US military in kilts

[Mike n NC]

Ummmm, No, I don't think so. Having been in combat many more times than I would have liked I just can't see it. I still want the protection, minimal as may be, of a full body covering between me and whatever. Remember the basics of NCB training, long trousers and sleeves are first line against droplet contact.
Next problem I see and I'm surprised it hasn't been brought up yet. How are you going to deal with the exposed legs in night vision? Talk about the "sore thumb".
Next question, I haven't done it in a kilt but have you ever ran and hit the dirt in shorts? As a corpsman I had a whole lot of other things to take care of than skinned up knees.
Those are just a few of the concerns that come to mind right off the bat. I could think of more I'm sure but why?
Dress uniform, perhaps. Combat, not for this little boy.

Mike

[davedove]

Next problem I see and I'm surprised it hasn't been brought up yet. How are you going to deal with the exposed legs in night vision? Talk about the "sore thumb".

I had completely forgotten about that Mike. Both night vision and general camouflage of the lower legs would be a problem.

Oh, and by the way, Southern Breeze, I was a REMF and I like the kilt, but I do know the types you're talking about.

[James]

What a delightful thought-camouflaged knees!

Been happy with that thought for hours.

James

[bubba]

I can tell you kilts would not have been a good idea in southeast asia.

[Archangel]

"REMF"??

Sounds rude.

[davedove]

"REMF"??

Sounds rude.

It is rude. It stands for Rear Echelon M-F'ers (trying to be delicate here). It's all those people in the military that are normally away from combat, like administration, finance, and the like. Often criticized (with some justification) that they don't know what the "real" military is like.

[Archangel]

It is rude. It stands for Rear Echelon M-F'ers (trying to be delicate here). It's all those people in the military that are normally away from combat, like administration, finance, and the like. Often criticized (with some justification) that they don't know what the "real" military is like.

Thanks, in my teens I had an experience I think that everyone should have. My summer job was with the Canadian Armed Forces. The DND ("do not drop") base had been heavily hit by attrition and cutbacks and only the untouchables were left: combat vets, ex-pows, and wounded (meaning burned beyond recognition being first out of tank). Very scary bunch of guys. They had another word for REMF, they left out the RE part.

[arrogcow]

Ok, I concede that there are places that a kilt isn't the best choice (jungle, forrest environments - I actually just thought about natural wild life in such areas - snakes, bugs, leeches etc. - and decided that pants may be a little more in order).

But I still stand by my thought that kilts are better in urban, and desert areas. As for pants protecting you from chemical weapons better - if it is on your pants (or your leg) it is already in your NBC suit so no protection.

Though as someone else mentioned, I would have to actually try an assult course to test all of this out.

Adam

[Raphael]

I read on the paper last week that the British Military are issuing their soldiers new underwear to battle the heat in Iraq. IMHO, Kilts will be a better option.