OK, I admit it...

I have something of a uniform fetish. I have been fascinated with military uniforms and equipment since I was about six years old and I have been buying and wearing field uniforms and BDU's for several years now. But, it wasn't until recently that it has turned into full-blown obsession. It started innocently enough: I mentioned in an earlier post that I was looking for another hearse. In the process of searching, I came across a website - www.funkerhearse.com The owner of the site, Zachary Helm, also has a thing for uniforms. After looking at one of his photo pages, it was all downhill from there. I suppose it was time to upgrade my image anyway.

One of the uniform types that I have always admired was WWII era German. National Socialist ideologies not withstanding, they were one of the best-dressed armies in history. Reproduction uniforms are available, but can be rather expensive, so it will take a little while to build that collection. In the meantime, I have found that East German surplus is cheap and plentiful. The outfit below I put together for about $100. For another 40 I also got a wool overcoat (unissued).
I still need to get some tall boots, but the uniform is more or less complete as you see it.

Not long ago, a friend at work approached me and asked if I wanted to help with a project. He needed the image of a (current) soldier. I needed only a few items to complete the look:

Here is the back:
The three-color desert camo is circa early 90's, and the combination of woodland and desert camo would be correct for that period. The boots and the gasmask bag are not correct, but I am willing to live with it for now. My sidearm is also not correct - one of these days I will buy a Beretta (92fs). The best thing about all of this is that it is functional. Uniform jackets look great when combined with other non-uniform components. Halloween costumes are a no-brainer. I have some other ideas I am working on, I'll keep you posted.

Semper Paratus