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

[Tartan Texan Trenton]

Filman -

Junior enlisted ('Other Ranks') in the Highland regiments were issued standard sized kilts on a temporary basis as needed for duties. That's why, on eBay and elsewhere, MoD kilts have sizing information on the labels...

But, outrage aside, this is always how the military works in periods of change. When you go to a new piece/style of uniform/gear/kit/equipment there are initially shortages, and when the kit is symbolic, like the kilt, beret, green class 'A' uniform, Barracks cap (pick one) a hue and cry will be raised - but soldiers know better. Officers and Sergeants will continue to buy their own, as we always have, and the RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major - AKA official uniform and Tradition Nazi) will make da*ned sure his troops turn out right on parade! Bake sales, car washes, pin-up calendars (an MoD Men in Kilts beefcake calendar for the ladies? It'd sell like hotcakes!) - whatever it takes, out Highland brethren will NOT stop celebrating their heritage.

As an aside - apparently sandbags are in short supply on the range -

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...sniperteam.jpg

PLEASE tell me these snipers aren't Scots!

[Tartan Hiker]

Several weeks ago I asked this sagacious body about the propriety of wearing my Black Watch kilt during my upcoming trip to Scotland. Numerous UK posters said..Go for it, and wear it with pride. I now know that I will indeed be wearing it proudly, and will be happy to lend my support to those enraged by the amalgamation.
Bill

[kilted_brewer]

As heard on National Public Radio's Morning Edition today, Dec. 19:

"Morning Edition, December 19, 2006 · Here's one more challenge for the coalition of the willing. Thousands of Scottish soldiers must deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan without their kilts. Soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland no longer wear kilts into battle. Presumably, there's no good Kevlar kilt. But troops do wear them for ceremonial occasions. And a contracting mix-up caused a shortage. There's only one kilt for every fifteen soldiers. So, for now, the troops have been ordered to share."

What next?

[bubba]

So, for now, the troops have been ordered to share."

What next?

Next is the complete elimination of the kilt, you can bet on it.

[thescot]

Since the newly amalgamated "super" regiment is going to wear the government tartan, i.e., Blackwatch, why can't all the old kilts still be used? I think there may be more than 320 kilts floating about, only 320 new ones.

Surely the kilts will be provided. It's a great morale thing with the Highland regiments, I think.

On another note, I think that the kilts are all tailered, but--I think--they are partially made and sent on to be custom fitted when issued. I know in the USMC, all dress uniforms are tailored to fit, but they are premade "off the wall."

[Riverkilt]

So, I'm at my doctor's office this morning after my annual physical exam waiting to pay my bill.

An elderly (older than me) lady is walking in, sees me in my blue denim Utilikilt, and says to her friend..."He's wearing a kilt, they're short of them now in Scotland." Then she looks me in the eye but says no more.

Maybe she expected me to donate mine...?

But dang folks....I live in a VERY remote area....but we do have cable and dish tv so guess she picked it up there...

People notice, and people seem to care.

Ron

[Tartan Hiker]

The power of the Media!!!

I was at my school's faculty Christmas party just tonight and no fewer than 6 different folks commented to me about the "kilt shortage." most understood the situation well enough, but a few were totally confused, so I had to explain as best I could.

[Mr. Kilt]

So, I'm at my doctor's office this morning after my annual physical exam waiting to pay my bill.

An elderly (older than me) lady is walking in, sees me in my blue denim Utilikilt, and says to her friend..."He's wearing a kilt, they're short of them now in Scotland." Then she looks me in the eye but says no more.

Maybe she expected me to donate mine...?

But dang folks....I live in a VERY remote area....but we do have cable and dish tv so guess she picked it up there...

People notice, and people seem to care.

Ron

They do indeed, Ron. I was leaving the post office today when a fellow walking behind me said that perhaps I should send mine to Scotland for the troops.

[McClef]

Since the newly amalgamated "super" regiment is going to wear the government tartan, i.e., Blackwatch, why can't all the old kilts still be used? I think there may be more than 320 kilts floating about, only 320 new ones.

The Black Watch is only one part of the new super regiment - is it certain that this tartan is the official one? Google didn't help to make this clear.

[macwilkin]

The Black Watch is only one part of the new super regiment - is it certain that this tartan is the official one? Google didn't help to make this clear.

Government Sett (1A) is the official tartan of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/inf/001SCOTS.htm

Regards,

Todd