Do the jacket and the waistcoat have to match?

[xena]

Well, what I tried to say was that Mess Kit is sort of civvies. That's not quite the same as saying that it is flat out civvies. Perhaps I didn't choose my words wisely and wasn't entirely clear. My apologies.

But, yes, private purchases for numerous uniform articles have been and are still common place. Generally, however, this is for "upgraded" or improved versions of the issued kit. Not for entire classes of uniform.

It's a conceptual thing, anyway. If you get right down to it, they're just drinking pyjamas anyway. You put it on, knowing full well that there's a good possibility of waking up in the woods somewhere the next morning, wondering how on earth you got there, and what did you get up to the night before to make your head hurt this badly?

[xena]

You put it on, knowing full well that there's a good possibility of waking up in the woods somewhere the next morning, wondering how on earth you got there, and what did you get up to the night before to make your head hurt this badly?

Of course, this has never happened to me. Nope. No way.

[macwilkin]

Well, what I tried to say was that Mess Kit is sort of civvies. That's not quite the same as saying that it is flat out civvies. Perhaps I didn't choose my words wisely and wasn't entirely clear. My apologies.

But, yes, private purchases for numerous uniform articles have been and are still common place. Generally, however, this is for "upgraded" or improved versions of the issued kit. Not for entire classes of uniform.

It's a conceptual thing, anyway. If you get right down to it, they're just drinking pyjamas anyway. You put it on, knowing full well that there's a good possibility of waking up in the woods somewhere the next morning, wondering how on earth you got there, and what did you get up to the night before to make your head hurt this badly?

This one wins this week's best post award, INMHO. :mrgreen:

T.

[Highlander 578]

British Officers formal mess dress is uniform, regulated by the Mess Committee under the Commanding Officer of the establishment, who institutes rules set out under Kings regulations and varies dependant upon which mess the wearer belongs to; the Officers' Mess, Sergeants' Mess, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers and, the Junior Ranks' Mess. In some cases mufti may be all that is required, though usually only in the Junior NCO's mess.
I think the Navy and RAF may have different requirements.
Athol Highlanders, though a 'private army' would fall under King's Regulations at time of conflict, therefore are considered regulars and as such are governed by Kings' Regulations.
The belt over the waistcoat is in place of the stable belt worn by troops of the line, denoting the regimental 'attachment.'

[Highlander31]

IMHO, as long as the whole effect presents a balanced look to the eye, the vest can match, or not. It's a matter of personal taste.

[billmcc]

...It's a conceptual thing, anyway. If you get right down to it, they're just drinking pyjamas anyway. You put it on, knowing full well that there's a good possibility of waking up in the woods somewhere the next morning, wondering how on earth you got there, and what did you get up to the night before to make your head hurt this badly?

The formal events I attended while in the USAF were very tame. I must have joined the wrong service.

[Derek Conley]

The formal events I attended while in the USAF were very tame. I must have joined the wrong service.

Go to a Marine Corps Ball sometime...