Trench and camp. ([Admiral, Md.) 1917-1919, 1919-03-06
Regulations

The Chief Of stan has Just issued
the following circular concerning the
meaning OF the uniform. discipline
and military courtesy:
4. RegmlaAaons.-The regulations
governing the uniform Of the United
States Army, and its wear. are 90 pre-
scribed in Special Regulations Nos.
II and ~. War Department, 1917. as
changed. Generally speaking. these
regulations will be strictly inter-
preted. but It IL recognised that. in
large measure. the present laxness In
conforming to the regulations has
grown up as o result Of the original
unpreparedness Of the United States
in the matter Of supply of clothing
and equipment at the outbreak Of the
war. It is neither the policy nor the
desire OF the War Department to
work Q hardship, either on persons
severing their relations with the mil
itary service or those who have sig
ni1ied their intention to remain, by
requiring abandonment of necessary
articles Of clothing or equipment
which were purchased in good faith
in time of urgent necessity. This
principle will necessarily bring about
a recognition OF certain departures
from the strict letter of the regula-
ti0ns; but, on the other hand. it does
not cOndone many of the violations
of regulations which are practiced at
present.
2. Exceptions.-The following ex-
ceptions to the Uniform Regulations
are authorized for the present:
.. Many officers returning from
abroad are wearing uniform coats, ap-
parently made in England or by Eng
lish tailors. which are cut in a manner
similar to the English tunic, generally
with long skirt, either with or with
out a slit in the back, or with large
bellows pockets, especially lower
pockets. Oficers being discharged or
soon to be discharged will not be re-
quired to discard these coats, pro-
vided the variations in cut are not so
exaggerated as to cause the uniform
actually to be confused with that of
the British or some other foreign
army. Those officers who intend to
remain in the service will not be
required to discard these coats until
such time as they can be reasonably
expected to do so, without causing
them undue financial hardship.
b. Officers wearing brass buttons
on their uniform coats will, IL they
have signifed their intention to re-
main in the service, be required to re-
place them with the uniform bron7 ed
button. Officers soon to be dischare cd
will not be required to make this
change.
c. The wearing of breaches made
of different colored cloth or cloth
Of ; different material from the coat
will for the present be authorized,
provided these breeches are not of
such an exaggerated color or cut as to
present an incongruous appearance.
d. The matter Of overcoats, boots,
shoes and leggings Is q very difficult
one. SO many different types have
been worn. and their wear appar-
emily permitted, that 1t is considered
unwise. at this time, to require more
than a nominal conformity with ex-
listing regulations. The question of
the necessity of rapid procurement
has affected these articles of the uni
form more, perhaps, than any others.
Provided the officer presents a cred
liable appearance and his uniform is
easily recognizable as that Of q COM
misSiOned officer of the United States
Army, he will not be required to dis
card articles which will require i'm
mediate replacement. Any 0vercoat
which has been worn and apparently
authorised in any Organization may be
worn by those soon to be discharged.
This includes overcoats with fur col
lars. leather coats, short moleskin
coats. trench coats, etc. Officers leg
gings or boots will be Of leather. En-
listed men will not be permitted to
wear leather leggings or boots.
e. The oversee cap, the divisional.
Army Corps or Field Army insignia
worn ON the left sleeve Just below
the shoulder. and the spiral cloth put
tee (this latter for enlisted men ONLY
are authorized for troops returning
from overseas for rehabilitation or
discharge. This includes casuals. and
sick or wounded, officers and enlisted
men alike. For officers and men who
are to remain in the service and who
are assigned to active duty in this
country. these articles are not author
lied and will not be permitted except
that the spiral puttee may be author
ICED for field service. In general, the
rule that officers and men should con-
form to the uniforms of the organiza-