Clothing Changes and Authorizations
By Dan Fullerton
August 22, 1933
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Overseas caps resurrected for tank and mechanized cavalry units only. All others wear campaign hat.
1937
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Full-length trousers introduced for field and dress purposes. Common to see National Guard units still in breeches and puttees through 1939 and into 1940.
1939
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EM 1939 Service Coat introduced with bi-swing back(bellows for movement). Standard wear until replaced with M1942 Service Coat (no bellows or belt hooks).
Mid-1940??
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Overseas caps resurrected for common usage. Officers to wear hats piped in branch colors; EMs to be unpiped.
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Enlistment stripes for those associated with National Guard units prior to federalization are to be edged in buff, not khaki or olive drab.
April 19, 1940
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All field and company officers ordered to wear gold and black piping. EMs to wear branch colors on overseas caps.
April 5, 1941
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HBT coveralls authorized for field use. Prior to this, fatigue uniforms were two-piece blue denim suits.
Nov 10, 1941
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EM leather belt deleted.
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Class A white shirt and black tie deleted. Wool service shirt and khaki tie to be used instead.
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Collar insignia discs for EMs discontinued. Prior to this, national cypher to be on right collar, branch device to be on left—when service coat was not worn.
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Parsons/M1941 Field Jackets authorized for use.
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M1 Helmets authorized for use.
August 14, 1942
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Wool knit cap authorized for use with M1 helmet.
August 25, 1942
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Officers ordered to replace regimental distinctive insignia on overseas cap with rank insignia.
Sept 4, 1942
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Technical ratings of 3rd, 4th, and 5th classes were created for rank and pay purposes.
Sept 22, 1942
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First sergeant made equal to master sergeant grade and a third rocker added to rank patch.
Nov 26, 1942
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Officer’s Sam Browne belt made optional for use.
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1942/2nd Pattern Mackinaw authorized for use.
June 7, 1943
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Officer’s Sam Brown belt forbidden from use.