Troops told: we don’t have enough kilts ... just share

[Kilted KT]

hmm...at this rate, they won't even provide weapons to the infantry in a few years!!!

[auld argonian]

hmm...at this rate, they won't even provide weapons to the infantry in a few years!!!

Sounds like there must be historical precedents for that possibility...when and where did various militaries standardize the weaponry by providing their own as opposed to enlistees being told to bring something from home? I'm sure that some of our resident military historians will have the pertinent details on that.

You'd think that there'd be more of a national outcry in the UK. Reminds me of that quip used by folks lobbying for more funding for education...the one about the Navy having to have a bake sale to raise money to buy a battleship.

Best

AA

[McMurdo]

This is just terrible, maybe next the government will ask for kilt donations. Makes me sick. Ah well there has to be an election in the near future, and as I understand Blair wont be around forever.

[bubba]

The sad reality is today there's little respect for traditions while expensive high tech weapons systems are pursued at the expense of the troops. Shoddy uniforms, obsolete weapons and lack of armor are the norm today. Save money at the expense of the guys that put their boots on the ground and waste billions on high tech that doesn't get the job done.

[Big Paul]

Just read this on Comcast.

LONDON - Great Scot! A shortage of ceremonial kilts could leave thousands of soldiers without a stitch of plaid to wear as they parade to the skirl of the bagpipes.
Military officials said Monday that more than 5,000 Scottish soldiers are having to share their kilts because defense chiefs have not finalized a contract to buy enough of the garments to go around.
The men, who face regular tours of duty in south Iraq and Afghanistan, have just 320 kilts, or one for every 15 soldiers.
Combat troops wore the traditional Highland garb in battle as late as World War I, but now the plaid kilts are used in ceremonial uniform.
New kilts are needed for all Scottish soldiers following the August 2006 merger of centuries-old regiments into a single Royal Regiment of Scotland.
"A planned deployment of kilts will be agreed with the Royal Regiment of Scotland on a roll-out basis with ... the full program being completed by January 2008," a Ministry of Defense spokesman said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with government policy.
The Ministry of Defense has refused to say who has won the contract to supply the kilts; in the meantime, soldiers will have to share.
The 320 kilts provided so far have been supplied by Argyll Bagpipes and Kilts on a trial basis. The full contract is worth up to $1.95 million, taking two years to complete and will involve 15,000 yards of fabric.
"The kilt is psychologically important for the identity of Scottish soldiers," said Lt. Col. Willy Macnair, who served in the defunct Queen's Own Highlander regiment. "It may mean that some soldiers in this (new) regiment, by the time they leave, may never have worn it."
Scottish lawmakers and veterans had opposed the merger of the traditional regiments, which saw action in both world wars and the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa.

[Beertigger]

No plaids for the lads: Scottish soldiers forced to share kilts for now

Great Scot! A shortage of ceremonial kilts could leave thousands of soldiers without a stitch of plaid to wear as they parade to the skirl of the bagpipes

[Colin]

Both threads on the topic (one by Big Paul and one by Monkey@arms) have been merged into one.

[cessna152towser]

A planned deployment of kilts will be agreed with the Royal Regiment of Scotland on a roll-out basis

Typical military speak !

[Cirthalion]

Gents,

A kilt-related article from today's New York Times: Apparently some Scottish units in her majesty's armed forces are having to share kilts, at an appalling rate of 1 kilt for every 15 soldiers.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/worl...-Shortage.html

Perhaps some of you guys with several dozen should consider a donation (I jest: "over my dead body" would be my response as well!).

Enjoy,

Cirthalion

[starbkjrus]

I read this story on the BBC this morning. I have a hard time swallowing the fact that the British of all people are letting tradition slide.