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THE U.S. OF A. — The U.S. Army turns 240 this year. In honor of that milestone, the Independent Journal Review released a video showing the history of the army's combat uniforms.
From the Revolutionary War to the conflicts of today, uniforms were present at the birth of our country and continually a part of army history, and the uniforms change along with us and our developing technologies.
The video (in a format made familiar by Cut Video's 100 years of beauty series) first shows how uniforms go from the complicated construction and intricate details of George Washington's Continental Army to the simplified sack coats of the Federal Army. Then we’re off on a journey of uniforms that look more and more familiar until we reach the camouflage and cargo pockets of present day. Well, almost present day.
On July 1, the U.S. Army began transitioning to a new operational camouflage pattern for combat uniforms. The update will also include small changes to pockets, velcro features and zippers to make the uniforms more functional for soldiers, according to the Army Times. It’s not like the obvious changes in the video, but if you’re into the nitty-gritty of the details, you can find those here.
As a compliment to this video, the Civil War was the tipping point for the final transition from hand-sewing production to machines in the clothing industry. With the need for thousands of uniforms in quick succession, there was nothing for it but to embrace sewing machines and mass production of uniforms, bags, boots and tents. Read more about the connection of the Civil War and sewing machines here.
