Why were the German's uniform so much nicer than any other countries?

Cheers Robert, Ray , Clint,

Hi Clint, speaking of modeling uniforms after soem other famed org-when I was still a CO-the idea had been tossed around to the higher-ups about totally changing the State of TX TDCJ uniforms from All grey with dark blue pocketflaps, and "Cav" stripes down the legs of the trousers to-an all black uniform including collartabs with different piping colors to denote which position a CO held at the unit they were in. The collartabs were to be modeled directly after the Germans tabs, with piping in the "Roman" Columns. The different ""branches"" would have been:

White for Medical Personnel.
Black for visiting Chaplains.
Yellow for Communications.
Grass Green for Field Force.
Red for those who were primarily in Pickets-like I was as I knew my way around guns unlike most there)
Dark Blue, for those COs who supervised inmates who worked in the Kitchen.
Pink-for transportation.

I cant remember if there were others or not? Anyway, our uniforms were to be all black-with white tress surrounding the epaulettes, a white stripe going down the front-where you button your shirt at) and the Sergeants would have white tresson their collars as well as surrounding their Sergeants stripes. Lieutenants and above would have Silver Tress, and the Major would have Gold Tress-the only one to have it)

Well, the idea was briefly mused over but was rejected partly because its too hot here to wear that kind of uniform. Also, we were to be awarded ribbon bars for daily wear-but that was rejected because if an inmate got into a fight with you and ripped your ribbonbars off-they could use its pin as a weapon. The idea about having sew-on ribbon bars was also discussed but tossed out the door as well.

 

The handsome uniform comes from German/Prussian military history. Looking at photos, sketches and paintings; their men were always dressed to look very impressive. There is nothing wrong with that as you said, it was good for the enlisted man.

 

Hey Evans, that's hilarious. "Sukhomlinov Effect" anyone? An officer said in another forum: "All uniforms are the same after a day in the field, dirty."

In all seriousness, the OP didn't differentiate Wehrmacht and SS uniform. Heer uniform did not deviate much from its WWI design. Good uniforms help morale-building; John Keegan consider the invention of the uniform a landmark in military history because it symbolized the age of the citizen army in which soldiers take pride at being a part of the armed forces of his nation.

Schutzstaffel dress uniform is something else. It was tailored for a specific aesthetic effect and there is something "horribly efficient" about them that is intentional... and it was not military in its origin, IIRC.

 

Stumbled upon this link showing practically all the uniforms worn by the German armed forces... Dunno who the goofy guy is in each pic thou lol but still quite interesting. Pretty comprehensive & detailed as well.

 

Thanks 3-C ;-)) and also a shame the State of TX didn't at least "adopt" some of their insignia for use. It would have been a great addition to their grey/blue uniforms ;-))

 

Pretty nice site. Notice how the creator is stuck on the rank of Captain? Also, when showing that G/K 43 rifle-it has the same mag in it as my Mauser Sniper variant has-25 rounder and all ;-))

 

Wanna know something even funnier? The person who first proposed this radicle new unifom look was a friend of mine-Captain Smith-who now is a Major or Assistant Warden) and he is full-blooded Cherokee Indian ;-))

 

I think one contributing factor to my original post that ive noticed is that the Germans tended to wear a "tunic" middle-button down lappeled styled jackets in battle (not ALWAYS lapels thou). Americans, brits, and russkies wore more of a "button down longsleeve janitor shirt". The tunics just looked better, flat out. That, along with their medals, awesome eagle insignia, and jackboots=UNIFORM WIN

I realize some ppl might be touchy about this subject, but In my opinion, it looked awesome to me. Can I not say that? Do I agree with what Germans did, no of course not. I just think their logos and insignia were something you'd see out of a fictional movie or something, not real-life. (exclusion of swastika obviously)

Also, I realize my 1st paragraph observation does not apply exclusively to all German armed forces. I know Waffen-SS had camo, etc. I was speaking more specifically about the branches that tended to wear tunic-style jackets.

 

I agree i liked how the Germans used dress uniforms instead of combat uniforms, it made them look more professional and stylish.

I never like the US combat uniform helmet either the WWI too me looked cooler.

 

" In 1942 Himmler ordered most all of the black uniforms recalled and stripped of insignia. They were sent east for use by the native auxiliary police units and sent west to be used by Germanic-SS units such as the ones in Holland and Denmark"

Uniforms and insignia of the Schutzstaffel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

One thing to note is that until the end of World War 2 at least the German people were very proud of their military. Before Wilhelm reunified Germany the states that would become Germany made their living as mercenaries of sorts, they had their hand every where. Even here in North America, you don't have to look very far to see the influence left behind by German soldiers, settlers, etc who held territory during the North American colonial days.

Prussian officers are regarded by many to be the "best of the bunch", with some even referring to them as modern day knights. Not all of them were the best but the loyalty they showed is something still talked about to this day. Prussia no longer exists of course and to my knowledge the Prussian military system is a dying memory at this point.

To wrap things up, German uniforms were only following a long standing tradition. The Wehrmacht uniforms for instance served various purposes, not only were they appealing but they were also intimidating, a definite plus for any general when he wants to "storm the trenches". The uniforms also had their disadvantages as stated above, in fact, I doubt you will ever find the "perfect" uniform as they all have their ups and downs.

 

Regarding German winteroutfit;

Some lucky ones were fortunate to get the reversable/padded issue. Most however had to take on the longcoat. I know from fotos that the GI’s also wore a longcoat during winter. How about the British? I can't recall having seen Tommys in a winter combat outfit.
Anyone got an idea or fotos?

Regards
Kruska

 

Me neither for that matter. They must have froze their Chestnuts off :lol: :lol: Just kidding of course and this is in direct reference of "pulling British Chestnuts out of the fire"-thing ;-))

 

This is the first time I've actually realized that!

I'm sure if the Finland plan ever went forward they would have needed it or else the British may have fought the shortest war in their history! Perhaps prototypes exist?

Edit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRITISH-WW2-WIN...ItemQQimsxZ20100224?IMSfp=TL100224135006r5772

Looks like the closest may have been smocks that simply went over what ever you had?