I wasn't in the military. My dad was a LT. Colonel in the Air Force. I remembered as a kid that the different branches wore standard uniforms year round and only on special occasions wore fatigues...I guess certain groups wore them too if they were doing something that required them. Other than that, the uniform was pretty formal.

Now it seems that whenever I see military personnel they are always in BDUs. Is this because we are basically at war? Anyone know?

Tia..just curious.

Cant comment for other branches of service, but the Army considers the OCP uniform our work uniform, therefore is worn 99% of the time. There is a good amount of talk that if we go to the Pinks and Greens, we will use that as our everyday uniform and only put on the OCPs when going to the field, ranges, motorpool, etc....where one is expected to get dirty and sweaty.

Back in the old days, when people were drafted, they may have only had one or two sets of clothes period. So, having a nice military uniform to wear when not on "duty" or off post was great, and back then you were literally on a "pass" when allowed to leave post so you had to be in a Class A or B uniform. Now you can leave post whenever you want. We are not in those times anymore so I think wearing the Class A or B style uniform is pretty stupid. Also, look at the cleaning costs of keeping these uniforms looking good. Try to keep a uniform looking strac at Ft. Hood, Ft. Polk, Ft. Benning, etc...you know, where you sweat your butt off in December. Way back when you got all your uniforms, both dress and work, cleaned for free from the Quartermaster's, but that is not an option anymore, and younger Soldiers can not afford to have their uniforms dry cleaned a couple of times a week in the middle of summer in the south.

Someone please shoot the good idea fairy.

queso1 said:

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I wasn't in the military. My dad was a LT. Colonel in the Air Force. I remembered as a kid that the different branches wore standard uniforms year round and only on special occasions wore fatigues...I guess certain groups wore them too if they were doing something that required them. Other than that, the uniform was pretty formal.

Now it seems that whenever I see military personnel they are always in BDUs. Is this because we are basically at war? Anyone know?

Tia..just curious.

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BDUs/Cammies are the standard "work" uniform for personal these days. (Exceptions for certain duties, presidential guard, recruiting, embassy ect).

It has nothing to do with being at war, it's easiet to be honest. Marines (rah) aren't allowed off base in cammies unless deploying unlike the army/AF/navy/coasties

I hated wearing anything other cammies it's a hassle and just dumb... other than special occasions it was always cammies/frogs