Why don't MPs wear Class B uniforms anymore?

Ian Crawford — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 22:49:54 -0500

I know that in previous years MPs have worn Class B uniforms while doing jobs in non-combat areas, but I don't know why they stopped wearing them in favor of combat uniforms.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Dec 28 at 2016 11:36 PM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 23:36:01 -0500

The Army has apparently got to a two uniform system that turned the dress uniform into the service uniform (what was traditionally worn for non field/combat duty wear). I've seen people here complain about the cleaning costs of wearing the ASU (?) daily.
I think it just boils down to everyone has gotten used to wearing cammies all day/everyday after 10+ years of war deployments. What old-timers think of as a daily normal uniform is now a 'dress' uniform for special occasions. Yes, I am a Marine and I'm grateful and happy that we still have our greens for daily wear when needed. IMHO.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 10:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 10:33:19 -0500

I would say that it is the same reason that we don't use the Class B uniform for daily use in other garrison functions. We don't normally wear the Class B for anything.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 29 at 2016 11:18 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 11:18:47 -0500

Because most MP duties nowadays (outside of ceremonial duties) requires them to wear some level of tactical gear and body armor. That doesn't go with service uniforms.

Response by SGT Sean Depuydt made Dec 29 at 2016 1:32 PM

SGT Sean Depuydt — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 13:32:44 -0500

Having been in a few scuffles apprehending some of our finest, in my opinion, I wouldn't have much of a uniform left. As mentioned previously, body armor doesn't go well with anything.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2017 8:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 20:08:51 -0500

I think the real question is why did the Army stop wearing the Class B uniform.

Response by SGM James Pepple made Jan 2 at 2017 9:45 PM

SGM James Pepple — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 21:45:12 -0500

MP's are 50% Combat Physical Security (providing security for high value targets), Law Enforcement, and EPW assets with extreme weaponry both non-lethal and lethal, high mobility on the ground, in the air as Air Assault or Air Bourne. Contract Police provide Law Enforcement on most Post, Forts, Installations, Bases, Centers, and Debts

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2017 12:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 12:10:47 -0500

We could even ask why we don't wear the ASU much anymore. I haven't been in mine for nearly two years, and I'd guess only 5 times or so in the past 10 years (not that I'm complaining). Here is the real question..... why do we issue medals? I'm retiring soon with nearly 28 years total between enlisted and officer time (almost all of that on active duty) and I've only worn medals once, about 26 years ago. Why do we even have them? Seems like a waste of money to me.... JMHO.

Response by SGT David Commini made Jan 5 at 2017 12:56 PM

SGT David Commini — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 12:56:52 -0500

I think we need something like the khakis for those on the gate. Even civilian PD wear functional duty uniforms that still look better than our guys with creases and what not. I see the biggest complaint being that those in the field need a field uniform, and I agree, but those who are the first look people get coming through the gate should look more professional than what the ACUs and Multicams offer.

When I was an MP I always took pride in my uniform and did all I could to make it look presentable, whether in BDUs, ACUs, or Class A/B. Sadly, I've noticed that many people just don't care anymore since switching to the ACUs and donning the Class As maybe once a year.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2017 3:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 15:53:00 -0500

For on duties I think mp should not wear class b do to the physical aspect of the job and it makes them a soft target wearing a Class B uniform on duty. But for ceremonial purposes I believe and he should wear the Class B uniforms.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 7:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 07:46:47 -0500

Really explain in simple just because it's no longer a military uniform Military Police are used to have 40 for uniforms we had the khakis we had to fatigues we had our summer "A's" winter "A's" but somewhere down the road someone felt we need to save money so they cut back on the uniforms

Response by SPC Randall Eichelberger made Feb 8 at 2017 4:31 PM

SPC Randall Eichelberger — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 16:31:04 -0500

Because people got tired of spending $150 on a new pair of pants after wrestling a drunk

Response by SSG Chris McKee made Feb 15 at 2017 3:39 PM

SSG Chris McKee — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 15:39:33 -0500

I was in from 91 until 2001 and I can only think of maybe two occasions I wore the class B uniform on duty, generally it was reserved for a special occasion.

Response by SGT Daniel Ross made Mar 17 at 2017 8:37 PM

SGT Daniel Ross — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 20:37:33 -0400

I remember 30+ years ago, when I came in and went to my first duty station, we wore the class B's on day shift and on Sundays. It was a garrison unit, and there was a lot of uniform transitioning. Khaki's were just phasing out, we had the first generation BDU's and we could also wear the OD ripstops for nights. I had an NCOIC who first came into the Army in the late 50's, and he insisted that those of us that would work off post would be in B's most days and on occasion A's with the suicide straps and full regalia. That was the only place where I had the legendary "White hat". Korea of course was BDU's for everything and Ft. Hood was BDU's except for special occasions. I do believe that there is some credence to the thought that when a bad guy sizes you up, appearance matters. I think that it is good that things are simpler, but I can see where getting "dressed up" might be a good thing as well.

Response by SSG William Neill made May 29 at 2017 1:13 AM

SSG William Neill — Mon, 29 May 2017 01:13:20 -0400

Picture on right was me in June 1970 . By July we ditched that worth less suicide strap crap and went with a pistol belt .

Response by 1LT Preston Lewis made Jun 18 at 2019 3:18 AM

1LT Preston Lewis — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 03:18:43 -0400

For one thing khakis were darn hard to keep clean. And when you tried to polish up your suicide strap and pouch you usually used boot polish which naturally came off on your uniform, and then there was the whole starch thing too. Personally I liked fatiques, the heck with BDU's and the ACU's. PS, I started out as a private.

Response by SFC George Martin Sr made Jul 13 at 2019 10:57 PM

SFC George Martin Sr — Sat, 13 Jul 2019 22:57:16 -0400

Class B uniform made us look too bad ass.