Not appropriate for a soldier?

**AckZel** · 11th November 05, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Found a European Union tartan, that includes Finland...no clue where to get a kilt from it though. Might be tougher to hassle you over a patriotic kilt.

Well, when we get the Finnish Kilt Association (thinking of name) working, we are going to register a tartan for the association. We were thinking about "Bravehearts Finland Ry" (If you got ideas, please share em', Ry = Registered Association). It will have founding conference 30th Nov (St Andrews day!)

And EU tartan is found in the Kilt Store. Looks very good too. There is also "European" tartan.

**minimalistix** · 11th November 05, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by Ackwell

I think I try the last minute idea. Next time I go in trousers. After the meeting we always go to sauna and take couple of beers. I just change in to kilt after sauna and if they have something to say about it I just answer that "Hey, the meeting is already ending! I'm just leaving!"

And maybe I try to join some clan. Then I could show a paper to give me reason to wear it!

That's probably the best idea. Hell, try and get the guy who was complaining about it to wear a kilt. He might like it after he tries it. Or you could start an unofficial kilt club with other members in the guild that you're friends with. If a good number show up wearing kilts, they'd be hard pressed to say no.

**KiltedHuntsman** · 11th November 05, 04:21 PM

When you're in the Military, they own you. You represent the military on or off duty. If your Commanding Officer thinks the kilt is not appropriate, that it does not properly represent your unit, then that's it, no kilt. Fact of life. Main reason I never joined. They own you.

It's also why I have such tremendous respect for the people who serve in the military. They make an enormous sacrifice of their freedom when they join. They make that sacifice for me, so that I can live my life as I choose. For a military unit to be effective, to be credible, they must be serious about what they do. All members obeying orders makes them an effective fighting unit. Makes them credible enough to be an actual deterrent. If a military unit organization is seen as powerful and something not to be messed with, nobody starts a fight with them, and thus nobody dies.

It's a tough life in the military, even if you don't get to fight. Our service personnel are not paid nearly enough for all the sacrifices they make.

I work for the military as a Civil Servant. I see up close and personal what military personnel must deal with. I've also served in the Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol), worn the uniform, and had to deal with the fact that when I'm in public in uniform, I represent ALL the people who wear the same uniform. It's a burden. I even served as Commandant of Cadets. Me, a paragon of Military Virtue. Yikes!

So, yet another sacrifice for you. Bear it well.

**AckZel** · 11th November 05, 04:38 PM

It's not that radical, you know. I am a 2nd Ltn and when I end the work, I'm off duty and that is my own decision what I wear. They actually don't have any rights to say what to wear off duty. They can try but it is not right. Might be different in the states. Most officers change civilian clothes at the garrison before they leave home. (And I really think most of them wears much more untidy clothes than me... but hey, trousers are a common OK!)

**Yaish** · 11th November 05, 04:59 PM

It used to be, not so very long ago that members of the US Armed forces ALWAYS wore their uniform, on duty, off duty, liberty or leave. Its only been the last 50 years or so that the wearing of civilian clothes for leave and liberty has been authorized, and its fully within their power to rescind that order.
Of course, given the contemporary attitudes of most people in the Armed Forces that would be one order almost universally disobeyed.

**richardljohnson** · 11th November 05, 05:19 PM

U.S.Navy-Tartan
U.S.Army-Tartan
U.S.Air Force-Tartan
U.S. Marine Corp-Tartan
Freemasons-Tartan
Unites States-Tartan
State of Texas-Tartan
Scotland-National Tartan
England-Royal Stewart Trartan
Ireland- County Tartans

It might take some time and money but why not look into designing a National Tartan for Finland. Get it registered and get a legislative member to push for a National Tartan? Or find one that would look good that contains the National Colors. Dress uniforms are great BUT there is nothing like a full military dress kilt. Look at all the U.S. services dress kilts as well as other countries military dress kilts.

If you find something that looks good then put together a Dress Kilt using tailored existing military dress parts and submit it through channels.

Get creative. I'm sure there are others that might get behind it. Besides, there is nothing like a hopless cause to give a man's life meaning!!!!!

Richard-

**bubba** · 11th November 05, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by Yaish

It used to be, not so very long ago that members of the US Armed forces ALWAYS wore their uniform, on duty, off duty, liberty or leave. Its only been the last 50 years or so that the wearing of civilian clothes for leave and liberty has been authorized, and its fully within their power to rescind that order.
Of course, given the contemporary attitudes of most people in the Armed Forces that would be one order almost universally disobeyed.

During the late 60s and 70s wearing the uniform off base was considered dangerous and strongly discouraged.