Sgt Leprechaun
05-01-11, 08:29 PM
Yeah, unless you are SF or a Ranger, I think the beret is about as ghey as you can get. Most of the sojers I see wearing them look like French border guards posing as cigarette salesmen.
****
Controversial black beret could get ditched
A number of uniform changes are being considered, in part driven by the new Sergeant Major of the Army
By Lance M. Bacon (lbacon@atpco.com?subject=Question from ArmyTimes.com reader) - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday May 1, 2011 8:26:57 EDT
<FORM id=hidden> The beret may be nearing the end of its 11-year run as the official Army headgear, Velcro is hanging by a thread, and three other key uniform changes are in the works or under consideration.</FORM>
The possibility of these changes are the result of Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler, who in one of his first acts in office, took it upon himself to ask soldiers what they would change about the Army Combat Uniform.
Chandler says he is determined to be a “scout” for the Army secretary and chief of staff and a “voice in the Pentagon” for every soldier.
When the Army’s top enlisted soldier took his initial findings to Chief of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey earlier this month, the chief told Chandler to “go out and get some more information.” In addition to base visits,
Chandler sought feedback via an April 13 Facebook post. Soldiers, who expressed thanks that leadership is listening, provided 132 responses within a week.
Chandler said he would take these findings to the Army Uniform Board, which meets in July. The board meets every six months. It relies on product demonstrations, open dialogue and informed decisions to rapidly design and distribute better products. All recommendations have to be approved by the Army chief of staff.
• Black beret’s days numbered? (http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army-editorial-time-to-replace-black-beret-050211w/) (May 2 issue)
Several themes were consistent. None is likely to catch any soldier by surprise:
• The beret is not a fan favorite. Many said they want the beret canned because “it serves no practical purpose.” Others were OK wearing the beret with the Army Service Uniform, but were adamant that its days with the ACU must come to an end.
“The [ACU] signifies a uniform that should be worn in combat (or training for combat), yet a beret doesn’t even make the cut on the deployment packing list,” said Sgt. Maj. Tony James, an infantryman with 25 years in uniform.
Such soldiers said patrol caps, with their ventilated sun protection, are more practical, simpler to wear and look better.
• Velcro is “a huge mess” that does not hold up to normal wear and tear. It is a detriment to units that need to practice noise discipline in tactical environments, leading dozens to ask for “strong and quiet” buttons.
In the words of Scott Seiersen, “The Velcro. Oh God, the Velcro ... I miss my BDUs.”
Many also said name tapes should be sewn on to prevent the camouflage bacon strips that emerge. And speaking of camouflage …
• Many respondents said the Universal Camouflage Pattern is “completely useless.” Benjamin Blacklock said he desires “a pattern that is useful on more than a couch.” Ramona Scheherazade Robles described the pattern as something she would find in the dollar bin of a fabric store. Andrew Wade Nunn was far less kind, saying, “Kill the ACU pattern and those who are responsible for its creation.”
• Soldiers also called for stronger material in the ACU. Some said they have dealt with unexpected ventilation in the groin area too many times.
• Asked to weigh in on the Service Dress Tropical Uniform, most respondents liked the white, short-sleeve shirt, but didn’t like the idea of wearing only three authorized ribbons. Soldiers largely thought they should wear all or none.
Aside from the beret, the ACU issues will be addressed through two programs currently underway.
Soldiers will see new and improved ACUs by year’s end. The collars will have less Velcro and are more comfortable. Cargo pockets will lose the Velcro and add an “extender button” for easier access and expanded carrying capability. The crotch also has been reinforced to reduce rips.
The improved uniforms will be phased in as the current inventory is depleted, said Col. William Cole, project manager of Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment. Defense Logistics Agency has about a six-month stock of trousers and roughly a nine-month supply of coats.
The second program will see three new camouflage patterns — a woodland variant, a desert variant and a “transitional” variant that covers everything in between. The Army on April 15 issued a request for proposal. Industry, which was anticipating this change since late last year, has 90 days to present solutions. The Army will then select five contenders: three from industry and two from the government. Wear and field tests will follow. If all goes as planned, production will begin by the end of 2012.
UCP, the three-color pattern fielded in 2004, stands little to no chance of being selected, officials said.
Cost is a key issue in regard to changing the beret policy, Chandler said. The board will consider the soldiers’ ability to purchase and maintain new headgear as it determines whether it is worth the benefit.
Chandler would not give his own opinion of the beret, insisting instead on echoing the wants and needs of soldiers.
Return to starch and polish
Uniform components weren’t the only thing that soldiers gigged. Dozens spoke against the ACU’s appearance. Some called for the wear of Class A’s in garrison. Others longed for the days of starched uniforms and polished boots.
“Let’s have a uniform that we can take pride in — one that doesn’t look like we just pulled it out of a duffel bag no matter how you wash or dry it,” said Mike Lavigne. “I really do miss the days of breaking starch and having shined boots. You could tell who cared about their appearance and who didn’t.”
Master Sgt. Mark Wilder, a 25-year vet, said the change to the ACU was “a major contributor to the lost art of garrison leadership.”
“I found more pride in my appearance when I wore a freshly pressed and starched uniform,” said Sgt. (p) Joseph Smiley, who has 11 years in service. “Now, we see so many soldiers, NCOs and officers that walk around here looking like rag bags because they just took their uniform out of the dryer and put it on. Where is the pride today? I love the Army and being among the NCO ranks, but some times I feel ashamed to be associated with some of my peers because of their appearance.”
Sgt. Daniel Macomber was more to the point: “BDU = Best Damn Uniform. Joes in the Army don’t take pride in their uniform anymore. Shined boots and crisp straight lines.”
That would be OK with Dwayne Uhlig, who told Chandler, “Just say the word. My BDUs and black boots are still polished and starched ready to go!”
****
Controversial black beret could get ditched
A number of uniform changes are being considered, in part driven by the new Sergeant Major of the Army
By Lance M. Bacon (lbacon@atpco.com?subject=Question from ArmyTimes.com reader) - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday May 1, 2011 8:26:57 EDT
<FORM id=hidden> The beret may be nearing the end of its 11-year run as the official Army headgear, Velcro is hanging by a thread, and three other key uniform changes are in the works or under consideration.</FORM>
The possibility of these changes are the result of Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler, who in one of his first acts in office, took it upon himself to ask soldiers what they would change about the Army Combat Uniform.
Chandler says he is determined to be a “scout” for the Army secretary and chief of staff and a “voice in the Pentagon” for every soldier.
When the Army’s top enlisted soldier took his initial findings to Chief of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey earlier this month, the chief told Chandler to “go out and get some more information.” In addition to base visits,
Chandler sought feedback via an April 13 Facebook post. Soldiers, who expressed thanks that leadership is listening, provided 132 responses within a week.
Chandler said he would take these findings to the Army Uniform Board, which meets in July. The board meets every six months. It relies on product demonstrations, open dialogue and informed decisions to rapidly design and distribute better products. All recommendations have to be approved by the Army chief of staff.
• Black beret’s days numbered? (http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army-editorial-time-to-replace-black-beret-050211w/) (May 2 issue)
Several themes were consistent. None is likely to catch any soldier by surprise:
• The beret is not a fan favorite. Many said they want the beret canned because “it serves no practical purpose.” Others were OK wearing the beret with the Army Service Uniform, but were adamant that its days with the ACU must come to an end.
“The [ACU] signifies a uniform that should be worn in combat (or training for combat), yet a beret doesn’t even make the cut on the deployment packing list,” said Sgt. Maj. Tony James, an infantryman with 25 years in uniform.
Such soldiers said patrol caps, with their ventilated sun protection, are more practical, simpler to wear and look better.
• Velcro is “a huge mess” that does not hold up to normal wear and tear. It is a detriment to units that need to practice noise discipline in tactical environments, leading dozens to ask for “strong and quiet” buttons.
In the words of Scott Seiersen, “The Velcro. Oh God, the Velcro ... I miss my BDUs.”
Many also said name tapes should be sewn on to prevent the camouflage bacon strips that emerge. And speaking of camouflage …
• Many respondents said the Universal Camouflage Pattern is “completely useless.” Benjamin Blacklock said he desires “a pattern that is useful on more than a couch.” Ramona Scheherazade Robles described the pattern as something she would find in the dollar bin of a fabric store. Andrew Wade Nunn was far less kind, saying, “Kill the ACU pattern and those who are responsible for its creation.”
• Soldiers also called for stronger material in the ACU. Some said they have dealt with unexpected ventilation in the groin area too many times.
• Asked to weigh in on the Service Dress Tropical Uniform, most respondents liked the white, short-sleeve shirt, but didn’t like the idea of wearing only three authorized ribbons. Soldiers largely thought they should wear all or none.
Aside from the beret, the ACU issues will be addressed through two programs currently underway.
Soldiers will see new and improved ACUs by year’s end. The collars will have less Velcro and are more comfortable. Cargo pockets will lose the Velcro and add an “extender button” for easier access and expanded carrying capability. The crotch also has been reinforced to reduce rips.
The improved uniforms will be phased in as the current inventory is depleted, said Col. William Cole, project manager of Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment. Defense Logistics Agency has about a six-month stock of trousers and roughly a nine-month supply of coats.
The second program will see three new camouflage patterns — a woodland variant, a desert variant and a “transitional” variant that covers everything in between. The Army on April 15 issued a request for proposal. Industry, which was anticipating this change since late last year, has 90 days to present solutions. The Army will then select five contenders: three from industry and two from the government. Wear and field tests will follow. If all goes as planned, production will begin by the end of 2012.
UCP, the three-color pattern fielded in 2004, stands little to no chance of being selected, officials said.
Cost is a key issue in regard to changing the beret policy, Chandler said. The board will consider the soldiers’ ability to purchase and maintain new headgear as it determines whether it is worth the benefit.
Chandler would not give his own opinion of the beret, insisting instead on echoing the wants and needs of soldiers.
Return to starch and polish
Uniform components weren’t the only thing that soldiers gigged. Dozens spoke against the ACU’s appearance. Some called for the wear of Class A’s in garrison. Others longed for the days of starched uniforms and polished boots.
“Let’s have a uniform that we can take pride in — one that doesn’t look like we just pulled it out of a duffel bag no matter how you wash or dry it,” said Mike Lavigne. “I really do miss the days of breaking starch and having shined boots. You could tell who cared about their appearance and who didn’t.”
Master Sgt. Mark Wilder, a 25-year vet, said the change to the ACU was “a major contributor to the lost art of garrison leadership.”
“I found more pride in my appearance when I wore a freshly pressed and starched uniform,” said Sgt. (p) Joseph Smiley, who has 11 years in service. “Now, we see so many soldiers, NCOs and officers that walk around here looking like rag bags because they just took their uniform out of the dryer and put it on. Where is the pride today? I love the Army and being among the NCO ranks, but some times I feel ashamed to be associated with some of my peers because of their appearance.”
Sgt. Daniel Macomber was more to the point: “BDU = Best Damn Uniform. Joes in the Army don’t take pride in their uniform anymore. Shined boots and crisp straight lines.”
That would be OK with Dwayne Uhlig, who told Chandler, “Just say the word. My BDUs and black boots are still polished and starched ready to go!”