US military in kilts

**Shay** · 29th August 05, 07:18 AM

Also- there is no 'short' option for men like there is for women in formal uniforms- on a hot day, a woman can wear a skirt, but a man has to wear long pants. I always thought of that as descrimination.

They probably wouldn't be everyday wear, but there are already military tartans that would work nicely.

**arrogcow** · 29th August 05, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by Shay

Also- there is no 'short' option for men like there is for women in formal uniforms- on a hot day, a woman can wear a skirt, but a man has to wear long pants. I always thought of that as descrimination.

They probably wouldn't be everyday wear, but there are already military tartans that would work nicely.

I was specifically refering to a cammo kilt instead of BDU pants, but I definitely think that the US Army tartan should actually be allowed for dress wear as well, or at least a solid with branch stripe. Again Green to replace Class A's.

And yes I realize that it is too practical for the military to impliment.

Adam

**Shay** · 29th August 05, 07:37 AM

See, I was thinking along the lines of 'blues' that we wore in the Air Farce.

I think that's more immediately accessible as a formal uniform to military minds.

**davedove** · 29th August 05, 07:38 AM

I really don't see it happening for field wear, mainly because of the NBC situation. Granted, tearing off something designed like a utilikilt only takes a "half-second" (and that's assuming there's no belt), that's still an additional step before the clothes are donned. In NBC environments, a half-second can kill.

Also, in infantry type combat, when you're not moving you're on the ground, because a prone person is a smaller target. However thin it might be, the pants are a layer of protection between your legs and the ground.

I'm not trying to be difficult, just trying to think of objections.

**James** · 29th August 05, 07:49 AM

For dress wear could you not cite your own Civil Wat traditions, where at least at the outset some units [reserve?] apparently were kilted.

However for actual field use-very questionable!

Think here of the members of 15 Div-caught on the wire at Loos.

So I'd suggest an assault course in a kilt before trying it on for active service wear.

James

**macwilkin** · 29th August 05, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by James

For dress wear could you not cite your own Civil Wat traditions, where at least at the outset some units [reserve?] apparently were kilted.

However for actual field use-very questionable!

Think here of the members of 15 Div-caught on the wire at Loos.

So I'd suggest an assault course in a kilt before trying it on for active service wear.

James

That would be the 79th New York Regiment, which wore a kilt of Cameron of Erracht tartan -- however, there is great debate among historians if the kilt was actually worn by the 79th in the field in 1861 -- most evidence points to trews in the Cameron of Erracht tartan, and by the end of the war, standard Union Army issue trousers.

However, there was a proposal in 2002 to the Governor of New York to "reactivate" the 79th and adopt the kilt again for non-combat uniforms.

Cheers,

Todd

**Southern Breeze** · 29th August 05, 05:40 PM

I'll have to agree with whats been said so far-it's way too practicle for the military to ever do.There wouldn't be enough paperwork to do and the pentagon can't have that! Besides, would you want to be the quartermaster who had to issue them to the Navy Seals? Don't get me wrong,6 of my friends are ex Seals and I can't see them in kilts.

**arrogcow** · 29th August 05, 05:48 PM

I don't know, all of the SEALS I ever knew were a little nuts (I mean that in a good way). They would probably groove on it. It's the Marines in the AG, and Quartermaster Corp (or what ever they are called as Marines - again I was Army), you know the charibourne rangers that still think they are bad *** 'cause they're Marines, that I think would have problems.

Adam

**Doc Hudson** · 29th August 05, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by arrogcow

I don't know, all of the SEALS I ever knew were a little nuts (I mean that in a good way). They would probably groove on it.

What do you mean "a little nuts?"

The SEALS I knew were crazier than a shot rabbit!

I'm talking about big time, jumping down somebodies throat, just so they can crawl out the other end kinda crazy! Those guys are undoubtedly badnews hombres in battle, and not the most comfortable sorts to go out drinking with. Especially if you are the quiet and peacable type like me. I'm too damned fat and old to go bar crawling with SEALS these days.

BTW, I think SEALs would eat kilts like candy. If for no other reason, they'd love a new excuse to pick a barfight.

**Southern Breeze** · 29th August 05, 06:18 PM

You're right about that. I called a couple that I know after I posted and they both think that kilts would be an excellent way to mess with peoples heads! The REMFs are the ones who wouldn't like it-too "feminine" for a warrior. They need to look at the troops across the pond who wear them daily and proudly. Those guys have a long and distinguished history of being kilted and kicking butt.