Alternative to a PC Jacket

[Sir Robert]

Well on the uniform issue, all currently serving Military and Veterans are by law "authorized" so "Unauthorized" would be everybody else. To skirt this issue, just remove the patches and buttons and replace them with square/diamond shaped buttons. That easy.

I have problems with that myself as I hold different ranks in different services at the same time so if I am attending an event as a representitive of the Regular U.S. Army, I wear a perfectly regulation uniform. If I am attending an event as a Veteran, I can by US Federal Law, wear either that or the uniform that I wore during "The War." The biggist differances are the rank and the buttons. So there are things on my "Retired" uniform that are not on my curent "Federal" uniform like "State" buttons and state ribbons from Desert Storm. So any problem, from nitpickers, with wearing a non-regulation uniform, I point to the buttons and say "not a federal uniform." It is the buttons more than anything else, that defines what is, or is not, a uniform.

The problem is for us Scots is that uniforms and Scottish civil clothing have been, since proscription, swapping fashon tips and symbolism back and forth to the point that the line blurs.

[Mike n NC]

Ya got me to wondering so I looked. This is what I have to deal with daily in this area and don't for a minute think someone won't notice or say something. Common to both services is that no uniform item with insignia and devices (includes buttons) intact is to be worn by civillians.

From the PERMANENT MARINE CORPS UNIFORM BOARD (PMCUB):

Anyone who wears the Marine Corps Uniform must abide by the Marine Corps Grooming standards (paragraph 1004 and 8000.2 of the Uniform Regulations). Active duty/Reservists/Retirees and former Marines must also abide by the height and weight standards (paragraph 8000.2 of the Uniform Regulations).

And for the Navy: NAVPERS 156651

61002. UNIFORMS FOR RETIRED PERSONNEL

1. GENERAL. Retired officers and enlisted personnel, who are not on active duty, may wear the uniform, insignia, and qualifications corre*sponding to the rank or rating indicated on the retired list.

then skipping down to avoid the bs (it takes the Navy 3 times the words to say the same thing)


5. GROOMING STANDARDS. Retired personnel must comply with the grooming standards in these regulations, but uniforms and equipment may either be those prescribed here or those authorized at the time of their retirement.

I would go so far as to hazard a guess that the Army and Air Force have like regulations.

Yeah I know its done otherwise and I figure it is up to the individual. I've only said something to a guy once. I saw a young Marine wearing "The Hat" with device intact and took him under my wing. On occasion I wear my "Hat" with the device and chinstrap buttons removed.
As some others have said; removing the military markings make it a non uniform item. This is especially true of the buttons, they must be changed out for civillian style.

Would I wear my uniform now? With hair past my shoulders, no. Guess it is a pride thing. However I do think a modified mess dress jacket would look sharp with a kilt!

snipe481 ya need to visit a Marine Corps base. These guys are crazy over formal mess events.

Mike

[davedove]

As some others have said; removing the military markings make it a non uniform item. This is especially true of the buttons, they must be changed out for civillian style.

Would I wear my uniform now? With hair past my shoulders, no. Guess it is a pride thing. However I do think a modified mess dress jacket would look sharp with a kilt!

Even though I still have my Army uniform, I wouldn't wear it now. For one thing, it won't fit anymore! Like you, it's probably a pride thing.

I do like the mess dress jackets. I suppose swapping the button for plain, round gold buttons (no eagles) would look good. But again, that would be far down on the wish list.

[Luke MacGillie]

I checked out the newest version of AR 670-1 (Feb 05) and it does not say anything about appearance and grooming standards for retired or former wartime service folks who wish to wear the uniform.

[davedove]

Of course, a person could just get a Brian Baru jacket, which has the same styling, and avoid the whole debate.

[mddock58]

PC jacket & Vest - Used formal wear on ebay - bid starts 25.00 GBP 43.51 USD.

http://stores.ebay.com/Kiltmakers


They all have buy it now, and there are 9 different sizes/lengths on the store at this moment!

[davedove]

PC jacket & Vest - Used formal wear on ebay - bid starts 25.00 GBP 43.51 USD.

http://stores.ebay.com/Kiltmakers


They all have buy it now, and there are 9 different sizes/lengths on the store at this moment!

I saw those and it's a great price, but they're all too small for me.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

I will just chime in, not on the regs, but that the items on eBay are from the same seller that I just bought my Argyll jacket from. Robert was great to work with and sent me the correct size jacket for no additional shipping charges and without wanting to be paid for the second jacket first. A truly great eBay experience.

[NancyMan]

I too must chime in here. Like KCW, I bought an ex-hire PC jacket and waistcoat from Kiltmakers. Great price, very fast shipping and professionally packaged. It fit like a glove and unquestionably, I was the best dressed man at this past weekend's Vancouver Opera Association production of Poulenc's Dialogues of the Camelites. The only problem was that Canada Customs dinged me for about $40 for GST, PST, customs duty and a handling charge. This added almost 30% to the cost of the garment! All was forgiven when I tried it on- and too, when I discovered that to get the same thing locally (allbeit new), would have cost me more than twice as much. Left me with a :smile: on my face.

[Big Paul]

I do like the mess dress jackets. My only problem is that to get it in a large size the price goes up drastically!!:-(