Question: what does black and tan mean in ireland

title: Black and Tans
text: The Black and Tans ( Irish : Dúchrónaigh ) , officially the Royal Irish Constabulary Special Reserve , was a force of Temporary Constables recruited to assist the Royal Irish Constabulary ( RIC ) during the Irish War of Independence . The force was the brainchild of Winston Churchill , then British Secretary of State for War . Recruitment began in Great Britain in late 1919 . Thousands , many of them British Army veterans of World War I , answered the British government 's call for recruits . Most of the recruits came from Britain , although it also had some members from Ireland . Their role was to help the RIC maintain control and fight the Irish Republican Army ( IRA ) , the army of the Irish Republic . The nickname `` Black and Tans '' arose from the colours of the improvised uniforms they initially wore , composed of mixed khaki British Army and rifle green RIC uniform parts . The Black and Tans became infamous for their attacks on civilians and civilian property . 

Answer: answer: The Black and Tans, officially the Royal Irish Constabulary Special Reserve, was a force of Temporary Constables recruited to assist the Royal Irish Constabulary during the Irish War of Independence.
The nickname `` Black and Tans '' arose from the colours of the improvised uniforms they initially wore, composed of mixed khaki British Army and rifle green RIC uniform parts.