Military Uniforme

The Different Military Apparel

Military uniforms have come a long way over the course of history.  From the first attempts at standardization by the French in the seventeenth century to the infamous red coats of the British infantry to the digital camouflage of today’s military, uniforms have been a symbol of the changing purposes and duties of the armed forces.  Here is a breakdown of some of the different types of uniforms used by today’s US military.

Camouflage utilities are worn by most servicemen for all but formal occasions.  The ACU or Army Combat Uniform is the current uniform worn by Army servicemen.  It replaced the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU) worn in the 1990s.  In 2003 and 2004, the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) was developed to be effectively worn in desert, woodland, and urban environments.

In 2007, the Navy announced the production of a year-round service uniform to withstand the environments naval servicemen often perform in.  The new uniform NWUs (Navy Working Uniform) will be a digital camouflage made predominantly out of blues and grays.  By 2011, the Air Force will also have new uniforms, called the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU).  “The ABU does not have features of the U.S. Army ACU, such as tilted/slanted pockets, sleeve pockets, velcro attachment points and closures, gusseted back, mandarin collar, etc. However, the ABU does have essential NIR (near-infrared) qualities. Unlike the ACU, the sleeves are authorized to be rolled up.”  Haircuts for all military soldiers are traditionally the “high and tight” cut.  This cut prevents lice, allows a better seal for a gas mask, and is easier for better hygiene.

Each branch has their own specific dress uniforms for formal occasions.  The Navy has three different categories of dress uniforms.  Service Dress Uniforms are like a business suit and are worn when traveling or reporting to command.  Full Dress Uniforms are the ones you would be likely to see at weddings, funerals, retirements, and changes of command or other similar occasions.  Dinner dress is the last and most formal of the three categories.  The Mess Dress Uniform is the Air Force’s equivalent of a tuxedo.  The Army has their own Blue Mess Dress Uniform as well.  “The Marine Corps dress uniform is the most elaborate of the United States armed forces, worn for formal or ceremonial occasions. Its basic form of a blue jacket with red trim dates back to the 19th century.  It is the only U.S. Military uniform that incorporates all three colors of the U.S. Flag. There are three different forms of the Dress uniform: Evening Dress, Blue Dress, and Blue-White Dress.”

About the Author

For more information about military apparel, please visit www.specialforces.com

MODELING, FLEXING IN MILITARY UNIFORM – MODELANDO, FLEXIONANDO EN UNIFORME MILITAR

Propper Uniform ACU Trousers, A-TACS, Size F520938379S2 $59.99 Propper Uniform ACU Trousers, A-TACS, Size Small-Regular…

Uniforms of World War II $19.99 Over 250 four-color artworks of uniforms of 30 countries, ranging from Australia to the United States of America….

SPLENDEUR DES UNIFORMES DE NAPOLEON: INFANTERIE – REGIMENTS ENTRANGERS (Vol 3) (French Edition) $65.00 Here is the forth volume of this magnificent series from, Editions Charles He’rissey.As with the previous three volumes and further volume to come, there is an unprecedented level of illustrative detail from this excellent artist. Not only are whole uniforms depicted, but also there are many paintings of detailed pieces of equipment.Charmy’s reputation as an extraordinarily gifted artist les to h…

Uniforms of the Waffen-SS 1942-1945 Ski Uniforms, Overcoats $64.44 The only comprehensive photographic book on Waffen-SS uniforms is finally available! This three volume set is unquestionably the best reference on German SS military uniforms ever produced. After many years of research and preparation, Mike Beaver, author of Camouflage Uniforms of the Waffen-SS, has again produced another breakthrough publication.This spectacular work is a heavily documented recor…