At AUSA PEO Soldier is demonstrating a prototype World War Two Pinks and Greens-style service dress uniform.
SGT Schacher and SFC Johnson wear prototypes of male and female versions of the uniform. This is only a prototype, intended to solicit feedback and there is currently no requirement for a new Service uniform. However, if this concept is adopted by the Army, the final uniforms will be different.
Here, SFC Johnson shows us the Class B Shirt. I’m very impressed by the work the uniform’s designers have done to research historical uniform items and adapt the styles to reflect modern tastes and materials.
What do you think?
Hold your pants on. This is for Soldiers who need a business suit every day. Pentagon types and such. It is an optional purchase. So if you buy a set your going to be awful lonely. This isn’t like those God awful pickle suit green Class A’s where you could get away with throwing a white shirt and black bow tie on for formal occasions. Your your going to have to still own and wear Dress Blues.
Couple of things:
* Where is the belt? That’s what made the Pinks and Greens extra sharp.
* No this is not the Ike Jacket which looked like a Potato sack with sleeves.
* Yes I’m aware this is more in line with the enlisted era uniforms without the leather belt. Still needs a belt as do the blues.
* Officers and enlisted need to wear the same design.
* If these do come back. The ASU needs to return to being the Dress Blues! The same ones that go all the way back to 1938. Bring back the big stripes.
* If we are going retro then not adopt the greatest Dress Blue Uniform of all. Model 1902 Enlisted Blue Uniform. Look it up.
These are nice though. But they are not the Pinks and Greens.
Just some thoughts.
Coming from a multi-generation service family(mostly Army officers), I found this interesting. Obviously this is a cross between the old PInks and Tans, that my dad wore, and the greens (that my dad, me, my son and my grand sons all wore). I like the blues, but when I was in, they were dress uniform, worn on special occasion. I thought when the army went to the blues as class A uniform, it was too dressy. The marines didn’t do away with their brown uniforms for normal “suit” type business uniform (NOT to be confused with the marines “business suits”). My dad always said that the pinks and tans were the best looking uniform we had. I guess that was because of the tailoring that was dropped when they went to greens. Overall, I do like this new look.
Does this mean the brown jump boots are coming back?! If so, I will go back to an Airborne unit.
Note: Delete the black tie and go back to the tan one. Delete the patches. Bring back the jacket belt. So basically bring the old WWII uniform back. Stop beating around the bush!
My Dad wore the “pink trousers” during WW II and they looked sharp. The Ike jacket had just been phased out when I entered Uncle’s Regular Army in 1961. I am still partial to the all green Class A and khaki uniforms. What ever the Army decides is fine – i’m just an old timer with a fondness for the old standard.
I personally don’t like EM wearing “pinks.” …and truth be told, i’m not partial to brown shoes. It reminds me of one of the bad and inaccurate re-enactment groups…:
It really needs the waist belt and the tie needs to be brown. I loved my greens, I hate the commercial airline pilot uniform. Pleas can we do this?
I like it. Very classic Army uniform look.
Blues need to remain a formal dress uniform.
Love the brown shoes and the classic male cover…
All round a true tip of the hat to a more classic Army dress uniform look.
Nice idea but you really need to move away from simply changing the color of the class A uniform from green to blue to OD. Add a Bi swing back to the coat to allow for more broad shoulder room, the coat MUST HAVE A BELT (integral cloth or separate leather Sam brown) if you want to truely make it a military looking uniform ( like the original), and eliminate all the excess pins and badges…less is more. For the female coat add pocket flaps at the chest level. Some of the bling you can remove should include: regimental crest (serves no purpose), unit awards (keep only those earned by the soldier), metal versions of the ranger and SF tabs (sew on cloth tabs only), name plates, pocket badges when no longer assigned to those units/organizations/positions (counselors, recruiters, DOD), and OSBs (since deployments are tracked on the OSR). Limit berets to special units.
This has a bi-swing back. There is a variant with a belt.
From the background I gathered during AUSA, berets did not look good with the uniform and did not score well with the Generals and SGMs who reviewed the various uniform combinations.
I won’t say for sure this is happening, but the more I hear about it, the more I believe it is, and I also believe that if this happens, it will be the end of the Black beret.
Add a skirt to the female uniform in khaki and another in OD. Also offer two colors for shirts and next ties one in a matching OD the other in khaki. Lengthen the female coat. Basically, follow the original 1940s pinks and greens uniform as there is no need to reinvent the wheel. However the double breasted short coat worn in Starship troopers is pretty sharp looking.
I like them
Love it!
Back to the brown boot army!
Stop wasting money on changing uniforms! We have just barely got all enlisted issued ASUs and all officers have bought them. Leave well enough alone!
The army should be focusing it’s cash on modernizing equipment, not another uniform–not one that we don’t wear in combat and that won’t make us more lethal. Two uniform changes in the last decade did that: the change to the OCP field uniform, and the new PFT uniform moisture-wicking fabrics. The beret, the ACU, even the switch to ASUs did not (even if the ASU does look better than the Green Class-A).
But since we now have the ASU, it is fine and evokes other historical army uniforms (different color pants came from the frontier Army; dark blue jacket came from Washington.) I won’t buy (no pun intended) that we’re changing because “armies wear green” as a legitimate reason–if so, the old Green Class-A was fine.
Being I am retired army, can wear the new one. I so wish that was our uniform when I served.
I cant believe that your country asks you to buy a uniform? Isn’t the point of uniform is that its uniform and therefore only guaranteed by issue?
What a strange world
Enlisted personnel are paid an annual uniform allowance. The folks who are complaining are the ones who want to use that money on other stuff than what it is intended for.
Officers must pay for uniforms out of their pocket but they know that is part of the deal when they raise their right hand. They are paid better than their subordinates.
I grew up as an “Army Brat” in the 1950’s and 60’s. My earliest memories were my father in his pinks and greens. I loved that uniform as well as the more formal Dress Blues. Then I put on the ugly “greens” in 1970 when the blues were still in use. I think the Army wanted to become “Air Force” light with the single tone uniform but what they failed to factor in was the “fade rates” between the jacket and the pants….and that proved expensive over a career because I had to replace my Greens every two or three years. You do not have that problem with Pinks & Greens.
1) The Army needs to ask why the change. 2) The designers did not do their research, Shelby Stanton wrote seveal bools on uniforms that they ought to have read. 3) Who is going to foot the bill for the enlisted Soldier………..cause the clothing allowance don’ t cover it. 4) Who is going to teach Soldiers to shine shoes………
In summary, waste of time, material and money.
Stick with what we have. Don’t waste more money changing to another uniform. The Army can’t afford to completely replace the OCIE from ACU to OCP and now another new dress uniform. Don’t waste any more time or money exploring this option. Terrible idea.
I do like the style and also going back to the Khaki as a class B uniform. Should have as a short sleeve as well. Go back to starch and crisp looking as a Class B and leave the Utilities for outside work.
I like the coats , i dont like the Pants color or brown shoes ! I guess I liked the style of early 70 when I served Except for the bus driver hat !
This is the uniform the Army should have gone to in the first place. The dress blues are just that and should never have been made the class A uniform. Now soldiers look like bus drivers or Navy.
Beautiful uniform.
The irony is off the charts.
Valid complaint about changing uniforms so often, very little comment on what that uniform allowance is for.
A lot of comments how its great to reach back to our heritage. The blues have a longer heritage…
Chuckle at those that disparage most things that have to do with officers, except when it comes to adopting an officers uniform. What’s that about earning berets, awards, etc.?
Uniforms serve an important purpose. Instilling pride, cohesion, unity etc. All that fails if you don’t teach troops how to wear a uniform properly and work to make it look good. Those same troops will now complain about why am I wasting time and how does this make me a better soldier/warrior? (adding a belt means meeting height weight standards stringently)
A lot of comments about how well the Marines do it. See the above about instilling pride, cohesion etc. One can make a garbage bag look good if one is taught to wear it well and with pride.
I loved the service cap. Most did not. Can’t be folded. Speaking of caps, many dinged the beret because you don’t make troops special by giving them a special hat. The same goes for uniforms.
I love the new uniform look. The only thing I can see that would improve the uniform would be a belt for the jacket.
Please.just.stop.
I need another uniform like i need another hole in my head. Enough already. Our clothing allowances cant keep up with your military contract!!!
It’s not about clothing allowance, it’s about accountability and responsibility. I would and could understand the need for a new uniform, if there was one. Over the years decisions are made about clothing that does serve it’s entire purpose,I.e…the new APFU, great for the spring, and summer but not for fall nor winter. Let’s think through the whole concepts of need versus wants or what may look good. Truth be told Khakis are great for spring through summer then what about winter where it is cold like Alaska, Korea, Europe and there is Kansas, Colorado and don’t forget New York.
If the U.S. Army is going to bring the “Pinks and Greens” back, I would recommend that they include the matching cloth belt and make the breast pockets pleated like they have been since 1926. Without the belt, it looks like a potato sack. the unpleated breast pockets add to this unintended effect. Also, prescribe the original color chevrons, OD on Navy blue, not the M1943 “universal” chevrons as shown. On the shirt as an outer garment, in this rendition, it looks out of place because it is an officers western cut shirt with scalloped pocket flaps and no epaulets. This is not a shirt ever worn by the Army in this rendition, ever. Go back to the original M1946 khaki shirt with Army-style clipped pockets and flaps, epaulets, and for God’s sake, tuck the tie in between the second and third button as worn up until 1966 instead of wearing it out and hanging down like we do in the Navy and Marines. There were three ties worn with this uniform: khaki, OD shade 3 and black. IOT avoid connection with the M1956 new Army uniform, do not use anything black. OD is okay but then the belt should match. So pick the khaki tie and belt combination and go with that. IF this uniform is brought back, also bring back the “Ike” jacket in its original enlisted cut of 1944 or 1950 as an optional item. Do NOT modify anything about it. It is not broken, so do not try to “improve” it. Lastly, there was an outer garment shirt of the same color worn in place of the coat (blouse) or jacket. It was of the dark shade as the coat and jacket, Drab, Officers Shade 51 worn with the so-called “pinks” which were Drab, Officers Shade 54. Now, FYI, the reason they were called “pinks” is that they were typically made out of wool elastique, 18 oz. (a ribbed weave) and when sunlight hit the weave of the trousers, it would seem to emit a pink hue (reflection) – hence the moniker “pinks.” The finest looking uniform the U.S. Army ever had. Having said this, keep the Army blues for more formal occasions (like when the Marines wear theirs). Good Luck, Army! Hope you get them back in the original cut and form!!
For the women’s version, please make the coat longer so that it falls at a similar length as the men’s version. Also, Please consider adding pockets to the female jacket–even if they are sewn on later.
I think the prototypes look great! I hope they’re adopted…
“However, if this concept is adopted by the Army, the final uniforms will be different.”
Obviously. The Marines haven’t really messed with their dress uniform much since the 1800’s, but, being the Army, not only are we way too ADD to stick with one thing for any length of time, but even the idea of bringing back the most iconic and best looking uniform in the last 100 years has to be screwed with. What are we going to end up with this time? Going to update the classic with a quasi-modern 80’s look consisting of a 50/50 nylon/poly lime green jacket with pin stripes and shoulder pads? That sounds sexy.
If the U.S. Army is going to bring the “Pinks and Greens” back, I would do it in the fashion that promotes Army uniform tradition as outlined on the QM Corps web site. I would recommend that they include the matching cloth belt. Without the belt, it looks like a potato sack. The pockets need to be pleated like on the original coat and the AG44 coat. Also, prescribe the original color chevrons, OD on Navy blue, not the M1943 “universal” chevrons as shown. On the shirt as an outer garment, in this rendition, it looks out of place because it is an officers western cut shirt with scalloped pocket flaps and no epaulets. This is not a shirt ever worn by the Army in this rendition, ever. Go back to the original M1946 khaki shirt with Army style clipped pockets and flaps, epaulets, and for God’s sake, tuck the tie in between the second and third button as worn up until 1966 instead of wearing out like we do in the Navy and Marines. There were three ties worn with this uniform: khaki, OD and black. IOT avoid connection with the M1956 new Army uniform, do not use anything black. OD is okay but then the belt should match. So pick the khaki tie and belt combination and go with that. IF this uniform is brought back, also bring back the “Ike” jacket in its original enlisted cut of 1944 or 1950 as an optional item. Do NOT modify anything about it. It is not broken, so do not try to “improve” it. Lastly, there was an outer garment shirt of the same color worn in place of the coat (blouse) or jacket. It was of the dark shade as the coat and jacket, Drab, Officers Shade 51 worn with the so-called “pinks” which were Drab, Officers Shade 54. Additionally, there was an outer garment shirt in Drab, Officers Light Shade 54 (pink) with matching tie. FYI, the reason they were called “pinks” is that they were typically made out of wool elastique, 18 oz. (a ribbed weave) and when sunlight hit the weave of the trousers, it would seem to emit a pink hue (reflection) – hence the moniker “pinks.” The finest looking uniform the U.S. Army ever had. Having said this, keep the Army blues for more formal occasions (like when the Marines wear theirs). Good Luck, Army!! Go for it!!
YES, YES, YES, ON TARGET!!! Well said, sir.
Soldier Systems, GREAT idea and kudos to SMA for pushing this.
Suggestions/comments:
1. Please add back the attached cloth belt with open buckle on the tunic!
2. Add epaulets on Class B shirt.
3. TW/khaki western-style pocket flaps are great.
4. Make the tie tan/khaki and authorize tucking it in between the 2nd and 3rd buttons.
5. Strongly consider a closed brass belt buckle (Staybrite is OK)–the current one for enlisted and a slightly longer curved one (with no tip showing) with the US eagle on it (see senior cadets at Texas A&M, who wear this style uniform already).
Hm. The uniforms look great, but the pants are too light, they look like the officer uniforms. Also, the shirt and pants should be the exact same color
A few changes I would suggest.
Keep the colors for the tunic and shirt. Change trousers to same color and weave as tunic.
Add in Brown leather belt.
The Irish Officer’s uniform is damn sharp.
https://goo.gl/images/4fs2xH
Bring back the “Pinks and Greens!” I have always admired and loved the “Pinks and Greens” Class A Uniform. My Dad and Uncle worn them during his service in WWII. Always looked sharp! Watching old movies like 12 O’ Clock High also reinforced my opinion that the Army made a grave mistake when it moved away from this uniform. I strongly endorse and support the Army bringing back the “Pinks and Greens” for the following reasons: 1) Tradition. Everyone identified with Soldiers during WWII and the Korean War period. 2) Functionality and practicality. The current uniform is a sharp looking uniform–but it is for ceremonies and formal functions ONLY. Not practical for every day wear! 3) The Pinks and Greens never looked like a cheap polyester suit as did the pervious “greens” did. 4) Soldiers want to wear their rank and be proud of wearing it. Wearing stripes on your sleeve and brass on your collar reinforces what we all have work so hard for.
I think it looks great. The Army always talks about knowing ones history and traditions and here is a way for the entire force to do just that. It should’ve happened when we went away from greens. I’m on board for what its worth.
I have mixed emotions. The Marine Corp has not really ever changed theirs but it seems the Army changes every few years with something. I think it looks sharp but what the cost going to be the soldiers, officers and ultimately the tax payer? Will this make us train and fight better?
I like it but not sure it is worth the cost in the end for the Army.
Love It! I’m retiring but I will get one if it gets approved!
Hate to say it but they look like Nazi uniforms.
Veteran/1st Cav
????
These are based on US WWII uniforms. I have a funny feeling you don’t know what Nazi uniforms look like either.