Maybe we need to stop being so self conscious and stop calling everything "Canadian"... Does CANSOFCOM really need the CAN in front? Does CJOC really need the C? How about CSOR?
It makes sense if you work in coalitions, which we almost always do.
We could do that in an international coalition, but there is no need to make it the official name, apart from "because Canada".
Given that almost all of the time this uniform is worn is inside Canada, is that really required ? Are we so insecure we have to remind ourselves we’re Canadian at every step?
Wouldn’t need to. The Marine would tell anyone and everyone they’re a Marine.
So your suggesting a strong esprit de corps is more effective that a shoulder title?
That is a smart looking uniform. I like it.
I don’t disagree. My point was more that the USMC uniform is identical in cut and design to the “British” style service dress and yet no one would doubt this man is a marine. Infact a great many nations wear similar patterns and successfully managed to remember they aren’t British. Let’s be realistic, there’s minimal exposure of service dress to the general population without pretty clear indications we’re Canadian.
The interesting thing is that from the FVEY nations, the British Commonwealth ones do have national flashes on their uniforms to show that they aren’t British.
The plan is for officers and CWOs to wear a "Sam Browne" belt.If I have one criticism its that it needs a "stronger" belt. The cloth one looks wimpy and cheep. Invest in some leather and (dare I say it) a Sam Browne (there, I dared). Oh - and I'd go so far as to say Corcoran boots with bloused trousers. Time to look like soldiers again.
The CSOR MCpl sentry at the war memorial on the 11th wore a "Sam Browne" belt with his nice brown uniform...
Most data I can see is that its a slow roll out.
Yes. It is obvious we design our uniforms for the wearers and not to communicate to observers. Small Canadian military egos would rather be assumed British than confused for a member of another unit.
Most of the time we wear any uniform is inside Canada, because that is where we spend most our time. As someone who has worn service dress in NATO & ABCANZ settings, I can attest that the uniform matters … particularly if part of the reason the govt sent you is so Canada can be observed contributing despite our low defence spending.
The USMC uniform is sufficiently distinct in its combination of cut, colour, and insignia from the British. It is not trying for that Commonwealth look. The two do not get confused in an international setting. The commonwealth uniforms do.
There were complaints to that effect when the US Army wore the green uniform, and we are not stuck in some binary choice between an American vs British uniforms. We can do our own thing.
At least the buckle isn't plastic.
