Of all the uniforms you wore, while serving our country, what was the strangest one?

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:57:47 -0500

I have had many uniforms. In 1980 it was green fatigues, then BDUs in 82/83... In AK we had wool shirts, pants, Arctic mittens, VB boots, Mukluks, the 3 piece parka, and over-whites... Vietnam era Jungle Fatigues at Ranger school... Chocolate chip DBUs... 3 color DBUs... Multi-cams... Dress Greens, Blues, ASUs, The ACU Digital... ACU - OCP... The SWAT suit was the goofiest... or Polizei?

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 28 at 2017 11:59 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:59:51 -0500

Full MOPP-4 gear while standing mail buoy watch. /facepalm #thingsIwishIcouldtellmyyoungerself

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 1 at 2017 12:03 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:03:20 -0500

COL Charles Williams thanks for the interesting and diverse collage of pictures. Thanks for you honored service. I have to repost some pictures. But I would say the bear-suit (cold-weather)in Iraq was strange, I actually felt and looked like a walking, talking bear.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 12:37 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:37:54 -0500

I would suppose it was some random uniform a DS came up with while messing with us one night. It would be something like, "White sock on the left foot, green sock on the right, combat boot on the left foot, shower shoe on the right, PT t shirt under ACU top, ACU bottoms, Patrol cap in left pocket, fleece cap in right pocket! Toe the line in 3 minutes!" Or something like that. Of course somebody, or depending on how complicated the uniform was many bodies would screw it up, and we'd get a new uniform to try out.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 1 at 2017 12:48 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:48:24 -0500

How about this one with the USAF Bush jacket and shorts ! I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that combination. Notice the reaction of the two female WAF (Women's Air Force ) Airmen, guess they noticed the old Sarge's uniform. Notice the uniforms they were wearing during the late 50s, 1960s into the early 1970s that was a summer uniform while men wore tan color 505s and later 1505s. Army WACs wore a uniform very much like what the ladies here had but light green instead of light blue. both had thin vertical striped patterns. By the mid 1960s the hem came up on the female uniforms to be more in line with current fashions. The bush jacket and shorts became obsolete and couldn't be worn anymore which I think was a good decision.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Mar 1 at 2017 1:14 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 01:14:28 -0500

I HATED the women's beret from the early 1980s. This photo was taken in September 1983.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Mar 1 at 2017 5:48 AM

PFC Jonathan Albano — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 05:48:12 -0500

Basic training 2011 and it was a Burqa... There weren't any female soldiers in my basic and the Drills needed volenteers for OP4. None of the other volenteers wanted to cross dress for some strange reason so I said screw it! I'll do it.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Mar 1 at 2017 6:28 AM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 06:28:38 -0500

I don't have any pics (thank God) but it would HAVE to be the mess white maternity uniform I was issued with my first child. White maternity pants (the elastic was bad, I was forever having to pull them up) the top just looked like one big white grape, and I still had to wear/blouse my boots (even though I couldn't see them). My husband had to put my boots on for me at 0300! LOL
S/F

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 7:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 07:36:30 -0500

In Germany the commander would have the uniform for brigade runs be PT hat, gloves, sweat tops and shorts. I felt if it's warm enough for shorts there is no need for hat and gloves. This would prevent soldiers over heating on runs more than wear sweat pants.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 1 at 2017 8:01 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:01:00 -0500

IX Corps Change of Command in 1989 or 88, hell I can't remember, but what I do remember is the uniform the LTG dictated that we wear. Class A green uniform, with bloused black combat boots (we were not an airborne or air assault unit), Camouflaged Kevlar helmet, OD LBE with pistol belt and M16 with fixed bayonets. Was a complete hoot with the ego, had never such a uniform, but the retiring GO wanted it that way and the incoming had no choice in the matter. I think I can find photos somewhere, but I was a private back then and didn't have anyone to get a photo of the occurrence.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 8:40 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:40:03 -0500

80s/90s Color guards wearing the PASGT Kevlar helmet... with Class As... trousers bloused into issue leg boots... with a cravat... a uniform nowhere to be found in 670-1

Response by SPC John Parmenter made Mar 1 at 2017 8:55 AM

SPC John Parmenter — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:55:03 -0500

"Aggressor" uniform worn by 1st Infantry Division's ad hoc brigade in Operation Bristle Cone, early 1962, Ft. Irwin, California. Provided by Ft. Riley's U.S. Army Aggressor Center, the uniforms were surplus WW II light wool shirts & trousers dyed dark forest green & topped off with surplus cotton khaki garrisons dyed red. The 1st ID Brigade maneuvered against 32nd Infantry Division, a National Guard outfit activated for the Berlin Crisis. Prior to the maneuver, the Brigade (made up of 1st Battle Group, 28th Infantry, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, & 2nd Howitzer Battalion, 33rd Artillery) paraded at Camp Forsyth in those Aggressor uniforms.
The photo of an 18 year old "rompin' stompin' Aggressor" holding an M-3 submachine gun was part of a press release.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Mar 1 at 2017 10:04 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 10:04:36 -0500

Tiger stripe shirt, loincloth and Bata boots.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 1 at 2017 10:44 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 10:44:20 -0500

Have to go with the RefrigiWare insulated coveralls, "moon boots", and varied accessories down in Antarctica. Looks like a warm day out as we didn't need our "bear claws". We'd typically have a down vest underneath and behind it all, OD Green shirt and pants. The beard was common and was actually a service wide OK thing to have back in the day.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Mar 1 at 2017 10:55 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 10:55:21 -0500

When aboard ship we wore UDT shorts, black boots, green skivvie shirt with rank pined to our shorts. We looked stupid as hell, but it was over 100 deg so it was nice.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 1 at 2017 11:04 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 11:04:35 -0500

The Air Force uniform I wore that is most unlike today's uniforms is the shade 1505 summer uniform. The 1505s had some synthetic fiber in them and were supposedly wash and wear. I also wore their predecessor during my first 3 years of ROTC. That uniform (shade 505) was all cotton. It had to be pressed to look at all respectable. We were issued four sets of new 1505s before we went to ROTC summer camp. The attached picture is representative and not of me.

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Mar 1 at 2017 12:14 PM

PO2 Robert M. — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 12:14:35 -0500

Richard Nixon changed the White House Guards to a "more regal", European style - Reports have the uniforms actually being used in service for anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years. They were not a hit.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 1 at 2017 2:48 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:48:57 -0500

Not a uniform I have personally worn, but it's a uniform that bothers me every time I see it. I can not stand the Maternity Service Alpha uniform. Every single Marine uniform is slim and trim and really sexy. Then you get to the maternity uniform and it literally looks like they just threw a trash bag over the Marine and cut out holes for the head and legs. I honestly feel bad for any female service member that has to check into a new unit wearing this thing.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 1 at 2017 4:12 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:12:27 -0500

The Army issued rain coat worn over civilian clothes for three days at the reception center Fort Dix N.J. Nov. 1965,come to think about it,we must have looked like hundreds of dirty old men to any outsiders!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 6:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 18:34:56 -0500

I have to say.....the pic of the shorts, LBE and k-pot.............kind of disturbing.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Mar 1 at 2017 10:46 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 22:46:31 -0500

The winter dress Greens the wool ones that was the only one Comes to mind. pretty
much like the others.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by SGT Linda Moss made Mar 2 at 2017 8:09 PM

SGT Linda Moss — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 20:09:03 -0500

1978 womens fatigues buttoned up the side and the pants did not have hems in them. and WAC combat boots had smooth leather soles

Response by SGM Frank Marsh made Mar 8 at 2017 11:15 AM

SGM Frank Marsh — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 11:15:14 -0500

in 61 we were issued brown shoes, brown boots as well. khakis (both A and B), however there were khaki shorts and long light brown stockings to go with them. before leaving basic we had to dye the boots and shoes black, but the khaki shorts remained part of the class B uniform for awhile. CRS when it stopped.

Response by SSG Johnnie Vaughn made Mar 8 at 2017 8:53 PM

SSG Johnnie Vaughn — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 20:53:15 -0500

The banana suit... after its first washing.

Response by SPC David Janssen made Jul 27 at 2017 10:31 PM

SPC David Janssen — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 22:31:02 -0400

Kahkis uni with green saucer hat

Response by SSgt David Baker made Jul 28 at 2017 10:57 AM

SSgt David Baker — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 10:57:02 -0400

The strangest to me was our old summer service uniforms in light tan in the. Marines early seventies.

Response by Sgt R. A. Webb made Jul 28 at 2017 11:18 AM

Sgt R. A. Webb — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:18:26 -0400

Parris Island Chrome domes.

Response by Maj Bobby Baker made Jul 28 at 2017 2:56 PM

Maj Bobby Baker — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 14:56:10 -0400

For a short period of time in the late 80s, early 90s the AF had a gosh awful Summer white dress officer's uniform. It was modeled on the old Class A uniform, but it just looked wrong! We looked like kitchen stewart's or old time gas station attendants. Thank God it was cancelled.

Response by MAJ Bill Michelson made Jul 28 at 2017 7:07 PM

MAJ Bill Michelson — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 19:07:59 -0400

As a member of an Army cable const unit we wire regular green fatigues with bright orange const. Helmets. Ft Bragg 1975

Response by PFC Donna Warner made Jul 28 at 2017 9:44 PM

PFC Donna Warner — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 21:44:15 -0400

Mint Green class BP the females wore in 1979......never wore mine they were ugly

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2017 11:17 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 23:17:15 -0400

Perhaps not strange, per se, but unusual was during deployment to Antarctica for ODF with the Coast Guard. Below the Antarctic Circle, it kinda turned into a "as long as it's blue (USCG) or red (red for 2 reasons; 1-line crossing ceremony made us members of the Order of the Red Nose and authorized to wear red below the Antarctic Circle and 2-USCG icebreakers are red-hulled, not white, so those who earned their quals are authorized red hats when breaking ice) and it keeps you warm, it's good." Boots or boat shoes; blue ODU pants; red t-shirt or blue t-shirt or ship's shirt or blue or red sweatshirts; ODU blouse; blue parka, red parka, green parka, blue fleece; cold weather cap (with the ear muffs), blue ship's ball cap, red ship's ball cap, blue USCG ball cap, blue toboggan, red toboggan, black toboggan. All Hands was of course, in ODU blouse and pants and ODU boots, (preferably) red parka and (preferably) red ball cap. But other than that, stay warm! (Oh, when we had a visit from a 3-star USAF, a 2-star USCG, and a 2-star USN flag officers all together, it was ODUs with blue ball caps, wear long-underwear cause you're not wearing jackets).

Response by Sgt Bill Murphy made Jul 28 at 2017 11:26 PM

Sgt Bill Murphy — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 23:26:01 -0400

Nothing strange, But wearing a Parka, Insulated Bibs and bunny boots, anc carrying a .38 cal revolver, working K9, well it was "cumbersome" to say the least

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Jul 29 at 2017 5:52 AM

1LT Peter Duston — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 05:52:57 -0400

But you never got to wear the Bermuda shorts, knee sox and short sleeve khaki's of the late '50's because some high ranking general thought the British equivalent was very military - "pip - pip, old Chap!"

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Jul 29 at 2017 6:01 AM

1LT Peter Duston — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 06:01:52 -0400

How about this one! That's me role playing MAJ Pavlov of Soviet Army for "Threat" classes taught at Ft. Benning for OSUT Infantry Basic back in the llate '80's.

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Jul 29 at 2017 12:42 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 12:42:19 -0400

Full MOPP gear. Yeah. You can pick up a lot of girls in that outfit :)

Response by SPC Gilbert Williams made Jul 29 at 2017 2:37 PM

SPC Gilbert Williams — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 14:37:28 -0400

My ugly old OD greens with oldest, WW2 style gear and webbing I could find in the mid 70's

Response by AN Christopher Crayne made Jul 29 at 2017 4:49 PM

AN Christopher Crayne — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 16:49:06 -0400

The "pastel" camo uniform. Sorry no pic. COL Charles Williams . They may be the 3 color BDU's you posted. They didn't last long.

Response by SP5 Joel Pickett made Jul 29 at 2017 7:13 PM

SP5 Joel Pickett — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 19:13:39 -0400

full chemical protection with an self contained breathing unit

Response by SGT David Careaga made Jul 29 at 2017 10:51 PM

SGT David Careaga — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 22:51:01 -0400

R.O.K. (circa mid seventies), our winter uniform was standard fatigues with the shirt worn over a black turtle neck sweater. I didn't find it strange, I rather liked it. We we're also issued "artic weather" gear (eskimo clothes) but never once did we wear it.

Response by SrA Robert Adams made Jul 30 at 2017 1:50 AM

SrA Robert Adams — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 01:50:24 -0400

The little yellow shorts and brown tee shirts..with matching yellow long sleeve top

Response by PFC Adrian Hummel made Jul 30 at 2017 3:34 PM

PFC Adrian Hummel — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 15:34:19 -0400

I worn the BDU's that had lots of strings. Plus they were hot to at least they came out with summer wear.

Response by SrA William Signorini made Jul 30 at 2017 6:34 PM

SrA William Signorini — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 18:34:44 -0400

"Bus driver" dress blues of USAF (1962-1966 ) but I believe unchanged in the 51 years since I got out.

Response by SP6 Stan Barnett made Jul 30 at 2017 9:21 PM

SP6 Stan Barnett — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 21:21:44 -0400

European organizational issue combat uniform. We looked like "Band of Brothers" - in 1966!

Response by CPO David Chadwick made Jul 30 at 2017 11:37 PM

CPO David Chadwick — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 23:37:46 -0400

Coast Guard working blues on a Submarine when we couldn't get Poopie suits

Response by CDR Bob Lange made Jul 31 at 2017 1:31 AM

CDR Bob Lange — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 01:31:48 -0400

I don't have a picture, but it has to be the "Gulf Rig" tropical formal. Black trou, Tropical white short sleeve shirt, and a gold cummerbund.

Response by Maj Ed VanHaute made Jul 31 at 2017 2:02 PM

Maj Ed VanHaute — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 14:02:04 -0400

USMC OCS Uniform: Green sateen utility trousers, khaki shirt, and helmet liner painted silver. Name stenciled on the outside of shirt and trousers in 1" high letters

Response by PFC Ricardo Aguilar made Jul 31 at 2017 2:45 PM

PFC Ricardo Aguilar — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 14:45:39 -0400

Cunt cap

Response by SrA Chuck Golightly made Jul 31 at 2017 3:58 PM

SrA Chuck Golightly — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 15:58:23 -0400

At Clark AB, Philippines, 1974-76, we wore cook's whites on the flightline. Really helped due to the humidity and heat. Just as heavy as green fatigues, but alot cooler. Worked

Response by TSgt Rick Silvis made Jul 31 at 2017 5:22 PM

TSgt Rick Silvis — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 17:22:24 -0400

It was a kaki colored shirt and pants. It was called the 1505 set. An authorized pair of knee lenght shorts and a pith helmet in hot weather.

Response by SSgt Wendell Croom made Jul 31 at 2017 7:19 PM

SSgt Wendell Croom — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 19:19:25 -0400

The white winter camouflage suit.

Response by SFC Jackie Oesch made Jul 31 at 2017 10:53 PM

SFC Jackie Oesch — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 22:53:44 -0400

The Mint Green

Response by CPL Randy Powers made Aug 1 at 2017 10:23 AM

CPL Randy Powers — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 10:23:39 -0400

Jungle fatigues

Response by Sgt Robert Engborg made Aug 1 at 2017 11:08 AM

Sgt Robert Engborg — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 11:08:11 -0400

Jungle fatigues with bush hat, late 1960's with the jungle Air Force in Thailand.

Response by TSgt Randy Colby made Aug 1 at 2017 11:56 AM

TSgt Randy Colby — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 11:56:17 -0400

505 tan uniform with a tan bush jacket.

Response by CWO4 James Shelton made Aug 1 at 2017 12:39 PM

CWO4 James Shelton — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:39:07 -0400

Coast Guard leisure wear...Patrol boat duty during Haitian operations. It was supposed to be "Tropical Blue-Short" but it was really the ship's polo shirt, blue shorts and topsiders. Drove the big-Cutter skippers crazy to see us in it.... which is pretty much why we wore it!

Response by PO1 Tuck Atkinson made Aug 1 at 2017 3:18 PM

PO1 Tuck Atkinson — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 15:18:19 -0400

The Navy's misguided attempt to replace dungarees. Boot camp, Great Lakes, IL, 1975.

Response by PO2 Hauke Powers made Aug 1 at 2017 4:18 PM

PO2 Hauke Powers — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 16:18:13 -0400

the "milkman" uniforms the Navy had in the mid to late 1970's !!! Will that be white or chocolate??!!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 5:00 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 17:00:30 -0400

The blue "bus driver" uniform of the early 70's in the Air Force

Response by LTC Marc King made Aug 1 at 2017 5:39 PM

LTC Marc King — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 17:39:28 -0400

How about this favorite... nerve out of style!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 7:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 19:54:52 -0400

The ACU was comfortable, but completely crap in terms of durability and usefulness.

Response by SSgt James Binion made Aug 1 at 2017 8:00 PM

SSgt James Binion — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 20:00:31 -0400

505 bush jacket, shorts, and knee socks with shirt and tie, head gear was a pith helmet {Morocco 1962}

Response by SGT Kevin Unruh made Aug 1 at 2017 8:10 PM

SGT Kevin Unruh — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 20:10:09 -0400

The following isn't about an approved uniform, but it's what I had at the time...... so there is was in Kanda hard Airfield, had just gotten done fighting a rather persistent sandstorm in the South Park area. Let the supply sgt I worked with know I was going back to my chu to shower and change. We are talking soon dusty I put an inch of mud on the floor washing off. So I'm cleaning out my ears in sandals and put shorts when the rocket attack alarm goes off (mid 09, when it was still a British woman announcing). Out to the bunker in what I'm wearing like a good little Joe. Then word comes down that 4 more were at the launch point and we had to get gear on and hunker down while EOD flew out to get them. Now, my helmet is back at the shop full of sand. I say screw it, just put on my IOTV (flak vest for those who don't know) and grab my Willie x's and smokes. 3 hours into waiting I step out the bunker to light one up. A LT, no gear on walks up and asks "are we still on lock down Sgt?" Now, to recap, I'm dressed in sandals, pt shorts, IOTV vest, wraparound sunglasses smoking a cigarette. No head gear. I say "well Sir, would I be dressed like this if we weren't?" He mumbles good point and continues walking down the road to the amusement of me and several others in the bunker! Did get a bit more in line with 670-1 when the all clear sounded an hour later though

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 9:25 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 21:25:37 -0400

Chocolate chip DBUs, definitely.

Response by MSgt Michael Dow made Aug 1 at 2017 9:26 PM

MSgt Michael Dow — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 21:26:37 -0400

1505's, short sleeve tans

Response by SCPO Scott Lacey made Aug 1 at 2017 10:13 PM

SCPO Scott Lacey — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 22:13:31 -0400

Undress whites

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 10:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 22:13:49 -0400

Yeah I don't have nothing special but I did go through two different dress uniforms and 4 different uniform changes. When ACU's came out it was horrible. BDU's, ACU vest, DCU pouches, and also Like 3 different helmets. But of course the uniform don't make the soldier.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 10:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 22:43:28 -0400

Easily the worst was the gawdawful "banana suit" PT uniform. The "warm up suit" invariably was two sizes to small exposing wrist and ankles, the ridiculous gym shorts weren't lined and holding your partners feet during sit ups could be an eye opening experience. There was no standard t shirt so you write a pain white duty, a "purchased at your own expense" unit shirt or a brown shirt later on. My first hit got a new first sergeant who outlawed the stupid things in favor of BDU pants and a t shirt...

Response by SPC William Hedges made Aug 1 at 2017 10:53 PM

SPC William Hedges — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 22:53:12 -0400

while working as a MP at Ft. Leonard Wood in 1967 wool OD shirt and trousers with a field Jacket

Response by SSgt Tim Johnson made Aug 1 at 2017 10:53 PM

SSgt Tim Johnson — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 22:53:56 -0400

During the McPeak era. BDU's with flightcrew leather name patch and stripes on the sleeve.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 11:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 23:09:43 -0400

Kosovo '06ish got stuck with a bunch of Ukrainians

Response by SSG Donald O'Shei made Aug 1 at 2017 11:30 PM

SSG Donald O'Shei — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 23:30:39 -0400

The yellow Double Zip Jump Suit at HALO School (Military Free Fall Parachutist Course).

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 2:33 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 02:33:40 -0400

It's a toss up between the digi half and half and the Brit /Rhodesian ensamble. As cool as the Marine digis are we would sometimes find ourselves in places where neither woodland nor deserts matched the terrain or hid us very well so we would split the difference usually with woodland tops and desert pants. Luckily we had been issued the coyote tan carriers, cause for a while we had a mix of woodland and desert interceptors based on size and what was turned back in. If I remember one of the smallest guys we had was issued the 1990's swat black interceptor like vest because it was all that would fit him. As for the Rhody Brit camo, we were training with SEALs who were graining with the Brits and something about blending in caused the SEALs to all want to wear either Rhodesian Jungle uniforms or the British desert pattern which was the same thing with tan replacing green. Either way it was the cool sought after uniform that made us feel high speed at the time lol.

Response by SP5 Elden Morris made Aug 2 at 2017 6:25 AM

SP5 Elden Morris — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 06:25:34 -0400

The strangest uniform I wore was also the most practical. From 1977 to 1980, the military was involved with cleaning radioactive debris on Enewetak Atoll, site of 43 nuclear detonations from 1948 to 1958. The Army issued everyone jungle fatigues with the pants cut off just above the knees and the sleeves cut off above the elbow. Most wore the shorts but either green tee shirts or no shirt at all. This was because of the tropical environment with the average temperature around 100 degrees.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 8:58 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 08:58:45 -0400

Best TWs, bloused, worst greens w/poplin shirt

Response by SSgt Christopher Mortell made Aug 2 at 2017 1:08 PM

SSgt Christopher Mortell — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:08:50 -0400

I will say that Army and Air Force females have traditionally gotten the short-end of the stick in uniform selections. Particularly maternity uniforms. And the female mushroom beret of the 70s - 90s was horrible.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 1:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:24:10 -0400

the DCU's

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 3:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 15:14:39 -0400

I joined for the dress greens I still think to this day they are sexy as hell but the stupidest ones have been the ACU pattern ... completely useless

Response by Sgt Gerald Dinsmore made Aug 2 at 2017 3:40 PM

Sgt Gerald Dinsmore — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 15:40:48 -0400

fatigues

Response by Clayton Benignus made Aug 2 at 2017 4:16 PM

Clayton Benignus — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:16:58 -0400

If you want the weirdest uniform, it would have to be of necessity from the twisted imagination of the pompous and vainglorious Herman Goering, who designed his own uniforms: http://bbs.boy-toy.net/attachments/month_1107/ [login to see] 67aa21f43a40169.jpg .

1107140017967aa21f43a40169.jpg

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 2 at 2017 4:20 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:20:50 -0400

Saigon in the early 60's. We were all issued those shorts but no one woulds wear them

Response by SPC James White made Aug 2 at 2017 4:45 PM

SPC James White — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:45:28 -0400

I remember finding something in 670-1 once about half capes for the ASUs. Never could find pictures of it but apparently it exists.

Response by MSG Mark Stinson made Aug 2 at 2017 5:28 PM

MSG Mark Stinson — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 17:28:29 -0400

For a short time the Army came out with Bermuda shorts for tropical wear. My dad tried a set while stationed at Ft Bliss, TX. Thank God they were dropped the same year.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 2 at 2017 5:38 PM

SGT James Murphy — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 17:38:29 -0400

Ok, While Spec 4 I usually just wore my regular fatigues in the village and on base. However When I made SGT and Platoon Leader I was attached to ASA (Shut Down in 1973) and we had some pretty bizarre "rules". For Example, The only Army Personnel "allowed" to wear civilian clothing in-country were those of us assigned to ASA (Army Security Agency). Seriously I don't know of ANYONE that was stupid enough to wear civilian clothing into the village but THAT was the rule. You COULD do it! So while I actually never did wear my civies into the village I COULD have! Pretty crazy!

Response by PO2 Joseph Allen made Aug 2 at 2017 6:17 PM

PO2 Joseph Allen — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:17:54 -0400

When President Clinton came to our base we wore the Yankee Uniform for the Navy. White pants, shirt, black tie and tunic with medals and ribbons. Found it listed as obsolete as of 1981.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Aug 2 at 2017 6:52 PM

1SG James Kelly — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:52:48 -0400

Civilian tan short sleeve cover-all's for a year in Oman on a TAFT working out of the embassy.

Response by SFC Louis Eisenhauer made Aug 2 at 2017 8:10 PM

SFC Louis Eisenhauer — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 20:10:30 -0400

The short-lived banana PT suit for the army.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 2 at 2017 8:28 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 20:28:55 -0400

This one for the Navy, not the uniform, but the Donald Duck hat.

Response by CMSgt Raymond Allen made Aug 2 at 2017 10:06 PM

CMSgt Raymond Allen — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 22:06:49 -0400

Am I the only USAF old-timer still around who proudly wore the brown khaki uniform? It required a lot of maintenance, but when properly tailored was pretty sharp. Summer uniform-of-the-day from 1947 to early '60s.

Response by SFC Blackcat James made Aug 2 at 2017 11:11 PM

SFC Blackcat James — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 23:11:26 -0400

The pickle suit

Response by 1SG Billy Meredith Sr. made Aug 3 at 2017 2:06 AM

1SG Billy Meredith Sr. — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 02:06:54 -0400

Does anyone remember the permanent press fatigues? Looked like crap.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2017 7:28 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 07:28:30 -0400

How long were you in the 1970s had all green uniform and you recall the uniform of today that's over 40 years of service

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2017 1:33 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:33:32 -0400

http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/138762/air-force-unveils-new-uniform-plan/

Air Force unveils new uniform plan

Air Force officials announced Aug. 6 plans for the wear test of a new utility uniform to possibly replace the current battle dress uniform.The blue, gray and green tiger-stripe camouflage ensemble is

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2017 1:55 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:55:41 -0400

Type I Naval Working Uniform. Never seen such an odd uniform for a Sailor.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 3 at 2017 1:57 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:57:31 -0400

ACUs in general, but especially when I was told to wear the PC backwards for an OPFOR detail.

Response by LCpl Christopher Pickett made Aug 3 at 2017 5:00 PM

LCpl Christopher Pickett — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 17:00:03 -0400

I guess I got lucky with uniform wear. I joined the Marines in 2002 and was the first few units to be issues "digi's". Also I personally think that the Marine Corps always had the best looking uniforms. Only uniform I disliked was Bravo's with the sweater

Response by SgtMaj Anthony Goss made Aug 3 at 2017 5:12 PM

SgtMaj Anthony Goss — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 17:12:42 -0400

White T-shirts under utilities (USMC) even in the field.

Response by PO3 Jeffrey Mercado made Aug 3 at 2017 6:09 PM

PO3 Jeffrey Mercado — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 18:09:54 -0400

We wore brown T-shirts and khaki shorts on gray boats surrounded by blue waters...we stood out like a sore thumb!

Response by PO1 David Cannon made Aug 3 at 2017 10:00 PM

PO1 David Cannon — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 22:00:25 -0400

in early seventies the Navy did away with the chanbry shirt and bell bottom denim pants and came out with a jumper type shirt and a blue pant. The ugliest uniform ever!

Response by SSG Kurt Edwards made Aug 3 at 2017 10:16 PM

SSG Kurt Edwards — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 22:16:32 -0400

A formation (yes, seriously!) in the following 'uniform': swim trunks, Shower cap, LBE and shower shoes! Turn out we were having a water party!

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Aug 4 at 2017 2:11 PM

SGT Eliyahu Rooff — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 14:11:52 -0400

Not a very good photo, but the dress whites I wore at my wedding were quite unusual for an E4 at the time.

Response by Cpl Melanie Capriotti made Aug 4 at 2017 10:13 PM

Cpl Melanie Capriotti — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 22:13:04 -0400

The USMC maternity Charlie's... worse than a horse blanket.

Response by PO3 Mitchell Haynie made Aug 5 at 2017 10:48 AM

PO3 Mitchell Haynie — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 10:48:13 -0400

The most miserable, hot, thrift store looking stuff I ever wore!

Response by GySgt Jon White made Aug 5 at 2017 12:14 PM

GySgt Jon White — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 12:14:38 -0400

In my opinion, the WWII era look were the best looking uniforms the Army ever had. I was a Marine, our service uniform (greens) came out in 1933, aside from a few changes in rank insignia, some changes in the collar emblems, the shades of green and weight if the material, it's essentially the same uniform.

The dress uniform (blues) has been around over 100 years. Again, some fairly minor changes, but still the same look.

It's worked for us.

Response by PO2 John Frost made Aug 5 at 2017 12:46 PM

PO2 John Frost — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 12:46:03 -0400

Oh please.. I pulled in to a Oregon Gas station in a 1990 CG work uniform and was asked to pump someone's gas because they wore the same blue uniforms!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 11:50 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 11:50:50 -0400

My favorite is the cold weather marshmallow outfit

Response by PO3 Gregory Hutchison made Aug 7 at 2017 4:02 PM

PO3 Gregory Hutchison — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 16:02:19 -0400

Working blues,working whites

Response by CPL Patric Neal made Aug 7 at 2017 7:38 PM

CPL Patric Neal — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:38:32 -0400

I went in in 84 and had 3 color bdu's that had a collar that was from the 70's, I think the term back then was "butterfly collar".
At my first duty station in Fulda Germany we could wear the Vietnam jungle fatigues or as a driver we could wear the OG 107 tuck in shirt then in the late 80's we had the lightweight rip-stop 3 color bud's. oh yes and the dreadful Cunt Cap for the class B dress uniform.

Response by SPC Nathan Deviney made Aug 7 at 2017 10:16 PM

SPC Nathan Deviney — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 22:16:08 -0400

digital Camo pattern in reflective paint on the PT jacket circa 2011 or 12

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 7 at 2017 11:24 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 23:24:32 -0400

NTC OPFOR. This was the "dress" OPFOR uniform with color tabs and non subdued rank for Regimental Call at the end of the rotation TD-14.

Response by PO3 Bo Hunt made Aug 8 at 2017 8:09 AM

PO3 Bo Hunt — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 08:09:20 -0400

I've never worn it, but anything involving a reflective belt.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 8:40 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 08:40:15 -0400

Silkies and body armor...react drills are a bitch

Response by PO2 Dave Chandler Sr. made Aug 8 at 2017 9:19 AM

PO2 Dave Chandler Sr. — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 09:19:14 -0400

White Cracker Jacks, second only to the Zumwalt Era business suits (Dress Blues) we had. Tropical White (Milkman uniform).

Response by SGT Sharon Olden made Aug 10 at 2017 4:56 PM

SGT Sharon Olden — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:56:13 -0400

During 81-82, we (female soldiers) had a two piece green, maybe lime green with gold buttons going down on the top and a skirt. I thought it was so pretty. One day the DS told everyone to put on their favorite and I put the green one on. Everybody thought it was ugly.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 10 at 2017 7:17 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 19:17:41 -0400

I wore the Woodland Camo BDU's that appeared just after the Green Fatigues and I slipped out just before the ASU's and ACU's came about. Some would say that's perfect timing. I loved the ripstop nylon BDU's. They looked sharp too. I don't like all the Velcro on todays uniforms!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Oct 2 at 2017 4:27 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 16:27:41 -0400

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Oct 31 at 2018 9:50 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 09:50:20 -0400

AF PT Gear.....cotton shirts and swishy shorts from the 1970s gymnasium teacher collection

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2019 8:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 20:14:43 -0400

Same here. Fatigues. They were ugly and I thought at that time they looked like something a civilian mechanic would wear at a gas station. Sometimes I think they were meant to be shipped to prisons then the Army got them by mistake. I was glad when the BDU's arrived so I could throw out every pair of fatigues I owned.

Response by SSgt Dee O'Connor made Sep 27 at 2019 3:04 AM

SSgt Dee O'Connor — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 03:04:07 -0400

Green fatigues. I loved my camis.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 22 at 2020 7:34 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 07:34:14 -0500

My first base level honor guard. Women didn't have long sleeve blue shirts so the tailor shop took the men's shirt apart and put it back together so it would fit me. Of course the collar was still out of proportion but we had scarves so it didn't matter so much...I have a picture somewhere...

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2020 8:32 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 08:32:51 -0500

When my daughter was born outside TBS Quantico in 81 we did the 95 shuffle to Belvoir. Lucky we were N bound, in my 57 chevy p/u. I was in camos and during delivery they gave me a pale green beret with matching booties. Didn't protect me though, my wife still bit me. Something to do with me telling Doc to put an extra stitch in.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jul 3 at 2020 6:48 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 18:48:09 -0400

Guess the old days were the best, fatigues, greens, khakis PT- fatigues and black combat boots. Hate. Baseball, overseas, service!