Do you think soldiers should all dress the same and have shaved heads?

Question

What advantage did this have in the IRAQ war, wouldnt it have been better if they had all be in plain clothes so less obvious?>

Theycould have a different way of telling. They could have hid them.

I dont see how camo could help you in a city. they would blend in more carrying a book bag.

I dont see why they need a helmut in plain clothes. Why not make it a bike helmt? Also backpacks come in many varieties, you know Jansport, Adidas. I think this would have been a better strategy in IRAQ. I think they were stupid how they approached but then again it was a stupid situation so what can you expect I guess??

Answer 1

It's also in the Geneva conventions that an army must have a uniform appearance or they can be tried as spies.

Answer 2

The shaved heads was formulated for hygeine reasons. In the field in combat situations sometimes a shower is not the most important thing to the mission. It cuts down on lice and all that good stuff. It also provides a better seal for a Pro-Mask (gas mask). Long hair could possibly disrupt the seal. The reason females do not have to do this is because they are placed into non-combat situations. The need for uniforms is obviously camoflauge, so we don't get seen as easily. Also, it makes us look more professional and disciplined. 100 soldiers coming towards you wearing Metallica shirts and I'm with Stupid would look like a lynching and not an organized attack that you may just surrender too.

Answer 3

NO!!!!!!!!! For one you are unaware of the Rules of War that are the Geneva Convention. To be in plain clothes makes you a spy not a member of the armed forces of the combatant nations. What difference does this make you ask, as a spy you can be executed on the spot. As a member of the armed forces of a nation at war you, by law of the Geneva Convention, should be afforded the benefit of being treated as a prisoner of war. If there is such a thing as a benefit of being a P.O.W.! Ask the surviors of the Japanese P.O.W. camps of WW2 about that one. Every nation as a peculiar uniform design that is basically theirs alone. Their are variations on the theme( look at the difference between the Army and Marine Corps current Battle Dress Uniforms), but each nation has its own design. In this current conflict the US does not face a nation as an enemy, but a group of people with a different ideology and not own nation( somewhat). As for the shaved heads that is a psychological act done in boot camp to bring all recruits down to the same humilitating level. After that it is just hygene. It is far easier to care for shaved heads then hairy ones in the field.

Answer 4

Its the military not a fashion statement!

In Iraq & Ahfganistan.

Camo for concealment, works better than one colour helps you blend into the background.

Short hair, shaved heads more hygienic and suitable for hot climates.

At home:

Parade dress for uniformity.

Cost effective to dress many people in the same type of clothes, saves the tax-payer money.

I think by "plain clothes" the original poster means clothes of one plain colour and not civil attire!!

Answer 5

No I dont think all soldiers should have shaved heads, although it does prevent head lice. But they should wear uniforms so that they can recognize each other and not shoot each other. If all soldiers in Iraq wore civillian clothes the friendly fire incedents would be horendous.

Answer 6

No, it would not in the least bit. The only people capable of that are the Green Berets. They learn their Language and Culture before even attempting to do so though. If the local people have beards, then they will grow beards to adapt.

I dont understand what youre asking?

Answer 7

Its all about conformity. These a reason for their clothers. Also, if they were in plain, you could confuse your own soldier with the enemy. The shaved heads makes it so everyone is the same and it keeps the soldier clean cut. If you let them have any kind of hair cut, soldier could be messy. It just looks unprofessional.

Answer 8

How would we know who the enemy is in a battle? Plus the uniform and haircut do something that many people don't understand unless they have been through it, it helps with camaraderie.

Answer 9

We dress different and the back pack and gun would give it away anyway. The uniform is so we can tell who is and is not the enemy. The helmet is to save your life.

Answer 10

I like the shaved heads idea. Even the women. Men would concentrate more on their work, leaders wouldn't have to deal with chemistry as much and far fewer women would be pregnant come deployment time.