7 Fascinating Features of U.S. Military Uniforms
Military uniforms serve a multifaceted purpose for the people who wear them: They forge a feeling of cohesion and present a unified front in battle, while also leaving room for individual identification of rank and accomplishments by way of specific clothing, insignias, and medals.
While few would dispute the importance of uniforms being, well, uniform, military dress rarely remains constant for long. Changing technology, strategy, and fashion all dictate the regular reevaluation and updating of attire. Here’s a snapshot of how such changes have manifested across the U.S. military during the major conflicts that pushed the country’s uniformed personnel into the spotlight.
War of 1812: Shakos
Following the mostly hodgepodge attire that comprised the Continental Army uniforms for much of the American Revolution, the U.S. Army largely managed to present a more organized and formal presence for the War of 1812. Among the notable uniform components was the shako, a tall, cylindrical cap that was produced from felt at the start of the war but eventually switched to the “tombstone” leather model to better withstand harsh weather conditions.
Not every fighting division adopted this type of headgear, but there were telltale differences to be found among those that did. The regular infantry version was marked by a white plume and a cap plate made of white metal, for example, while the light artillery division wore shakos festooned with a large yellow metal cap plate, yellow cords, and a green plume.
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Civil War: Pantaloons and Fezzes
Although the Civil War sparks imagery of Union and Confederate soldiers marching in their respective blue and gray uniforms, both sides had fighting units that sported considerably more flamboyant attire. At the time, the Zouaves were a French Algerian battalion renowned for their fearsome fighting techniques, and their fame spawned American imitators who were able to replicate the appearance, if not the prowess, of these fighters. As such, the war between the states featured volunteer regiments clad in variations of the Zouave-style blue or red vests, pantaloons, and fezzes.
These uniforms were certainly eye-catching, which presented a problem if you wanted to avoid enemy fire. It also became difficult to sustain such fancy dress as resources dwindled, forcing some of these festively clad units to adopt plainer blue and gray coats and hats as the Civil War dragged on.
World War I: Gas Masks
By the launch of the Great War, the U.S. Army uniform had undergone a series of notable changes. New to the fold were olive and khaki hues, replacing the blue that had defined Yankee soldiers for more than a century, as well as the smaller chevrons adorning the sleeves. Additionally, there was a piece of equipment that became standard — and absolutely vital — for the American Expeditionary Forces sent to the Western Front: the gas mask.
American doughboys (a popular nickname for World War I infantry soldiers) largely carried a version of the British small box respirator (SBR), a snug-fitting, rubberized mask that connected via a hose to a box filter worn in a bag around the neck. When not deployed for emergencies or held in anticipation of an attack in the trenches, the gas mask was typically carried in a separate bag slung over the shoulder.
World War II: Marine Camouflage
As standout contributors to Allied campaigns in the Pacific theater of World War II, the U.S. Marines also cut distinctive figures with their camouflage uniforms. Made from herringbone twill fabric, the uniform's coat, trousers, and helmet cover were all reversible, with the green-dominant side designed for jungle terrain and the brown-dominant side intended for beach areas. All buttons were replaced with pressure snaps to prevent snagging, while the helmet cover was embedded with holes for the purpose of inserting foliage.
Although one early problem was addressed when the uniforms were updated to include larger pockets, field reports revealed that the green color was not particularly effective at masking movement in the jungle, resulting in the discontinuation of this outfit by March 1944.
Korean War: "Pinks and Greens"
Although the Air Force unveiled blue uniforms after becoming its own separate branch of the U.S. military in 1947, its personnel could still be spotted wearing older uniforms during the years of the Korean War. These included the popular "pinks and greens" winter service ensemble worn by officers in World War II, consisting of an olive-drab gabardine wool coat and lighter-shade drab trousers.
While paying homage to the branch's Army roots, Air Force officers also established their own distinct identity by wearing gold instead of brass "U.S." insignia on their collars, as well as gold Transition Air Force buttons featuring the service crest of an eagle and shield surrounded by 13 stars.
Vietnam War: Tiger Stripes
Like World War II Marines, the Navy SEALs of Vietnam became known for their distinct use of camouflaged garb, in this case the iconic tiger stripe pattern. Inspired by the uniforms of the South Vietnamese army, the American version generally featured a base color of green, brown, or silver khaki beneath a display of jagged black stripes, a design that emerged as an emblem of the controversial war thanks in part to its inclusion in the 1968 John Wayne movie The Green Beret.
For all the fame surrounding the uniform, many SEALs neglected to wear the matching trousers and instead opted for a pair of Levi's denim jeans. This was partly a fashion statement to mark those tough enough to serve in the elite special operations force, but there were also utilitarian reasons for this casual mode of dress, as jeans were said to be more durable and better at keeping out leeches and mosquitos.
Gulf War: "Chocolate Chip" Kevlar Armor
Adapting to environmental particulars with the Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU), the U.S. military deployed forces clad in the "chocolate chip" pattern of tan, brown, and green for the Gulf War. The DBDU was accompanied by another feature that emphasized wearer safety: The PASGT, or Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops.
Made from ballistic fiberglass known commercially as Kevlar, the lightweight, heat-resistant PASGT helmets were a significant upgrade from the steel M1 models that had been in use from World War II through the mid-1980s. Similarly, the system's Kevlar vest provided more protection than the M-69 ballistic nylon vest used in Vietnam.
Although eventually phased out by the development of stronger and lighter gear such as Interceptor Body Armor (IBA), PASGT protection remained in use by branches of the U.S. military well into the 21st century.
