US military in kilts

[davedove]

Next problem I see and I'm surprised it hasn't been brought up yet. How are you going to deal with the exposed legs in night vision? Talk about the "sore thumb".

I had completely forgotten about that Mike. Both night vision and general camouflage of the lower legs would be a problem.

Oh, and by the way, Southern Breeze, I was a REMF and I like the kilt, but I do know the types you're talking about.

[James]

What a delightful thought-camouflaged knees!

Been happy with that thought for hours.

James

[bubba]

I can tell you kilts would not have been a good idea in southeast asia.

[Archangel]

"REMF"??

Sounds rude.

[davedove]

"REMF"??

Sounds rude.

It is rude. It stands for Rear Echelon M-F'ers (trying to be delicate here). It's all those people in the military that are normally away from combat, like administration, finance, and the like. Often criticized (with some justification) that they don't know what the "real" military is like.

[Raphael]

I read on the paper last week that the British Military are issuing their soldiers new underwear to battle the heat in Iraq. IMHO, Kilts will be a better option.

[Archangel]

It is rude. It stands for Rear Echelon M-F'ers (trying to be delicate here). It's all those people in the military that are normally away from combat, like administration, finance, and the like. Often criticized (with some justification) that they don't know what the "real" military is like.

Thanks, in my teens I had an experience I think that everyone should have. My summer job was with the Canadian Armed Forces. The DND ("do not drop") base had been heavily hit by attrition and cutbacks and only the untouchables were left: combat vets, ex-pows, and wounded (meaning burned beyond recognition being first out of tank). Very scary bunch of guys. They had another word for REMF, they left out the RE part.

[arrogcow]

Ok, I concede that there are places that a kilt isn't the best choice (jungle, forrest environments - I actually just thought about natural wild life in such areas - snakes, bugs, leeches etc. - and decided that pants may be a little more in order).

But I still stand by my thought that kilts are better in urban, and desert areas. As for pants protecting you from chemical weapons better - if it is on your pants (or your leg) it is already in your NBC suit so no protection.

Though as someone else mentioned, I would have to actually try an assult course to test all of this out.

Adam

[Archangel]

Ok, I concede that there are places that a kilt isn't the best choice (jungle, forrest environments - I actually just thought about natural wild life in such areas - snakes, bugs, leeches etc. - and decided that pants may be a little more in order).

But I still stand by my thought that kilts are better in urban, and desert areas. As for pants protecting you from chemical weapons better - if it is on your pants (or your leg) it is already in your NBC suit so no protection.

Though as someone else mentioned, I would have to actually try an assult course to test all of this out.

Adam

You know, with all my reading, I can't recall where a soldier has spoken negatively about a kilt in combat. There have been official statements and medical statements. Has anybody come across letters or articles by ground troops, especially those in WW2, that covers this subject? (I say WW2 knowing that Dunkirk was the only official action kilted, really looking for more mobile action than static/trench.)

[James]

Sorry should have mentioned this earlier: there are some rather tedious military moments when it is sensible to lie down-and stay lying down for quite long periods.

Then the effect of hot sunshine on the back of the knees-exposed bits of thigh etc, can be very nasty. Further not a situation where sun lotion can be applied.

One of the reasons why though issued with shorts and wearing them for training/parades etc-for those more interesting occasions we would wear long trousers.

In essence, whilst there is every good reason for soldiers to wear the kilt on many occasions-for their comfort etc. Active service is not one of them.

James