Every time I’ve seen U.S. Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force officers in full dress uniform, they have straight-leg pants and dress shoes. My impression is that in the past, some U.S. military dress outfits included knickers and knee-high riding-style boots. Do any outfits still have this or has it been done away with now that horses aren’t part of the military anmore?
The First Calvary Division at Fort Hood has a Horse Calvary Detachment. Their uniforms and equipment are based on those of the late 19th century.
I don’t think I’ve seen anyone in a calvary uniform since World War II. I’ve read that General Eisenhower was determined to get rid of all of the Army’s horses.
Well, here’s a photo from Ronald Reagan’s funeral:
http://www.redlinerants.com/posts/data/upimages/040610_funeral-01.jpg
Also, I tried but failed to find online a photo of the dress blue uniform of the US Marine mounted guard from the Peiking Embassy in the 1930’s. You’ll have to take my word that that was a silly uniform.
Here’s what seems to be a recent-ish photo of mounted Marines, in dress uniform. For what it’s worth. I don’t know if they’re wearing what you’d call “knickers” or not.
That kind of uniform looks like what I mean. I guess only horse-mounted parade officers wear them.
My son was a scout in a Cav outfit and they had dress blues with combat boots with spurs. No ridding breaches but regular blue with a stripe pants. Wide brim hats and sabers. 4-5 years ago,
See picture here.
