U is for Uniforms

The uniform is the most recognizable aspect of a military family. If you saw my husband out in his civilian clothing you may not guess right away that he has chosen to serve in the military. You wouldn’t know that his closet consists of a majority of camouflage, dress blues, tan t-shirts, combat boots, and black corframs. You would be amazed at how many different uniforms he has and the array of different pieces that come with each uniform. 

Any spouse or significant other can tell you that uniforms have a way of taking over the house, and that there are more than just rules and regulations that go with each one. But there is also a set of “house rules” that go along with uniforms. 

Each Uniform Had A Bunch Of Pieces (Some With Silly Names)

The most structured outer shirt of the ABU uniform is called a blouse. All the hats are called covers, unless it’s a beret. And the Mess Dress is the dressiest and cleanest uniform. 

My husband has a total of 4 different uniforms, his ABUs, Blues, Service Dress, and Mess Dress. The ABUs are the most basic. The other three have so many working pieces it amazes me the house isn’t polluted with them…oh wait…it is. Never mind. 

Locating Uniform Pieces Will Become One Of Your Superpowers

We have had so many early morning search parties for AWOL uniform pieces that I now have a photographic memory of where all uniform pieces are. I can’t tell you what I made for dinner last night but I can tell you there is an extra set of blouse suspenders in the dopp-kit in the hallway closet, there are extra button covers for his mess dress in the jewelry box, and a cover in the basement in a box with a bunch of military frames. 

If You’re Washing The Uniform Check ALL The Pockets  

Checking the bazillion pockets take time, but it is definitely worth not making a mess in your washing machine. I always find a wide range of treasures in my husband’s uniforms, including pens, tissues, change, and even his badge once or twice. 

You Have To Earn It To Wear It 

This one isn’t so much a house rule as it is a rule, rule. The uniform and its pieces are for the person that serves, only. You can’t “borrow” your spouse’s blouse when you are out to keep warm. Any of the uniforms covers can’t be worn by someone who didn’t earn it either. 

However, it doesn’t mean everything needs to be off-limits all of the time. I’ve borrowed an old pair of retired print ABUs to wear while paint-balling. I’ve worn a pair of all-weather/waterproof camouflage pants, that were left over from a deployment when we went out to play in the snow. And some of my husband’s old beat up fleece jackets are perfect to keep warm when we are camping or sitting out around the campfire. It is just important to remember, if you’re wearing a piece of the uniform for its designed purpose to remember to remove the name tape, rank, and military branch name.

It is officially the last Monday in the A to Z Challenge. To checkout other posts you can visit my Life As A Military Family category.