Has anyone actually seen an officer wear a cape? Is this an outdated piece of clothing? Pictures? Thoughts?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 19:14:57 -0500

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Dec 7 at 2015 8:55 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 20:55:25 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Seriously?.........NO

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 7 at 2015 9:01 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 21:01:28 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, there was another discussion thread about capes, but I could not find it. The Army still has the Blue Cape and Frog. The lining is branch specific. This one is available from Marlow White for $399.00. Although some of the those that responded before have seen the cape worn (they're different for the Marines and the Navy), I've never seen one worn. This photo is from the Marlow White online catalog. MAJ Carl Ballinger

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Dec 7 at 2015 9:07 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 21:07:50 -0500

I bought a mess dress uniform for my wedding in 2011. My wife and I were married in November in Chicago so the weather could be iffy. I told her about the cape and she wanted me to get one. I was not going to pay $400 for one and the weather turned out to be fantastic for November.

Response by Capt Bob Abbott made Dec 7 at 2015 9:26 PM

Capt Bob Abbott — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 21:26:32 -0500

This is one of those questions, that as an Air Force guy, I get jealous of the other services. Can you imagine? Zoomies with capes! Oh, and if we could get Zorro hats too! What a military it would be!

Response by PO2 Wesley Wilson made Dec 7 at 2015 10:08 PM

PO2 Wesley Wilson — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 22:08:49 -0500

Only if you wear the mask and utility belt....

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 7 at 2015 11:41 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 23:41:26 -0500

They're Boat Cloaks for us. We called them horse blankets. They used to be a good deal at the on base thrift shop. Being heavy wool, you had to store them in cedar and mothballs. Every time I looked at them, I'd do the math on how many times would I actually wear it and then bought 4oz of silver bullion for $20 bucks and put it away. If I were assigned to Great Lakes or similar, I probably would have picked one up.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 1:22 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 01:22:11 -0500

Yes. I own one. It is fantastic. I wear it as an outer garment for semi-formal events or when otherwise appropriate. While I'm happy that it is an optional item, folks should consider buying one. It is much better in certain conditions than the black trench coat. Also, it is very hard to wear the officer sabre under the black trench coat, but the sabre is easily worn under the cape. Keep the cape as an optional item!