Re: Intro and participation q...
Mark Wilson (mwilson@POLARIS.ORL.MMC.COM)
Mon, 17 Jul 1995 12:11:00 EDT
Jim,
There are a number of reasons not to allow BDUs at Scout functions.
One, BSA is not a para-military organization. We have taken great pains to
emphasize that in our PR as well as our training.
Two, BSA defines the uniform in the Insignia Control Guide. That definition
does not include camoflage anything.
Three, the camo pattern on BDUs is very effective. Let me relate a story to
illustrate. Some time back an NG quarter-ton (jeep) was involved in a high
speed accident near here. Three of the four passengers were found near the road.
After searching for a day and a night they found the fourth in a brush covered
ditch about 150 ft from the accident scene where he had been thrown. Searchers
had been over the area several times. He wasn't found until the SAR dogs were
brought in.
I'm all for changing the uniform to a more functional design and more rugged
construction, but we ought to leave the military style clothing to the military.
Actually, BDUs get very hot (been there, done that) and a lot of the supposed
good equipment is so far behind the state of the art camping equipment it isn't
even funny. GI rucksacks, even with the frame, are hard to carry any distance.
I'll take my inexpensive Camp Trails over them any day (even my 25 year old one).
The sleeping bags are too bulky and too heavy. Again there are much better ones
available. I spent too many days in GI boots to ever want to use them for any
serious hiking. Even the newer light weight boots don't match up to my Merrils.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Wilson mwilson@polaris.orl.mmc.com
Eagle Class of '74 863 Trumbull Street
SM, Troop 565 Deltona, FL, 32725
I used to be an antelope ....
----------------------------------------------------------------------
My opinions are my opinions. Lockheed Martin can speak for itself.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
