US military in kilts

**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.

**arrogcow** · 29th August 05, 06:14 PM

Once my Cav troop was doing a land navigation course at the same time as a SEAL team. We logically boxed around a swamp in the middle, they walked/swam right through.

Adam

**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.

**bjcustard** · 29th August 05, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

...REMFs...

Oh gawd... been so long since I'd heard that... now I have coke all over my keyboard... thanks!

**overexposed** · 30th August 05, 07:12 AM

Greetings! Great thread.

My rapidly expanding collection of camouflage kilts ( or whatever all you purists choose to call them! ) was absolutely screaming out for the addition of teammate in the Army's new digital pattern.

Casual kilts are available in the USMC "MARPAT" but so far I haven't found anyone selling the army version. One kiltmaker seem incredulous when I stated that even though it was similar I wanted one in the ARMY dig - not understanding that to a non-Marine, MARPAT is like apples and oranges compared to the pattern on the ACUs.

So, I bought a few yards of digital cloth from Barre Army Navy and had SK make one of their "Boulder" kilts for me.

It came out pretty well and I am happy.

<photo does not convey the exertion of 8 or 10 attempts to get the shot right - running back and forth from camera to my model's pose!>

Sincerely,
OVEREXPOSED