1868 – Spanish-American War
Hats finally served a purpose with wide brims and
sun protection. Leg protection from proper pants
was provided and uniforms remained blue in color.
Weapons continued to advance much more rapidly
than any soldier protection.
1917 – World War I
Steel helmets were introduced to finally offer some
ballistic protection. Gas masks were also popular to
protect against new chemical warfare, better known
as gassing. Khaki and olive green replaced the long-
standing blue hue of uniforms. Early mortars, tanks,
and machine guns were now used, along with the
poison gas, and some aircrafts.
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1941 – World War II
The attack on Pearl Harbor prompted America to
enter the second World War. Bigger steel helmets
were better, but the weight of the pots became an
issue. No other ballistic protection had been intro-
duced. Khaki and green remained on uniforms. The
Colt 1911 and the M1 Garand became standard issue.
Mines, grenade launchers, submachine guns, rocket
launchers, flamethrowers, and aircraft guns were
being regularly used.
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1964 – The Vietnam War
A darker olive green was seen in the uniforms. Hel-
mets had improved, but not by much. No other real
advancements had been made since World War II.
1990 – The Gulf War
Operation Desert Storm brought with it many im-
provements for the American Soldier, from goggles
and advanced head and eye protection, to light-
weight packs and even communications. Uniforms
were seen in digital camouflage patterns that we
know today, with khaki and olive green back into
play. Major advancements in aircraft included the F-
117 stealth fighter jet. Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles
were being used, along with aircraft-launched
weaponry.
Today’s soldiers are equipped with body and leg protection, armor,
and even portable/wearable air conditioning when needed. Most
weapons in today’s military society try to prevent soldiers from hav-
ing to get too close, but if it is necessary, they are much better pre-
pared than they were before. It is hard to say what the future holds
for the American soldier, but one thing we can be sure of: the pro-
tection and gear will be bigger and better than ever!
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