Posted on Mar 20, 2018
Do you think that the various branches should have the same uniforms?
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Responses: 93
Coast Guard wore khakis and dungarees for years, but the CG blue uniform showed the public who the real sailors are. Beside if the Army adopted the CG tropical blue uniform, the enemy will laugh their heads off with all the pasty white legs. Topsiders don't last long on rocky terrain. Air Force pilots would have a hard time picking up girls at the O-Club wearing the CG Sears repairman work uniform. Marines will have to start learning pool. CG actually used their pockets.
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I know we are not Canada but Canada put their forces together in 1968 and now it's just called Canadian Forces and they all wear the same uniform they just have a beret that distinguishes the different branches.
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LTC Stephen Conway
Great White North: The Space Arm/Snow Routes
Doug wonders if the space arm, made in Canada, can be used to open beers, while Bob has a topic about snow routes. They argue about who had the best topic. B...
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No... I like the uniqueness of us all having our own identity. Let's face it... sometimes just imagining ourselves in a specific uniform is a selling point for some of us.
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CPT (Join to see)
Cpl Justin Goolsby I can definitely see your point there. In your case, are you referring to your Marine Blues and Cammies/Utilities or just your Blues?
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Cpl Justin Goolsby
Believe it or not, but it was actually the Cammies that got me. I've got family in other services and I just didn't like the general look of their uniforms. The Blues are great, but you don't get to wear those every day. But you do wear cammies every day and every day I put them on I just felt so good because I thought the uniform looked fantastic.
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Financially it make a lot of sense to have similar uniforms for Conus and similiar when sent overseas. A lot of funds are wasted with uniforms design, manufacturing, changes, etc.
Flipside, It would probably neg influence branch pride and distinction.
Interesting thread.
Flipside, It would probably neg influence branch pride and distinction.
Interesting thread.
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Each branch of the military serve a different purpose. Also with me having a son who's talked about the military since he was 5, different uniforms also help civilians distinguish what branch you're associated with. Say you're standing by a serviceman/woman and your kiddo says can thank that Army soldier for his/her service? Only for that person to hear this and be offended because their actually Marine. And yes the Marines I know get ticked if you say their in the Army. So yes different uniforms for different branches are great.
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Thanks for all the feedback so far! My initial post was edited by mods to better fit community guidelines, but I was referring to operational uniforms being the same camouflage pattern. I definitely feel that all branches should have their distinctive Ceremonial and Dress uniforms to show the heraldry and history behind them, but the constant and meaningless change of operational uniforms and camouflage patterns has become mind-boggling...and for my officer colleagues, expensive as hell. My personal answer was “yes with slight variants.”
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I would say have everyone use OCPs same as the Army and Air Force personnel do, but civilians will still confuse us if we all wear the same uniform.
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CPT (Join to see)
Lots of countries do the same uniform but different branch tapes. I was looking at it as a budgetary thing for soldiers and the services themselves.
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MSgt Gerald Orvis
Witness the effects of uniform standardization in the Canadian Armed Forces. I was posted up there shortly after Defence HQ decided that there would no longer be an Army, Navy or Air Force, each with its distinctive uniforms (and distinctive regimental uniforms in the Army), but rather a land branch, a naval branch and an air branch, all in the same uniforms with slightly different badges. So, a naval branch sailor on a sub looked just like a land branch soldier at Camp Petawawa - even down to the rank chevrons. Ironically, this change did not affect the reserve (militia) units, who continued to have their distinctive uniforms. From what I heard from CAF members in Ottawa, this move to standardize uniforms, while very good for the budget bean-counters, was very destructive to morale in the regular forces. I have no doubts that the same would happen here if DoD were to do the same thing. While the plumage has grown far more drab than in previous times, it is important that the services each have their own points of reference, of which distinctive uniforms are one.
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SSG Robert Webster
MSgt Gerald Orvis - Interesting, but surprisingly or not, the US Armed Forces have already passed that point of reference (comparing to Canadian uniforms) when they went to the same basic style of working uniform a number of years ago. Prior to that and for almost 3 decades the sailors for the most part wore dungarees made of a type of denim both light and heavy (shirt and trousers respectively), everyone else - Marine, soldier, and airmen wore working uniforms of the same basic pattern and material, the Marines called them 'utilities,' while everyone else called them 'fatigues.' This would be the OG-107 work uniform that was used from 1952 to 1983 when it started to be phased out to be replaced by the BDU (I think the actual final wear date was 1989, but I am sure that most if not everyone was wearing BDUs by then).
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The Air Force uses the Army OCP in certain locations because it’s the best uniform option available. Different environments require different uniform options.
The solution would be a deployed uniform that all services wear when deployed to specific locations. Otherwise, they should wear whatever the uniform of the day is for that branch.
The solution would be a deployed uniform that all services wear when deployed to specific locations. Otherwise, they should wear whatever the uniform of the day is for that branch.
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For utility uniforms, fine they should be especially with more and more joint service operations. For Navy and Coast Guard however aboard ships a utility uniform proper for sea service duties. One service Uniforms a great big " NO " each should keep their identity. All may be My brothers and sisters but all of us take pride in our individual branches as We should. I don't want to be a Marine, soldier or sailor and more than they would want to be Air Force but the team and pride We have in our branches should NEVER be taken away. The traditions and History of the different branches of service is shown in the service uniforms as well as formal or ceremonial uniforms and that should never be changed and each service should stand out with their own identifiable, distinct uniform.
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Absolutely NO.
Each service should have thier own uniform.
The Air Force should get rid of its current BDU's. This is just my opinion. I ALWAYS loved the comoflaged BDU'S with polished boots.
I also don't like the new top 3 cheverons. The old was the best.
Dont often comment. Just an old Airman.
Each service should have thier own uniform.
The Air Force should get rid of its current BDU's. This is just my opinion. I ALWAYS loved the comoflaged BDU'S with polished boots.
I also don't like the new top 3 cheverons. The old was the best.
Dont often comment. Just an old Airman.
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The various branches have different missions and even different standards. The only time their uniforms should look similar is if they are on the same mission such as a joint task Force.
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Think about the cost savings to the taxpayers. Right now each branch does it's own r+d on uniforms, this could be consolidated in to one combined group. I could go on but I think y'all get the point.
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BDUs should be the same which would result in fewer friendly fire problems as was proven in WWII and I think all branches should have a “Sam Browne” style uniform in their own colors, but dress uniforms should be unique to the branch. Maybe even do like most of Europe and have “Regimental Dress” uniforms.
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A favorite subject of mine. ARMY and AIR FORCE should have the same style uniforms. And soon will have. The NAVY, MARINES and COAST GUARD need to use the MARINES style of uniform. But with different head gear. These uniforms are for in the field only. Dress uniforms should and must be different for ceremonies and parades, so the civilians can tell who is who.
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There are numerous arguments both for and against this idea. By each service having a separate uniform, it's easy to acknowledge the service cultures and languages at a distance. Additionally is promotes espirit de corps within each service. As well, it is hard to have a one size fits every environment camouflage and there are reasons outside of hiding in the environment why the services chose the colors they do.
On the other side, using one uniform reduces the logistical costs to the services and DLA, allows the SSA to reduce space and hand receipt issues among other concerns. These are some of the major points in why we have equipment compatibility (M16 family of rifles, HMMWVs, M1 tanks, and MREs). Even when there are differences in vehicles, there are common systems (Bushmaster cannon, 70mm rockets, fuel, etc).
From the logistics prospective, I think the single uniform makes the most sense in a deployed environment. However, there should be a means of quickly identifying the separate services to facilitate a means of knowing which 'language' to use. To this end, I also think the Army ought to bring back a method of identifying the branches as well for the same reason (e.g. the Canadians have a branch identifier on the name tape). This again helps with some language barriers since loggies, infantry, aviators, etc. all have shorthand, acronyms and languages that don't quickly translate to each other.
On the other side, using one uniform reduces the logistical costs to the services and DLA, allows the SSA to reduce space and hand receipt issues among other concerns. These are some of the major points in why we have equipment compatibility (M16 family of rifles, HMMWVs, M1 tanks, and MREs). Even when there are differences in vehicles, there are common systems (Bushmaster cannon, 70mm rockets, fuel, etc).
From the logistics prospective, I think the single uniform makes the most sense in a deployed environment. However, there should be a means of quickly identifying the separate services to facilitate a means of knowing which 'language' to use. To this end, I also think the Army ought to bring back a method of identifying the branches as well for the same reason (e.g. the Canadians have a branch identifier on the name tape). This again helps with some language barriers since loggies, infantry, aviators, etc. all have shorthand, acronyms and languages that don't quickly translate to each other.
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So I think the utility uniform should be the same like back with the BDU. The BDU was a great uniform with the summers and the winters. However, I think the dress uniforms should remain different and the Army needs to go back to the Class A because the feigned cavalry uniform is just bloody stupid.
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I feel all combat fatigues should share the same camo patterns with each branch choosing their own material and uniform design type. (BDU, ACU, Coveralls, Bikinies)
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I have never really thought about this, but I don't really see anything wrong with it as far as ABU, ACU, NWU, BDU uniforms. One uniform to unite them all would not be a big deal to me. Service uniforms between branches should remain unique though.
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TSgt Tommy Amparano
I would be ok with having the same rank insignias too. I see no reason for AF to chevrons instead of regular stripes. Hell regular stripes have more to do with AF heritage than chevrons do. Now I don't see the Navy accepting rank and insignia of the other three branches though. Still seems weird to me that they call a Colonel a Captain, but whatever.
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No; but medals, decorations, ribbons, etc. could be standardized. Cammies at sea are ludicrous.
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No As a matter of fact I hate the fact that the Navy changed their working uniform to that but ass ugly blue camo looking BDU style uniform. One of the things that make each branch of service different is the fact that your uniforms are different.
I served in both the U S Navy and the Air Force reserve and I will say this I hated those Air Force BDU working uniforms, they were heavy, hot and did not breath at all!! For anyone that has not worn the old Navy working uniform you have no way to compare the two uniforms so you probably will say the BDU are not all that bad.
The only reason I say this is because the working uniform I wore in the Navy was simply a plain blue shirt with basically blue jeans. Most of the time we took our uniform shirts off and just wore an undershirt to work in. Much more comfortable and better looking!
I served in both the U S Navy and the Air Force reserve and I will say this I hated those Air Force BDU working uniforms, they were heavy, hot and did not breath at all!! For anyone that has not worn the old Navy working uniform you have no way to compare the two uniforms so you probably will say the BDU are not all that bad.
The only reason I say this is because the working uniform I wore in the Navy was simply a plain blue shirt with basically blue jeans. Most of the time we took our uniform shirts off and just wore an undershirt to work in. Much more comfortable and better looking!
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I believe they’re slowly going that way with uniforms. The navy this year switched our traditionally blue uniforms for a green very similar to marines but a slightly lighter shade of green. I could get behind this concept for everything except dress uniforms which I think are traditional.
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CPT (Join to see)
I like tradition for dress uniforms but combat uniforms would save money if we picked the best design - whatever it is and go from there
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No. Aside from rank, which I don’t know the ranks of all branches, the uniform is what sets us apart from each other. This would get entirely too confusing for everyone. Yes we are a unified military as a while under DOD but we are separate and individual as our own. The only things I would change is to keep our pattern, OCP, but go back to the style of the BDU. Rank in your collar, patches sewn on everywhere, no Velcro, no huge shoulder pockets.
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Different services, different traditions, different missions, different uniforms.
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CPT (Join to see)
Thanks for your reply, 1SG (Join to see). Would you say all uniforms should be different or just certain ones like the dress and duty uniforms?
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i asked my Col this question once. He said "Why are you asking me all these stupid questions Hernandez, Im trying to eat my pizza" (We were at the base bowling alley). He said "No". I responded "It will happen eventually". He laughed.
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Shipboard uniforms should be adapted to the environment they serve in and be professional in appearance. We've only had over 200 years to get it right!
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And how did I know the the USMC members here would be the loudest "NO!" chorus. Would any change their minds if dress/ceremonial uniforms were not part of the equation?
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CPT (Join to see)
SSG William Wall I know they hold a great deal of pride in their uniforms as do all branches. This has definitely been an interesting discussion. Thanks for your feedback!
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The Marines changed ours in 2003 and besides the FROGS it hasn’t changed since. Maybe instead of mandating a DoD wide uniform policy, the individual services should pick a pattern and stick with it. Any changes after that would have to go through the DoD with Secretary approval. Lastly they need to put some common sense back into picking a pattern.
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SSgt (Join to see) Common sense is lacking when we're willing to shill out some money to any genius with a new tiger stripe or grandma couch pattern. Thanks for the reply!
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I believe that the combat uniform could be standardized, with service-unique markings, but the dress/undress/working uniforms should remain unique to each branch. When I was in the Air Force (1974-80) we envied the dungarees worn by the Navy. Sailors and Coast Guardsman had the most comfortable working uniform of all! You should go back to them!
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Yes the basic combat uniform should be the same for everyone that way when you are deployed then the same supply chain can support all services and does not need to worry about 4 different uniforms.
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No, but I would like to see more similarity in the shape and pattern, so while it's obvious were are in different branches, it is also obvious we serve the same country's Armed forces.
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Sgt (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) - Every branch has an unique mission and identity. By tradition and history, each branch has their own uniforms to go with their traditions and history.
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Thx for sharing! Would you say that answer applies to both utility and dress uniforms?
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Of course not. I think that there are certain traditions that go along with certain uniforms.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
CPT (Join to see) - Dress uniforms have a tradition to them. Utility and combat uniforms change far too often to have anything so important related to them. However, I will say that even services having their own combat uniforms serve a purpose of distinguishing each service from one another.
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Yeah the other branches can wear my uniform when they go to Parris island or sandeago
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Most of Navy & Air Force have no need for camaflage utilities, and Army and Marine Corps missions are different plus pride of service should enter into it. A Soldier doesn't want to loock like a Marine and vice versa.
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I agree with all that individual service branches should maintain their unique dress uniforms. I like the idea of universal field/work and combat uniforms because of the cost savings, but have a couple of concerns. First, with the Army being the largest branch, it seems to me that should they want to make a change, which they have been known to do frequently, that would force the other branches to do so also. And I know everyone will say let DOD have final say on any requested changes, but if the Army really wanted push for a change, they do have more influence than the other branches. A lot more than say if the Marines or Air Force would. Marines because of their size and Air Force because of the uniqueness of their mission. Secondly, if cost was a consideration for combat uniforms, I would think standardization of weapons and platforms would be a greater savings. I would like to hear comments on that statement. And last, consider that some branches don't even have standardization within their own service and you can see how this could be manipulated within each branch. My Dad and Uncles fought in WWII and the Army and Marines had the same battle uniforms. However, the Navy and Army Air Corps had quiet different uniforms. I really can't believe there is a one size fits all in this instance.
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We are not the same per occupations, so why share a same duty uniform? They are already similar in material design, just vary with color and print. I don't want to have to wait until someone is within 6 paces of me before I can tell by their branch tape where they work (I work on a joint base).
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Each branch should have its own distinctive Service Dress and Mess Dress uniforms. It is traditional, and contributes to esprit de corps. It makes sense, tactically and logistically, for the various branches to use the same combat uniforms. I also believe that there should be a utility uniform, similar to the fatigues worn in the 70's and 80's, for everyday work wear for those in occupational specialties such as vehicle or aircraft maintenance, IT, heavy equipment operators, etc. There is no need to be tactical in day to day operations, especially stateside, in those fields, and those uniforms could be made more economically, therefore easier to replace when they are inevitably ruined.
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What...and all of us where Marine uniforms? I think not. I want so bad to say it's a stupid question, but seeing how our far left our education system has gone, it's a logical liberal step toward homogenizing the services...removing pride...removing tradition...removing esprit-de-corps.... all of us in grey jumpsuits saying 'Aye Comrade'.
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Each branch of the military is unique. They are each proud of their branch, hence the rivalry. Trying to make them all look the same, I believe would be counter productive in confidence and pride. Making all the uniforms the same, to me, is like everybody gets a participation ribbon.
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