Posted on Sep 18, 2013
MSgt Ryan Tanner
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Should each service have their own battle uniform or standardize back to a single, or even several uniforms.
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SSgt Combat Arms Instructor
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I believe that a standard uniform should be issued across all branches. Now the question is should it possess the same camouflage or should it be different as identification of each branch as a portrayal of each branch's history? Either way, in the past 5 years, the Air Force alone has introduced and swapped out many versions of the ABU. From the standard ABU issue, to the lightweight tactical ABU with Velcro, to Ripcord lightweight and so on. One design should be manufactured to tackle all terrains in any part of the world. 
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CPT Watch Officer, J33
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If the Branches need to feel distinguishable, this is already accomplished through service/dress uniforms.  Field/battle uniforms should be standardized. The MARPAT is a good example if two variations are required, but I also think the OCP/Multicam can be be equally effective in more (if not all) environments. 

 

One of the greatest cost in fielding uniforms is not actually the uniform, it is the associated gear.  One proposal I've seen suggests a single base color (i.e. coyote tan, which is found in multicam) for gear with a jungle and dessert variation camoflauge. This would be more cost-effective. 

 

The biggest hurdle is likely to be the Marines not wanting to either a) give up MARPAT or b) share MARPAT.  I understand their pride, but if being distinguishable by sight is that important, seperate headgear, patches, or even boots could accomplish the same goal without costing taxpayers as much money (or you could wear service/dress uniforms when not in the field).

 

At the end of the day our Soldiers need effective camofluage, quality gear, and professional clothing, with as little cost to taxpayers and Soldiers as possible.

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SPC Squad Member
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MSgt, at bare minimum I think we should have a shared uniform while deployed. We should at least come off as a unified force when in the presence of foreigners. 
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1stSgt First Sergeant
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Edited 12 y ago
I don't think that there should be a standardized uniform. The reason that I do not is because of two things, Mission and Distinguishment. Mission- the different services have a different primary mission. Some require different types of concealment and a different look than others. Distinguishment- I like all branches, but I am very proud to be an Airman. If I am seen in my battle uniform, I want to be distinguished as an Airman.
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GySgt (Other / Not listed)
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Please do!  I think what our troops are wearing right now in Afghanistan is good to go! Multi-cams for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.  Marines wear MARPAT (Marine Pattern).  I may even consider the multi-cams for the Corps but like most Marines, we like to ensure we look different and stand apart so that would be up in the air.  

1.  Save money.
2.  Get rid of the foolish bluish camouflages, no offense but it's not effective.
3.  More uniformity.
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SCPO Hospital Corpsman
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My feelings are, and mind you I do not have personal interest
other than my input is nothing more than a tax payer now. The uniformed service
has put a lot of money, time, and hours into uniform changes in the last six years
and I think its high time to leave the uniforms alone.



Hill leadership is already looking at ways to reduce cost by
removing programs and reducing benefits that have been in place for a few
generations.  To fund another round
of uniform reviews and re-tooling to write new regulations establish more
contracts for new textile and testing to me is a little over the top. Having
everyone wear the same uniform (Yep cross service standardize) across the board holding on the service
traditions by keeping the service dress uniform makes since and reduce the
number of uniform items required and developed a all service uniform that offers  easier maintenance to
maintain a professional appearance.



Let’s focus our leadership on other important issues than re-inventing
the wheel on uniforms.



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COL Resident Student
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Simple answer is yes, but the question may be simple at the surface, but is very complicated.

Fiscally, it makes complete sense - the DoD can then have one supplier for all services - Army, Navy (and USMC as part of the Navy), USAF, and even the US Coast Guard (even though they are not part of DoD) - that can supply all of the standard uniform and uniform items. Then a single defense supply service center (like in Philadelphia) can equally support all services and save on warehousing, shipping, acquisition, etc.

Second - I believe Congress told the DoD to find a single, standardized battle uniform (duty uniform).  I am not sure why we are fighting it -- if we can save money in this matter, maybe we can NOT cut monies in other areas.

Third, why not try to find areas where we can create efficiency and try to show that we really do want to save vital resources (money) and are not being wasteful? I do not understand why their must be such a big about a standard battle uniform. Their will be variants - obviously what works in SW Asia and the Pacific may not work in the Middle East or Africa, but if we can start with a single/standardized battle uniform maybe, just maybe we can build some cohesion among the services instead of creating divide.
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CPT Assistant Professor Of Military Science
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It would be smart, but I'll be surprised if it happens.
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SFC James Baber
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I will believe when I see it, with the independent nature of all the services that has cropped up in the last 5 years, I have a hard time believing the full acceptance of all branches primarily the Marine Corps, as they have been dead set on not utilizing anyone else's design or letting anyone use theirs.


I would hope it could go back to how it was in the 80s/90s when most not all had the same universal uniform.

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SGT Nodal Network Systems Operators/Maintainer
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Sounds like a good idea.
though i would advise one uniform for every-day use in garrison operations
and have deployment uniforms issued (and available on-demand in MCSS) to soldiers in advance of combat operations in order to better suit the environment of that operation (both in pattern and weather).

the current ACU's WITH (mind you) the GEN III EWICS (spelled that right?) system certainly has promise for keeping a year-round, world-wide standard possible. (provided command teams let soldiers wear their warm gear outside of formations and such)
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