If you could change one thing about your military uniform what would it be?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 22:08:17 -0500

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 11:00 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 23:00:24 -0500

I'm currently pregnant and in maternity ACUs, so.... pockets! For some reason the Army thinks that once you get knocked up, you don't need pockets anymore. A typical ACU contains four shirt pockets and six pants pockets. Maternity ACUs contain four pockets total, shirt and pants. The maternity ACUs also don't have the pen slots, which have been the bane of my existence - I am constantly finding myself without a pen, since I'm so used to carrying them around on my sleeve, I forget to check if I've put back a pen into one of my few pockets instead. Oh, and the "cargo pockets"? They are just flat pieces of material sewn on top of the pants, with absolutely no volume to them. I can't even fit my cell phone in there. Fitting my patrol cap in there like AR 670-1 suggests I do is a distant pipe dream.

But my number one pet peeve with the maternity ACU is the absurdly tight elastic waist band at the top of the pants. While there is a stretchy panel to allow your stomach to grow, for some reason it is topped by a very tight elastic waist band which cuts into your torso almost painfully. After wearing these uniforms for four months the band has yet to loosen significantly. Sigh... at least I'll be able to go back to normal uniforms fairly soon.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 1:53 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 01:53:51 -0500

MSG Private RallyPoint Member Replace PC with boonie. The PC doesn't protect the ears and neck. Long days out in the sun leads to increased skin cancer risk and soldiers don't use sunscreen enough.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 20 at 2014 1:57 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 01:57:02 -0500

I want something I can dry clean to be starched and something else to shine but that won't happen.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 2:03 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 02:03:14 -0500

I'd 86 the Navy's blue canmies and go back to dungarees and wash khakis.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 2:03 AM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 02:03:28 -0500

I would modify the pattern so I blended in with something other than a concrete wall.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 4:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 04:57:07 -0500

MSG Private RallyPoint Member, I like the new Scorpion pattern we're going to, so have no complaints about that.

There should be elastic at the bottom of our pants legs so that they're self-blousing and quick to put on. I currently do this by inserting blousing straps into the hem at the bottom, but it would be nice if they came this way off the shelf.

Response by SPC Joshua Young made Dec 20 at 2014 5:55 AM

SPC Joshua Young — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 05:55:01 -0500

I would vouch for facial hair personally. A beard that is trimmed and groomed well doesn't deter a soldier from being professional. I know a lot of people might think otherwise, but I honestly don't see why (other than your gas mask not sealing right) a beard is not allowed in uniform.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 20 at 2014 6:16 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 06:16:51 -0500

Just as I retired, they retired the dress greens. I never liked that uniform and always preferred the blues.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 20 at 2014 6:29 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 06:29:21 -0500

Great question! If I were SMA for a day, I would propose a change to the ASUs to have a blue shirt (long and short sleeve) the same color as the blouse (jacket) for wear. In class Bs the white shirt was always a dirt magnet and, in my opinion, the dark blue shirt would provide a connection to our historical uniforms and further our professional appearance.

As far as combat uniforms, I believe all services should wear one uniform or uniforms to ease the logistical support chain and increase cost effectiveness.

I would mention the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform, but the newest (being fielding this month I believe) is quite nice.

Thank you for your question.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 6:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 06:35:50 -0500

I'd get rid of all velcro and put the rank back on the collar.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 6:40 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 06:40:11 -0500

I would make the ASU pants match the jacket. I hate the light blue/yellow stripe pants. Or, go back the tan colored class A's from WW2. I wore my ASUs on a flight a while back and everybody thought I was a pilot.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 20 at 2014 7:54 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 07:54:28 -0500

ABUs

Green Boots

Wait, that is two things.

The entire ABU uniform, that is better....

Response by MAJ Christopher Daily made Dec 20 at 2014 10:17 AM

MAJ Christopher Daily — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:17:42 -0500

Personally I would love to see Khakis in Garrison again. A uniform which allows an individual to display pride in ownership and appearance is a tool that can be used to distinguish between Soldiers who really want to be here and those who are here to get by. Anyone who remembers breaking starch and guarding your freshly shined boots before formation knows what I am talking about. And, as an added bonus, they look pretty darn good! At least bring back the black boots.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:47 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:47:40 -0500

If we are going to be married to Velcro - which I hate with a passion - add in catch loops to reinforce the hold so the leg and shoulder pockets don't flop open when the Velcro inevitably gets tired.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:51:56 -0500

Go back to the WW2 era uniform dress uniform and khakis in garrison. Also, back to the BDUs with officers wearing branch insignia on the collar.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 20 at 2014 11:40 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 11:40:44 -0500

I'd get rid of velcro. WTF is that? How do you use velcro and maintain noise discipline?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 4:04 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 16:04:12 -0500

I hate the Velcro. I loved the style of the BDUs, the fact there was a winter and summer uniform. I can appreciate that the army wants a more standardised uniform, I just wish we could have gotten there without Velcro...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 6:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 18:21:34 -0500

Either allow rolling sleeves, or create a short sleeved top. Issue one of your four tops as a short sleeved version.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 11:07 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 23:07:51 -0500

Go back to Khakis always thought they looked good.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Dec 20 at 2014 11:15 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 23:15:32 -0500

I'd do away with dress green and ASUs and go back to this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 10:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 22:20:16 -0500

I'd make the standard issue uniforms a little more like the A2CU flight crew uniforms... with zipper closures on the pockets instead of velcro and a flap closure over the pen pockets. The material that the A2CU is made out of is MUCH more comfortable too.. They feel almost like pajamas.. Best uniform ever.. (in my time at least)

edited for spelling error

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 11:03 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 23:03:42 -0500

I would like to have branch insignia back. I like to know, generally speaking, what background everyone has when I am talking to people.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 11:19 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 23:19:05 -0500

The only thing I would really want to change in uniform regs is to allow service members to wear ALL of the awards/badges/etc. they EARNED, even if from another service. You were a Coastie and earned your Cutter badge? Wear it. You then went Navy and earned your Submarine Dolphins? Wear them too. Then you became a pilot in the AF? Shit, put the wings on as well!

I know things could get weird pretty quickly with that sorta thing, but I feel that if you earned it, you should be able wear it...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 11:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 23:18:44 -0500

Rolling my sleeves would be the first thing......

Response by Cadet 4th Class Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 12:32 AM

Cadet 4th Class Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:32:49 -0500

One thing I'd LOVE to change would be the material. Instead of the rip-stop stuff go to what the British military uses for their DPM summer weight, it feels amazing when it's hot out compared to the standard ABUs.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 12:30 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:30:57 -0500

I would fix how it fit around the tummy.
V/r
1SG Haro

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 12:49 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:49:29 -0500

wouldn't this be simpler for everyone?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 1:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:42:48 -0500

I would like to upgrade the rank that is on it ;+)

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Dec 23 at 2014 7:20 AM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 07:20:54 -0500

I would make the it a one-piece spandex suit, with holographic medals. Oh, and of course, a built-in communicator...BEAM ME UP!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 8:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:53:23 -0500

Just saying we should just go nuts.

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Dec 23 at 2014 9:35 AM

CW4 Keith Dolliver — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 09:35:10 -0500

Bring back the one-piece flight suits! I'm not sure why different uniforms for different jobs is a bad thing? I also like the idea of having enlisted wear big rank on their sleeves, like the Air Force currently does and like the Army used to do in WWII and Vietnam era days. I would also like to see the Army go back to non-subdued (shiny) rank for officers on caps while in the garrison environment like we did with BDUs. (I guess that's more than one thing... mostly the flight suit then)

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 23 at 2014 10:33 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 22:33:24 -0500

Well, MSG Private RallyPoint Member, I would change many things, but since I'm retired, it doesn't really matter. I have seen responses indicating a return to old uniforms, some as far back as the WWII era. Frankly, I share those sentiments. With a return to WWII in mind, I'll offer this.

Make jump wings Sterling silver, as they were originally. Here's the story.

The Parachutist Badge was formally approved on 10 March 1941, and 350 Sterling silver badges made by Bailey, Banks and Biddle were delivered to the 501st Parachute Battalion on 14 March 1941 (narrative from the U.S. Army Quartermaster Foundation). The U.S. Army started issuing silver filled (front only) jump wings on 11 July 1968, so the jump wings that I received at Fryar DZ on 9 August 1970 were silver filled and not Sterling silver! On 10 February 1988, the Army went to an even less expensive silver plating process!

The attached photos are the obverse and the reverse of a vintage Sterling silver parachutist badge with jeweler's clasp. This badge was manufactured sometime after the original BB&B strike in 1941, but still during WWII. I found this badge in an antique shop and wore it until I retired. I enjoyed wearing a piece of history.

A bit of uniform trivia for you CPT Private RallyPoint Member and 1LT Sandy Annala!

Response by SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. made Dec 24 at 2014 6:05 AM

SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 06:05:32 -0500

Ill keep it simple.
1. Get rid of the current Class As. It looks cluttered, goofy and not thought out. Especially with Jumpboots and berets. Let it go back to its original dress blues configuration which looked sharp. I never changed mine over.
2. Let the ASU die a fast death. I wore BDUS till one month before the wear out date even though I had ASUs on stand by. Thats right, I was a non conformist.
I like the other posters ideas though. Especially the WWII Style.

Response by SSG Kristell Lee made Dec 24 at 2014 6:24 PM

SSG Kristell Lee — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 18:24:09 -0500

I would like to roll up my ACUs sleeves when is too hot and to put my hands in my pocket. Everybody does it anyways

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 6:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 18:27:26 -0500

Get rid of the patrol cap and replace it with a wider diameter boony cap, so it would actually protect you from the sun.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 6:31 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 18:31:32 -0500

Make the hat optional!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 26 at 2014 8:12 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:12:10 -0500

I wouldn't change a damn thing, but I wish someone would change me so that I fit into it again.

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Dec 28 at 2014 8:44 AM

CPO Randy Francis — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 08:44:35 -0500

The fact that it changes every few years.

Response by SPC Shawn Morton made Jul 20 at 2015 8:47 PM

SPC Shawn Morton — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 20:47:32 -0400

The Velcro pockets