Miltary Dress

[Fearnest]

This is taken from the US Coast Guard Pipes & Drums web site FAQ:


Doesn't the provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code prohibit the wearing of military uniform items with civilian clothing such as kilts?
No, that question contains two popular misconceptions. First, the provisions of Title 10, Sections 771, only prohibit the wearing of the uniform or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps, or of a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of such uniforms, by any person who is not a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps. Although it prohibits the wearing of the uniform or articles of uniform by civilians, it says nothing about the wearing of civilian clothing with the uniform.

That's true as far as it goes... each service then has service regulations which cover the proper wear of the uniform, which regulates how, when, and where the servicemembers may wear the uniform.

In the army, for example, "mixing" civilian clothing and uniform pieces is expressly forbidden, except for common items such as gloves, boots, etc. Also allowed (starting late in the 90s) is the wear of portions of the army physical fitness uniform with civilian clothing.

Generally speaking, a unit commander cannot just decide items of civilian wear (e.g. kilts) are now "uniform" and allow/direct their wear. (That's what killed the black beret for tankers back in 1979 - too many people playing "loosey-goosey" with uniform regulations.)

Having said that, I also know there are always exceptions - notably The First Battalion (Reinforced), Third United States Infantry (The Old Guard). They have many special uniforms and altered regulations, but it's based on their mission needs (and is authorized at Department-level).

I can't speak for the other services, but I can't imagine they'd be "up" for letting every unit "roll their own" in uniforming.

[arrogcow]

Generally speaking, a unit commander cannot just decide items of civilian wear (e.g. kilts) are now "uniform" and allow/direct their wear. (That's what killed the black beret for tankers back in 1979 - too many people playing "loosey-goosey" with uniform regulations.)

That and too many generals that started as infantry/rangers. We had 'em first...

To go back to Todd's post for a second, is there any evidence that the Army Reserve does allow kilts, and is there an army reserve tartan I don't know about? (not that it matters much, I've been out for years, still a reserve tartan to go with my Army tartan would be cool).

Adam

[thescot]

. . .I can't speak for the other services, but I can't imagine they'd be "up" for letting every unit "roll their own" in uniforming.

Amen, my friend. One thing about the Marines is that they all dress alike.