April 1, 2010

Committed Fashionistas

Waging war with sin, the uniform makes an ageless fashion statement

by Lt-Colonel Lynda Watt Opinion & Critical Thought

Enlist for fashion savings” read the headline in a recent issue of the Toronto Star. According to the country's largest daily, the latest news in fashion is that the military look is back. “The fashion magazines look like army recruitment manuals,” wrote the author in the Store Gazing column.

A quick check on the racks of popular clothing chains tells the full story of the return of the military look, featuring epaulet-styled shirts and khaki jackets with army insignia. And the local army surplus stores, which have always been the original source for all things military, are busier than ever. With their vintage uniforms, including pea coats, army boots and three-star general's hats, they offer classic military styling alongside other fashionable boutiques. Exploring these retail outlets is a fascinating experience, with every nook and cranny crammed with militia-type articles.

We have our own story and evolution regarding the subject of uniform. When The Christian Mission was renamed The Salvation Army in 1878, the Movement underwent a military re-branding. In addition to the adoption of uniforms as the official dress, our churches became corps, offerings became cartridges and our deacons became sergeant-majors. Even without the religious connection, military garb was widely popular among working-class men in late 19th century Britain, and the ingenious General William Booth latched on to its popularity to wage the “great salvation war.” The Salvation Army uniform identified wearers as having a commitment in the war against evil, a personal testimony to faith and practice, and an availability for anyone in need of a helping hand or listening ear.

Pioneer Salvationists were proud to be associated with the great crusade that the uniform represented. This came at considerable sacrifice since the uniform of the 1890s cost an average of three-weeks' salary. But Salvationists were so proud of their uniforms, it was not uncommon for them to be worn to any occasion where formal clothes were the expected attire, such as weddings, funerals and family portraits. No doubt many of us who are generational Salvationists have vintage sepia photos of our grandparents or great-grandparents looking dignified in their Salvation Army uniforms. Last week at the mall, I spotted a braid-trimmed tunic that looked similar to those in our family album. Who knows? We may be in for a return to vintage Army clothing.

At the Territorial Symposium held in 2008, delegates concluded that there were five areas (propositions) that needed attention to advance our territory. The first proposition focused on our fashion:

“The Salvation Army uses appropriate attire as a tool to reach the world for Christ. Where the uniform is worn it will be modern, affordable and include clear identification as The Salvation Army.”

Our military style speaks volumes to our identity as the “army without guns.” Perhaps St. Francis of Assisi was attempting to send a parallel message when he said, “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.”

Who would have known that committing to wearing Salvation Army uniform could be so trendy? The word “fashion,” derived from the Latin factus, means “to make.” William and Catherine Booth's organizational style is ageless, and in the denominational fashion world, helps to make us who we are—in the past, present and future.

Lt-Colonel Lynda Watt is the assistant to the property secretary, THQ property department.

The Uniform: Trendy or Dated?

For most of our history, Salvationists have worn a Salvation Army uniform that served as a visible witness to the world. While the style of the outfit has changed over the years and continues to vary in different geographical locations, most Salvationists continue to wear clothing that brands us as The Salvation Army.

Do you feel that the uniform is still an effective tool to witness to your community? Do you believe we should continue to wear a uniform with a military theme?

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24 Comments | Leave a Comment

Comment

On Thursday, July 21, 2011, joseph penny said:

I like wearing my uniform I wear it both at my corps and in my community to the mall where ever hat and all and I'm 24. When I was commissioned as a jr. Solider in 98 I wanted to be in the uniform b/c it looked cool then that next year I was a commissioned sr. Solider and corps cadets. One thing I keep reading is how others feel about the uniform and its interresting to hear how they feel. One thing that I read was how someone was not allow to play and as a fellow bandsman that's not fair. In the A.O.W as a solider it doesn't say u have to wear it but its a choice but if u do u wear it correctly it I have to put my hair up so do u lol :-P but u should not be banned from ur participation in the meeting in my corps some of the employees don't wear their every so often. I too hear some say about only wearing it on Sunday well I ask whoes fault is that u only wear it on Sunday hmmmm? Too all who wears it and those who don't we all are soliders of Christ. I wish they would bring the high collar tunics back that would be cool. Well luv y'all and God save the queen lmbo :-D

On Saturday, April 30, 2011, Charles wiscombe said:

Quote, " Look around your Corps, is anyone under the age of 40 who is not a bandsman, songster or officer wearing a full military version of the uniform?"

You cannot except others to do what you yourself is not willing to do ---If the parent don't go to church/sunday school or take part and only complain/grumble---how do you expect the children to be intrested.
Speaking from experience.
1Corinthians 11:15
Most people don't know that the Salvation Army is a religion---whose fault is that?

On Sunday, April 17, 2011, I am a Soldier too said:

It is with much interest that I read all the comments concerning the uniform. I have been wearing the Salvation Army uniform since I was sixteen. Many years have passed since I decided I wanted to wear it and my decision is the same today. When I was enrolled as a soldier I promised I would obey the regulations of the Army,otherwise I would not have signed the Articles of War. At the time the Songster Leader asked me to join the Songsters but I had to wear the bonnett which I said I would never do. My mother told me the money was there for the bonnett if and when I decided to wear it.However, God had other plans for me I guess and two weeks later I asked my mom for the money for the bonnett. I loved wearing my bonnett and I still have it - in good condition I might add, and if the Army brought it back today, I would gladly wear it. A few years ago the Army gave the women the option of wearing the hat if they wanted to or not wear if they choose not to. All this confusion about uniforms stems back to our leaders as far as I'm concerned. We have not had any leadership in this regard only do as you please, maybe because the leaders themselves didn't want to.
I still wear my uniform and hat and my husband wears his uniform and cap and are proud to do so.
But the criticism I"ve had to take because of the decision was unreal and from fellow soldiers at that. At one point I had to say I was given the choice I made my decision please respect it.
I know I have been the subject of many conversations because of my choice but that didn't deter me from wearing it.Yes, the uniform does cost a few hundred dollars but compare that with what it would cost you to buy a new outfit to wear every other Sunday it would cost you a lot more in the long run. I get annoyed when people say wear whatever you like to worship. I say, if you were to visit the Queen, Prime Minister, President or any other high ranking official or go for a job interview, would you go dressed like you were going to a hockey game or other similar function? I think not. When I go to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, I give Him the very best I have whether it be the way I dress or anything I do. Recently I have heard three people from our corps who were wearing there uniform at the time ,telling how people coming to them in public asking them to pray with them for special needs they had. That would not have happened if they didn't have their uniform on because the people would not have know who they were. Let us put to rest this issue of wearing the uniform. If you don't want to wear it, don't but leave the rest of us who want to alone. Maybe we can start with our officers because some of them have no time for the uniform and they've said so. The Army does help students with the cost of their first uniform. Check it out for them because it will surprise you just how many of them are interested.

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On Tuesday, December 21, 2010, Capt M ilfred Harper Gds Rtd said:

I was reading about the different articles that have been written on this page
and I would truly say that there should be a lot more people in uniform than
there is . I personally bought a high neck tunic and two pair of pants from a
Scottish shop , of which I do business with, during my pipe band days, which
still exists . I had a friend get me a large belt buckle with the salvation army
crest ,and fwd a letter to England and ordered some buttons with the S.A. stamped on them. I fwd all the material to the scottish shop and received a good
uniform with everything attached. I also bought a watch some time ago which is
beautifully engraved with the Salvation Army crest . Now for the overcoat , I purchased two sets of crests , { clutch backs } and put the crests on the collars, I believe that if we are going to be salvationists then we should do
the following : Get back to knee drill, and a bit of the old and new type of
Salvation Army . Now may God Bless us all & A Blessed Christmas and Blessed New year .

On Tuesday, December 21, 2010, Mark said:

Hey MOE!! I need that uniform of yours....

On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, markbraye said:

can anything with a red shield, crest, or the words "The Salvation Army" written on it be SA uniform?

i believe so.

it identifies and clarifies who we are and points to ministry and mission of The Salvation Army.

the version of the uniform we have now was not what early Salvationists wore. we went away from high collar and gunrnseys (there's no way i spelled that correctly).

it's my understanding, someone correct me if i'm wrong, that early Salvationists made their own SA clothes and uniform. they put a red shield or the words "The Salvation Army" on everything.

why the tension against this in our day?

at times we hold on too tightly to the tunic and military style uniform. it's part of our form, not our essence.

i think there's a time and place for all the styles of uniform we have. we don't always have to wear the military stlye uniform to be TSA.

we can be everything and do everything in a t-shirt and jeans that we can be and do in a tunic and black pants.

as Herb correctly states, "the wearing of a SA uniform is essentially for the public..."

does it matter what style it is?

On Sunday, December 12, 2010, Herb Presley said:

Over time we as Salvationists seem to have forgotten that the wearing of a Salvation Army Uniform is essentially for the public - to tell them visually that we are soldiers of Christ and ready to wage war against all kinds of evil. I attribute this, in large part, to the fact that the public activities of the Army have themselves been declining in recent years. It's been a long time since there was an open air for me to stand at, a march of witness in which I could proudly wear my uniform....I do a good deal of volunteer work for the Lord in the Army and I have many opportunities to wear my uniform - but it is not the same. I am one man - not an Army as is seen by the loud brassy public demonstrations of the past. It is a pity that many of us don't have the intestinal fortitude to stand up in public any more and declare by the wearing of our uniform, "I AM GOD'S SOLDIER!"

On Wednesday, August 11, 2010, Baxter Freake said:

What a privilege it is to serve God as a member of The Salvation Army. To share the love of Jesus with others through the doors that are opened to me through this exceptional Christian organization. Being recognized as a member of The Salvation Army, through the wearing of my uniform, has provided me with many opportunities to witness to others. As Christians we should take advantage of every tool we have to represent Him in our communities. Whether this is by wearing a uniform or sharing our testimony. Recently my wife and I were engaged in some motorcycle talk with other motorcycle enthusiast outside a Tim’s. We didn’t know these people but the conversation came easily as we discussed our common interest in motorcycle trips and chrome. As I was preparing to mount my bike I was caught off guard when my new motorcycle friend commented “I love your key chain brother”. I immediately look down and realized that it read “Gods Property”. The conversation now took a turn from Motorcycles to our mutual love of Christ. That little key tag was the connector that brought Christ into our conversation that day. And yes it is God’s Property and as such I will use it for His glory. For those that advocate down playing or eliminating the uniform I caution you to think again. It is the most visible means that we have of showing what / who we stand for. True, it is how we live that truly reflects Christ in our lives but as an opportunity to open a door or to tell the world what we believe in, it is an invaluable tool and one that many Christian denominations would love to have.

On Tuesday, August 10, 2010, Herb Presley said:

It has been my observation that negative preoccupation with uniform wearing stems from the failure to "push the envelope" of Christian Witness through Salvationism. After all, the uniform is not just a nice set of clothes that makes you one of the crowd at the Sunday Service - it's purpose is more external to the Army than internal. As I understand Army history, the Founder wanted Salvationists to wear clothes that would declare to the world that they were soldiers of Christ and witnesses of the truths of the Christian Faith. Even those who wear uniform today appear to try to keep it as low key and unnoticeable as possible - for instance not wearing hats because it literally shouts "THE SALVATION ARMY" to the world, or having no distinguishing markings on their clothing that would identify the organization. What are we trying to do? Fool somebody into thinking we are security guards? No...if you never step outside of your comfortable Christian cocoon, you will never understand the true meaning of shouting to the world, through what you're wearing, "I AM A SOLDIER OF CHRIST!"

On Friday, August 6, 2010, Chhakchhuak said:

Being we are not only Salvationists but also Armies, incumbent upon wearing uniform is one of our greatest opportunities. I have been known many a Salvationists were inclined towards not wearing uniform. Unfortunately, even in a worship service most of us can’t clarify whether they are Salvationist or not…but, fortunately we never ever had a thought of provoking wearing different dresses in our worship services as we are Salvationists in India Eastern Territory.

On Thursday, July 29, 2010, Ibaraboa Irving Tam. said:

Unfortunately, what we salvationists are running away from is what other denominations are copying even in my country Nigeria.If you can defend wearing your work dress which is a uniform why can't you wear it for Christ. yes uniform will not take you to heaven but it help you in your Chritian race if you understand the reason and meaning of the uniform and everything that goes with it.Please sure that with or without the uniform you are still in the race of winning souls for Christ.

On Thursday, July 29, 2010, David Stam said:

Karen Osborme makes a good point. Quite frankly, the uniform debate is wearing a little thin. We are either an Army...or not. And armies wear uniforms.

Even with the Army's now rather tepid militarism (and one only need read Army history to realize the changes that even that has undergone over the years....)one can still enjoy many of the joys of soldiership without wearing the uniform. It isn't mandatory, and choosing not to wear it does not make one less of a Salvationist. Indeed, the sad reality is that in many corps it is often only those who are participating in musical sections who wear uniform.

So this seemingly endless debate over the uniform and other expressions of Salvationism seems quite counter-productive. The Army in Canada faces far greater and more serious issues. So either embrace the Army for what it is, its doctrines, methodology and forms of expressions, or, to paraphrase Karen Osborne ( and at the risk of being overly terse )"move on".

On Wednesday, July 28, 2010, karen osborne said:

It is true that most people don't know what the uniform stands for, but why would that be a reason to not wear it? Surely that would be a reason to wear it and to educate people BY wearing it. As for others not wearing suits, etc., would that be a reason for you to not wear your uniform if you were a member of your countries Armed Forces? You are a member of Christ's Armed Forces, and you live in a world that is naturally antagonistic to Christ. The Salvation Army was raised up AS an army from its beginning. It is not the only Christian denomination. My opinion is that if people don't like the uniform or any of the other war-like symbols or language of The Salvation Army, then maybe they should consider whether or not a different denomination is a better fit for where they are currently in their Christian walk.

On Thursday, July 22, 2010, Glenda Howells said:

I have been a uniformed Salavtionist for over 40 years, and I really don't like wearing it. For those who have said they liked the bonnet, I've worn that as well, and it is not the most comfortable of headgear. Similarly the hat - perched on top of your head and blown away by a puff of wind.
When I started wearing uniform, it was smart and contemporary. Back then it was usual to see people in suits, dressed both for work and for social events. It was fashionable. And people really knew Who you stood for in your uniform. There was an awareness of spiritual and church life.
I have always walked to the Army in my uniform, and gradually, as the spirit of secularism has drawn like a blanket over the country, I have noticed a change in the way I am perceived in my uniform. Now, it is very rare to see anyone in a uniform or a suit. Casual attire is the order of the day. And I have to say that as I walk to the Army these days, not many people smile and say hello - I am looked at with some suspicion, and children think I am a policewoman, because they have no knowledge of the things of God. It's sad, but true. And in my corps, there is no-one under 40 wearing a uniform, except junior soldiers. And I don't think it is smart any more, unless you are pencil-thin. The ladies blouses are frumpy, and the skirt and jacket are not very flattering. Sad, but true. I wear it because of what it represents to me - I'm sorry to say that most people have no idea of what it represents. And I am happier going to worship when we have a 'come as you please' weekend, because I can be more comfortable in my ordinary clothes. I'm sorry if these comments upset people who love the uniform, but the sad fact is - we are no longer a Christian nation, and we have to be relevant to the society in which we live. Frankly, the uniform doesn't do it.

On Monday, May 10, 2010, Luke Faulkner said:

I think often the uniform is a good tool for witness, but we also have to be sensitive to cultural differences in the world. Quite often, a military uniform is viewed negatively; even frightening. Especially people that are living in are escaped from a situation of military occupation in their country. Just my short .02 cents.

On Thursday, April 15, 2010, Donald Jefcoat said:

This has been a question that has been discussed for many many years. But Kerry raised an interesting point but I want to look at it from a different angle. I do not beleive that our uniform is our weapon for battle. The Salvation Army was designed to appear like the Millitary. It took the leadership, terminology, and appearence of a millitary organization. I am under 60 alot of years andi like wearing my uniform. I saw pictures ofa corps in our territory that had members wearing various uniforms that the idividuals thought up. Maybe its time we allowed the various uniform to be utilized. I do agree that the uniform is way to expensive wich is a big hinderance to some. Why would an organization that is called to minister to the down and out make uniform wearing so out of touch, then go and wonder why people are not wearing it.

So I think that the Salvation Army so change the material of our tunic and the supplier of our uniform to make it cheaper. Also I think it should be manditory for the officer to wear the uniform in the function of their duties. This does not mean that he/she needs to sit in their office in the tunic, summer uniform is fine. But I have been to lots of services where the officer was wearing a haiwan shirt, shorts, and sandles. I have had an officer that ridiculed people that chose to wear a uniform. I like my uniform I am proud to wear it. I only wear the tunic to weddings, funerals, if i am giving the word from the puplit. Otherwise ionly wear the sumer uniform as it is more practical for ministry. And as a Soldier I should be allowed and encouraged to wear it. I remember being told to not wear it more then to wear it. If I work with the salvation Army in the local emergancy response program I should be allowed to wear atleast my summer uniform.

Also I agree that our uniform is no truly identfy able. I can tell a scout way before I see the badge on the uniform. Why Because I know the uniform. But why notput on some patches the say the we are the salvation army.

On Tuesday, April 13, 2010, Kerry Guy said:

Being an engineer by trade, my bend is to be pragmatic in all situations. What will work best here? Is there a better way to do this or that? For over 200 years, every soldier that went to war in any part of the British empire had a bayonet afixed to the end of their rifle. Why? because it was an effective weapon of warfare, that's why? But do you see today's soldiers with bayonets? No. Why not?? They're still sharp and deadly in close quarters. It's because the face and tactics of our enemies have changed and yesterday's weapons just don't work effectively anymore. Is it a dis-service to our past generations to not carry on the tradition? No. The dis-service would be to lose ground that they fought so hard to gain, simply because we wanted to hold on to our traditions and not adjust to the challenges of the battlefield. It's not a matter of honour, or proud memories... it's about winning the war!! Our traditional formal SA uniform, the one I wear as a local officer and a bandsman is rapidly becoming the "bayonet" of the Army. If it's a good weapon, then why is it's usage diminishing?? Look at the top of this very webpage... look at the bottom.. there's a shield there, the shield is on all our printed material, on all our buildings, on all our vehicles, but not one to be seen on our uniforms?? Look around your Corps, is anyone under the age of 40 who is not a bandsman, songster or officer wearing a full military version of the uniform?? If it's like Calgary, it's very few, if any at all - you'd barely be able to find a man wearing a tie who's under the age of 60!!

Sunday best?? Doesn't exist anymore. If we want a new generation of Salvationists to be identifiable in their warefare then we just plain need to give them some "new weapons".

I say, let the formal uniform remain for those who are proud to wear it, but give us some options, please, so waitresses don't ask what airline I fly for anymore (actually happened to me)!! Maybe something that is "modern, affordable and includes clear identification as The Salvation Army". I wonder where I came up with that idea??

Kerry Guy
Symposium 2008 delegate

On Thursday, April 8, 2010, Moe said:

I think a lot of the comments must have their heads in the clouds. I think the "feet of people" are clear indicators that the uniform is not something people want to wear. It costs about $500 to buy one and it is not warm in the winter. The last corps I attended the average age of wearing an uniform was 60 years old.

For Peter..."an outward sign of inward grace"....wow....baptism??

BTW...If anyone requires an uniform... I have one in my basement closet to give away.

On Thursday, April 8, 2010, Peter Haslett said:

I love the SA uniform. I always have. To me it is an outward sign of inward grace. It represents the fact that Salvationists are in a spiritual battle, not one of flesh and blood. It is a far less expensive clothing item then dressing up for church on Sundays. I imagine for those who wear their Sunday best invest a lot in dress clothing, something I personally don't have to worry about. My wife too is a soldier and usually every Christmas and Easter she won't wear her uniform, but this year she wore it like she does every Sunday. Also for women who wear it, they are dressing modestly and appropriately for worship.

On Wednesday, April 7, 2010, Ron said:

As a former Salvationist, I have watched with dismay the "dumbing down" of the SA uniform. The bonnet has disappeared; the SA ladies hat has gone the way of the dodo and in some corp in Ontario, the uniform is now civilian dress. Surely the Army has not gone the way of fashion, ie fancy hair for the ladies over the regulation SA hat? If a corp does not have a band, the only thing that distinguishes it from a regular church is the uniform and if that is missing, what is left? So now we see the curious trend that the world is imitating the Army in dress and the Army is imitating the world in their dress. Not a good trade off.

On Sunday, April 4, 2010, Karen Hoeft said:

The concept of uniform was to be identifiable. Only a soldier can wear full uniform because in wearing uniform you represent not just oneself, but positions and values of The Salvation Army. One person in a crowd can carry the history and actions of the whole movement...this can be a blessing and a curse. However, whichever it is, it has great power. If one only wears their uniform to go to a "Army" meeting, then you are only "preaching to the converted". The uniform was/is to be worn in the world to speak to the issues that The Salvation Army believed were important to our world. When I sit in a Legislative Assembly gallery in full uniform, the politicians know that we care about what they are doing on behalf of the citizens of our province/territory, and we will hold them accountable to think about "all" the citizens! Though we may not be known by all in our communities, we do carry the voice of the marginalized and when we "show up" people remember those who are often forgotten.

On Friday, April 2, 2010, Mat said:

I have to say that the Salvation Army uniform is timeless and is always appropriate. It is easy to spot. I will be proud to wear my uniform when I get it. My only complaint is that it is hard to find a uniform that I can wear on my job since my job is not a place that my uniform will stay in one piece for very long.

On Thursday, April 1, 2010, Lorna Castle said:

I have been a Senior Salvation Army Soldier 55 years this year I signed my
Articles of War at 14 in TSA Long Beach, Calif. I'm s proud to be a believer in JESUS CHRIST my own personal SAVIOR and a third generation Salvationist!!!

I love my Salvation Army Uniform...when I wear it I have all kinds of great opportunities to tell of the love of JESUS. I love it that everyone comes with a story of how TSA had helped them or their family and they love TSA

Many veterens and their families recount the World War ll and how they remember the coffee and donuts. People come with tears in their eyes telling me how much TSA and our uniform means to them...Please don't change the uniform...it looks smart like the US Air Force and the US Navy..It is perfect

One night a lady ran all across the Quantas Airlines LAX to tell us how thrilled she was to see out beloved TSA Uniform...our Aussie friend Gloria (89 yrs at the time)looked like Gen Eva Burrows...the lady mistakenly thought Gloria was General Eva..She said "how I love TSA uniform and all their good" .

the lady from Quantas put Gloria ahead of the whole plane load, telling the passengers there was an emergency she needed to take care of. She knew by then that Gloria wasn't Gen Eva, but she looked so much like her the Quantas lady wanted to bless her!!! What a witness to us as others see our uniform

Lorna Castle TSA Tustin Ranch, Ca.
TSA Southern California DIV,
TSA Western Territory the great state of California!!!!

On Thursday, April 1, 2010, Wendy and Vince Hackett said:

Yes I Beleive the uniform is a big part of the Army and come this April 11 my Husband and I will both be enrolling in uniform. It is our previlge to wear and be a part of the army. Im not a skirt wearing person but i will adjust to it. My husband loves the uniform and it looks sharp. Im proud to wear a uniform.