Space Force Reveals Prototype Uniforms
The US Space Force unveiled its new dress uniform design on September 21, 2021, aiming to make a future-forward mark for the Pentagon’s newest uniformed service. Upon closer look, though, outside influence on the new clothes are obvious.
The prototype for the new uniform for the Space Force's Guardians, as they have been officially designated, is a short navy blue jacket with a large flap over the right breast, secured by a diagonal line of six silver buttons.
It has a standing collar, and the service badge, with a delta-shaped rocket pushing into a star, is worn below the left breast.
The jacket is matched with grey trousers or skirts.
"Modern, distinctive, professional" the Space Force called it in a tweet.
And yet, those familiar with military history — perhaps not so much with science fiction — will recognize the overwhelming influence of one of the United States' most flamboyant leaders, George S. Patton.
In the early days of the Army’s armor branch of service, Patton sought ways to both give the tankers a unique identity and provide them with an efficient uniform. One of his prototype designs, later called the “Green Hornet” pattern, is echoed in today’s Space Force uniform.
With similar intent to Patton’s, Chief of Space Operations General Jay Raymond, wrote of the USSF’s new outfit, "Every winning team needs a uniform!”
Similarities don’t start and end with Patton’s “Green Hornet” uniform, however. Designs with diagonal buttons holding down breast flaps have been seen for centuries in European and American uniforms majors today. Many have pointed out that the Space Force prototypes bear striking similarities to uniforms seen in television’s "Star Trek" and Hollywood’s "Battlestar Galactica.” In fact, even the USSF’s service badge and logo are difficult to distinguish from that of Star Trek’s Starfleet Command.
Regardless of the influence, the new uniform is just a minor stepping stone in the nation’s attempt to “go where no one has gone before.”
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John Adams-Graf ("JAG" to most) is the editor of Military Trader and Military Vehicles Magazine. He has been a military collector for his entire life. The son of a WWII veteran, his writings carry many lessons from the Greatest Generation. JAG has authored several books, including multiple editions of Warman's WWII Collectibles, Civil War Collectibles, and the Standard Catalog of Civil War Firearms. He is a passionate shooter, wood-splitter, kayaker, and WWI AEF Tank Corps collector.
