Posted by Mark Bossi (M.A. Bossi, Esquire) from Toronto Ontario Canada on January 06, 2021 at 23:07:44:
In Reply to: Re: Uniforms (Here we go again!) posted by Larry MacDonald on January 06, 2021 at 21:27:56:
I've been told that there were a number of reasons behind the switch to only two uniforms - I won't get into all of them, but the one I found quite interesting was the concept that the Canadian public no longer recognised or remembered what Canadian soldiers looked like - soldiers in combat clothing had previously been virtually "banned" from civilization, which only alienated them from Canadan civilians - food for thought.
I suggest that this is one of those "lesser of two evils" choices - proud soldiers want to look "spit and polished" (i.e. service dress), however there is also a very real need to convince the civilians that the Army is "rough and ready" (i.e. general purpose combat capable, hence the decision to switch to combat clothing)
For my two cents' worth, it's interesting to see the positive reaction of civvies when they meet soldiers (wearing combats) in public - believe it or not, they still look up to and admire a pair of well-shone boots, a neat haircut, and soldierly bearing (you especially see this in the eyes of little kids - at first, they timidly look up at you like the Jolly Green Giant - wink or smile at them, and their smile will light up an entire bus/room - try it next time you're out and about, keeping in mind that first impressions are lasting ones. The other time it's amusing is when you're on the subway and you happen on some punks who are up to no good - it's funny how quickly they turn tail/decide they'd rather be anywhere but within arm's reach of a pongo).
Patton said "you are always on parade."
Dileas.