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[Mr. MacDougall]

Question is can NCO's wear mess jackets or is it only resrved for certain ranks?

I seriously doubt that the uniform regulations of any branch of the American military provide for wearing the kilt while in uniform. At very least, you'd have to check with your CO to see how he felt about it.

[Warlock]

Thanks Everyone! For all your good wishes!

[Warlock]

Go Army!

[Mumbles]

Congrats and all the best

[Sean_the_Kilted]

Congratulations! What military speciality (MOS) will you be? Has the reserve unit you joined been deployed lately (if not they probably will)? While I'm active duty instead of reserves, let me know if you have any questions. I echo the blend in sentiments of others at least until you get to know the personalities of your instructors/superiors. Definately ask about kilts, before you just show up in one.

[Fearnest]

Question is can NCO's wear mess jackets or is it only resrved for certain ranks?

Any rank may wear one (they do vary in accoutremont depending on your rank, however). But you're only going to wear the (dark) Army Blue Mess Jacket with the (light) blue trousers. (Yes, a mis-match... it honors the "frontier army" days when the trousers got a lot more wear than the coat and thus were sun and use bleached to a much lighter shade. When the coat was worn (for formal occasions) there was a significant two-tone effect.

Having said that, there are rules for when each of the uniforms is appropriate for wear. The Army Blue Mess uniform (of which the mess jacket is a component) is typically worn only to functions when a civilian would wear "black tie" (above tuxedo, but below "white tie and tails"). Oh, and as it's an optional uniform, the $300 or so (for the jacket alone) is coming right out of your pocket - for something you might wear once a year to the battalion or brigade's holiday formal.

The mess jacket, as are all uniforms (AFAIK) are open to all ranks, however general officers do have the right/priviledge to modify them however they see fit.

Um, no. There is allegedly a provision for those holding the rank of "General" (4 stars) to design their own uniform (a la G.S. Patton), but not "general officers" (which includes all the Brigadier, Major, and Lieutenant Generals as well). I don't believe I've ever really found that provision in writing anywhere, and I've never seen a GO (regardless of the number of stars) take any real liberties with the uniform regs. Getting to GO is as much a political process as it is a recognition of warfighting talent, so you're not going to find a whole bunch of boat-rockers there.

I seriously doubt that the uniform regulations of any branch of the American military provide for wearing the kilt while in uniform. At very least, you'd have to check with your CO to see how he felt about it.

[rant]

You might get some allowance from your unit commander for special occasions, but the probability of that happening as a "FNG" wearing mosquito wings probably pretty closely matches the chances your company/battery/troop commander will be recognized as such an outstanding leader that he or she is immediately promoted to Major General and appointed "The Adjutant General" (aka "The TAG")... the head of your state or commonwealth's Army and Air National Guards.

Sorry, but let's be serious. One of those officers and NCOs might think it's cute to have a kilted soldier in the unit, but very soon you'll run into someone at the next higher level who has a significant aversion to the idea.

Enjoy your service - and happily wear your kilt to unit social functions where the uniform isn't worn (picnics, hail and farewells, etc.), but leave it in the closet when you're going in uniform (whether that's in the Army Green, Army Blue, Army Combat, or even Personal Fitness Uniform).

As much as I love the kilt, I love (and respect) the men and women who have fought in and for those uniforms and our nation a whole lot more. A whole bunch of my friends who are better soldiers than I ever could have been have come home scarred, in a flag-draped box, or not come home at all. Sorry, but if I saw you in some perversion of the uniform I'd be really tempted to "assist" you out of it, right on the spot.

Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage... soon these will be more than just words to you, and I hope you'll begin to understand my perspective on that last paragraph.

[/rant]

I always say "welcome to the fray" on this forum... let me again thank you for your future service, and welcome you to the Army of the United States of America (which includes the US Army, the US Army Reserve, the Army National Guards, and the Retired Reserve, among other things). Be proud of your unit, be loyal to your State/Commonwealth and the Nation, and know this is something much bigger than you. I hope being a soldier really gets into you, heart and soul.

[gangreenfootball]

Congrats and good luck

[Warlock]

I always say "welcome to the fray" on this forum... let me again thank you for your future service, and welcome you to the Army of the United States of America (which includes the US Army, the US Army Reserve, the Army National Guards, and the Retired Reserve, among other things). Be proud of your unit, be loyal to your State/Commonwealth and the Nation, and know this is something much bigger than you. I hope being a soldier really gets into you, heart and soul.

I was born with that Pride and Love for Country! I am very Proud to, at long last, Serve my country. My Unit Commander doesn't yet know what to do with me, as I have had so MANY jobs in the past. Metal fabrication, Driver, {cabs, trucks, vans, buses}, Locksmith Instructor, Minister, {Chaplain Svcs?}, Banking equipment. As far as our uniforms, ALL of it comes out of our pockets. Fortunately, I can get the Class A, next to nothing. The BDUs and boots on the other hand, I am going to have to find someone in supply that can possibly swing some type of trade. {Hmm... anyone want to trade a claymore or Dirk for some BDUs and boots?}

[cacunn]

Having done a tour in the Army - welcome to the mean green machine. As has been said, during basic training stand tall, but don't bring attention to your self. They are trying to make you part of the team, more you stand out the less of a team player you are. Let your action do your talking.

I would suggest that you do not bring a kilt to basic; this would be too weird for most Drill Instructors. In addition when I went through basic (0ver 30 years ago) all civilian clothes were take away and locked up for most of basic training.

Be part of the team, when asked to do something give it your best try. Trying and not succeeding is better than not trying at all. Also remember that your drill instructors are trying their best to teach you the skills that will make you a very - very old solider.

Good luck and thank you for your service to the country.

[arrogcow]

As far as our uniforms, ALL of it comes out of our pockets. Fortunately, I can get the Class A, next to nothing. The BDUs and boots on the other hand, I am going to have to find someone in supply that can possibly swing some type of trade.

Since when do enlisted personel have to pay for BDU's?

Adam