Caution: geezer eruption
View attachment 80291
Back to the Army's new service dress ... I have no strong feelings, one way or the other, except for one thing: there is NO flamin' need for any service dress at all, ever.
Soldiers need:
1. A combat uniform - almost certainly several variations in colour, weight, etc. All of you, dear readers, are expert on this, I am not - too old, my first combat uniform consisted of black coveralls and 37 pattern canvas webbing and load carrying equipment;
2. Many work uniforms - "work" varies, for any one person, from stuff done outdoors, in the cold, with a shovel or other tools to stuff done indoors in an air conditioned room. Each soldier needs several task-appropriate work uniforms. All work uniforms ought to share a few common features: easy to maintain - not requiring excessive pressing and polishing; comfortable - there is no need, ever, for a necktie; "smart" when likely to be seen by any member of the public; clearly displays rank and important qualifications; and
3. Social informs:
a. A parade uniform, something like patrol dress, for all ranks, provided and maintained (within reason) at public expense because the "public" wants to see its Army on parade every now and again; and
b. A mess dress uniform - required for officers and senior NCOs but not at public expense.
The parade uniform can be "dressed down" a bit when a handful of senior officers might be required to attend meetings with senior officials or important civilians. There is, simply, no need for a service dress uniform. There is never a need for necktie.
