As we barrel along toward civil war, I need to be ready. It's very likely that the Brunswick County Militia will call upon me to serve as a reserve Field Marshal, in the event Johnny Ray or Bubba gets sick or goes fishing. One of the most important decisions I face is the choice of a uniform: it must convey boldness, leadership and dash.
I've narrowed the choice down to two, but haven't yet been able to decide between the engauded classical elegance of General Santa Anna's tunic...
and the post-modern curtain cord and taxi-cab medallion style of the late Emperor Bokassa I...
Both uniforms have advantages and disadvantages. The Santa Anna tunic has a nice slimming-effect, but I'm afraid my bulges would require a substantial addition of elastic in the seams. The Bokassa uniform is simple and its more sack-like configuration probably wouldn't necessitate elastic; however, the sun shining off all of those medals might easily give my position away (besides providing a good mark to shoot at).
I'll keep you posted.
If you're concerned about snipers, avoid the North Korean uniform for flag officers ... ...
ReplyDeletehttps://duckduckgo.com/?q=north+korean+general+uniform&t=vivaldi&iax=images&ia=images
I like the Santa Ana style.
ReplyDeleteLast time round, my favorite was the troops in a Zouave type, I've seen a red pants option, light blue or dark blue pants option, white pants and a dijon yellow pants option, worn by the South Carolina Zouaves; also there are several jacket options too; both sides had some Zouaves so it got confusing at times, and these days they might look like old school rappers, but they would complement a Santa Ana style officer uniform.
Or maybe it's a come as you are party with old camo gear.
The life of Santa Anna is worth a look. He was sort of the Mexican Alcibiades, but perhaps with an even more checkered career.
ReplyDeleteI read once as a yoot that when in exile in NYC he brought a supply of chicle, hoping to market it for use in tires. That did not work out, but his American business partner used it to make chewing gum, and created Chiclets. Just checked and according to Wikipedia that was indeed true.
Jeff: Haw! I guess the Dear Leader wants to make sure he doesn't stand out in case of a sniper.
ReplyDeletetom: those Zouaves from the Civil War were a flashy bunch; however, I suspect that after a couple of military engagements, and a month or so in the field, those gaudy colors would have faded and/or been covered in dirt.
Stephen: That's some wild history, right there! Thanks for the info.
My feeling is that I like the old style better, like when the Navy tried to get rid of the old sailor suit, and the sailors voted it down. I know uniforms are going to get dirty, i've watched some old movies; even the Marines, with their flashy dress uniforms wear camo daily and in the field. But, if you're going full Santa Ana, the boys deserve some flash too.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I'll see if I can't find some surplus doorman uniforms for the troops (for parades and such).
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of a Lord Humongous motif.
ReplyDeleteI should start working out and dieting soon...
I suggest a Black Knight suit of armor.
ReplyDeleteWhy not both. Bokassa for day, and Santa Ana for special occasions.
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