jackets around that look superb (and most of them are modified military designs anyway).

There are tons of wedding photo's on this site to show you how they look. One that sticks in the mind was one where all the wedding party were wearing Montrose doublets (wedding of TeufelHund IIRC).

I would just get meself a civilian doublet, you can always wear it again afterwards for formal occasions. Just my opinion, though.

[aj555]

I'm in Inactive Reserve which still means I am in the Army, and can wear the uniform. The only difference between inactive reserve and regular is that regular has to train 2 days a month, inactive you can do it by choice. But I still have a reserve id card, and rank still matters. I just only do stuff for the Army 2-4 times a year.

[room2ndfloor]

Won't the Army jacket be a bit too long for the kilt? The proportions might be odd.

There are some threads here on how to use such a suit jacket, with some alterations, as a cutaway coat for a kilt.

If the bride is the lady pictured, wearing Buchanan, all eyes will be on her no matter what you wear.

[aj555]

Yes, normally the Army jacket would be way too long. That's why I'm trying to figure out a way to properly alter it so it will look like the one the man is wearing in the picture. Or help finding an Ike jacket but thats the same green as the newer Army one. When it comes to wedding pictures, the bride is not the only one who gets looked at.

[Dale Seago]

I'm not entirely certain, but there could actually be some issues with converting a current-style military jacket precisely because you ARE still in the Army, in the Individual Ready Reserve component. It's further complicated by the fact that the auld green Class A uniform jacket (which still hangs in my closet) is being transitionally phased out, with the entire Army being expected to be fully kitted out in the new blue Army Service Uniform (ASU) by July 2014.

I you want to do a little studyin' on it to better inform your decision, check out the "Resources" links at http://www.army.mil/asu/

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

AJ555/ Readers;
The Thompson book will give you the method to convert the Class A coat-but beware, the book was last updated circa 1975!(and Thompson is long dead)so much of the 'fashion-style' info is out of date. Ask here(and eslewhere)before commiting a shilling with anything.
The Scottish-American Military Society can give you other pointers on wearing your A&D with a Prince Charile coat- which is what I would do for the wedding; the P.C. coat you can use for other functions, where the cut down Class A might not be appropriate(or allowed by Army Regs). A cut down Class A coat will look odd to thoes in the Army who know the original style.
As to a belt, with the cut down Class-A coat?: I would buy & wear the Civil War Officers belt & buckle; a smart looking rectangle shape in brass-to match the coat buttons.
Let the Readership know what comes about.
Welcome to the Board, from
Mr.(SP5-once, long ago) C.S.Anthony(1st Avn.Bde. RVN)

[Woodsheal]

Go with the Mess jacket. The length is just right for kilt wear, the color will work with any tartan, and it's "tuxedo equivalent" - which is appropriate for the groom at his wedding, no?

[Riverkilt]

Have you checked out the What Price Glory replica WWII enlisted Ike Jackets? Not sure about color - here's a pic of mine - think the colors pretty accurate....on my monitor.



May be a bit informal, but the cut is right, might dress up well with all your medals and insignia.

[Woodsheal]

M44 "Ike" jackets are cool, but they were originally part of the field/combat uniform, worn as a cold-weather layer under the M43 field jacket. The design was based on the British "battle dress" jacket. Not an item I'd choose to get married in!