Posted on Mar 20, 2018
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LTC Multifunctional Logistician
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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.
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Thanks for the detailed logic sir!
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CPL(P) Civilian Driver
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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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PO2 John Chalus
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It would save lot of money.
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SFC Owner/Operator
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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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Lol
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TSgt Tommy Amparano
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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
TSgt Tommy Amparano
7 y
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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LT Robert Chrisman
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No; but medals, decorations, ribbons, etc. could be standardized. Cammies at sea are ludicrous.
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PO3 Peter Lothrop
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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!
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PO3 Builder
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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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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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SGM Bill Frazer
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I really don't think multicam, etc. works well for the USAF or USN
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SGT Lee Jamison
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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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1SG Military Police
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Different services, different traditions, different missions, different uniforms.
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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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MSgt Alejandro Hernandez (RETIRED)
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Edited >1 y ago
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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Michael Garrett
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Dress, no. Fatigues, yes. O D green, black boots.
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Michael Garrett
Michael Garrett
7 y
Put enlisted and nco ranks back on the sleeves too
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PO2 Dwayne Morton
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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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SSG William Wall
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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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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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SSgt Station Commander
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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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SSgt Jack Gilbert
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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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SSG Squad Leader
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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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PO1 Cassiopeia Goldenstein
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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 Field Radio Operator
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Absolutely not.
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Why not? Interested in everyone’s point of views.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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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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