Kilted Postman...

[macwilkin]

This type of discussion is akin to a 1940s perspective: males only may wear trousers, females only may wear anything that resembles a skirt. Females may not wear trousers, males only may not wear "skirts". Any variation is considered deviant. I just wore my formal kilt to a winter formal. I received many compliments and questions. I too was a USDI-National Park Ranger. Uniforms are a big part of NPS identity and you are expected to wear the uniform correctly, even as a backcountry ranger or during winter. A kilt somehow would remove the "macho" ideal of a ranger. NPS rangers are commissioned federal officers. I cannot imagine making a custodial arrest in my kilt. I could do it, but public perception would empower a lack of authority. Perhaps as part of a uniform for formal events. Otherwise NPS uniforms are a holdover from the Marines with cadaver gray shirts suitable for picking up garbage, horse patrol or visits from high ranking politicians.

I'm sorry, but I respectfully disagree with some of your comments regarding the NPS uniform. Whilst I'm not a big fan of the polyester uniforms myself, nevertheless, the NPS uniform does have a proud pedigree, although not from the US Marines. In fact, the uniform comes from the US Army, as soldiers stationed at Ft. Yellowstone in the late 19th century were the "first" park rangers.

You might want to take a look at this NPS publication:

http://www.nps.gov/history/history/o...man2/index.htm

In addition, Charles Farabee's National Park Ranger: an American Icon is also worth perusing for information on the history of ranger uniforms through the years, and Harvey Meyerson's Nature's Army discusses the role of the US Army as the first custodians of our national parks.

I can't say any of my fellow rangers viewed the uniform as particularly "macho", but we were very aware of the long history behind it, even though we hated the current "lowest bidder" version. I do agree that a kilt might have a place as part of an honour guard/pipe band/etc.

Regards,

Todd

[Detroitpete]

Bradley,

Although I disagree with your point of view, I appreciate that you took a stand and chimed in for the nay-sayers, kudos...It's always nice to have an opposition.

Chase

Great point Chase, and Bradley, good for you for speaking up. Now, I think you're 100% absolutely wrong ;-) but good for making your point especially on this topic in this forum.

I wore uniforms for the US Navy for 8 years, and yes, they did change even while I was in. I came in right after the switch back to bells and jumpers. They've changed since. Now bells and jumpers are womens dress uniforms as well. I wore Marine BDU's and the 'new' black BDU's. When I was in the Navy, with special permission, we could even wear a beard, provided it didn't interfere with the fit of our EBA's . All things change in time.

I think it was perfectly acceptable for Mr. Peterson to advocate for his positon. I also think it was understandable for the USPS to take a pass this time too.

If I were able to have a chat with the Postman in question, I'd by him a beer, encourage him to keep at it, and if so inclined take on his issue myself and do what I could do to advocate with him.

[Finn]

I whole-heartedly support kilts for the USPS.
I like the UK offering. I feel that for daily wear that it is practical, durable and professional.
The USPS tartan is handsome and can be worn by USPS workers on the retail or supervisory sides.

[Wompet]

As an uniformed government employee (non-postal ), I've had to think about this before replying. I can see the necessity of keeping the uniform - well, uniform, for lack of a better word. The "correct" manner of wearing the kilt would detailed, so there would be no deviations, no departures from the appearance of the uniform. For example, in order to wear shorts at work - I must wear a Class 3 short sleeve shirt, black socks extending 4" above the ankle, and one particular style of shoe. Any deviation from that, and I would be considered out of uniform, and at a bare minimum I would have to go home, change, and return - all on my own time.

Now, having written that - wearing a kilt (in USPS tartan or solid Postal Blue) would be a significant improvement in appearance for some of the local carriers. One guy was wearing his blue shirt with brown (isn't that a different carrier?) cargo shorts this summer. Give the carriers a more comfortable option than what they currently have, while maintaining an uniform appearance.
My ¢2 (plus ¢40 for postage).