Hat.

This is coolbert:

This particular item from only several days ago creating a lot of hackles in some quarters.

That suggestion being made that the super-masculine American Marine Corps becoming sissified and feminine, a new hat to be worn by men and women both of all things a point of contention.

"Obama Continues Efforts to Emasculate our Military; This time with a new 'Girly' Hat for Marines."

 "Note: TMLC has verified this story. We obtained a copy of the survey which references putting both men and women in the "girly" hat and have verified that the Department of Defense (a part of Obama's administration) has in fact asked the Armed Services to move towards gender neutral uniforms."

Here is the hat. See for yourself. From my perspective it is not a bad looking hat NOR does it seem to be so "feminine". I guess it is in the eye of the beholder.

The various words as used in this article and associated with the introduction of the new hat "loaded" as they say. A strong emotional response guaranteed.

Words such as:
 
* "emasculate"
* “too French”
* "gender neutral"
* "unisex "
* "Girly" 

Marines, men and women both, when dressed in what the army used to call [and maybe still does call] a Class A uniform now having one standard and uniform head gear. Gender specific hats now a thing of the past?

Considerations rather than making a "girl" of a Marine are at work here? Uniformity is most important when mixed gender units march on parade. Also there is a cost savings here? One type hat rather than two results in some dollars saved? Perhaps not that much in the overall scheme of things.

In actuality that "new" hat to a degree resembles the type of head gear as worn by the Marines from one hundred years ago. As exemplified by this image of the famous American Marine non-commissioned officer Dan Daly. Indeed the "new" gender neutral hat referred to as the "Dan Daly".

This is Dan Daly. From the Great War twice winner of the Medal of Honor. Hardly a man effeminate or a "girl", neutered or less than manly. Anything but that.

Somehow I just don't think the adoption of the "Dan Daly" is going to reduce the combat readiness of the U.S. Marines by even the slightest iota. But that is just my opinion.


coolbert.