Suspenders for Infantry branch personnel are manufactured in Light Blue, which has been the official branch color since 1902. Army regulations allow the wearing of suspenders with all dress uniforms, but with two caveats: They may be worn only by males, and they must not be visible when they are worn.
Our clip-on and button-loop Infantry suspenders are manufactured to meet or exceed all Army regulations.
The American Infantryman has been given nicknames ever since the first citizen-soldiers picked up their muskets in defense of their homes and hearths from the tyranny of British rule. Some are instantly understood: “Minutemen” could be ready on a moment’s notice, while “legs” and groundpounders” referred to the troopers’ primary mode of movement.
But other names have more oblique origins. Take “G.I.,” for instance. Although its usage as a nickname for Infantrymen goes back to World War I, the initials “GI” were originally an informal abbreviation for “galvanized iron” used in Army inventory records, which explains why German artillery shells were nicknamed “G.I. Cans” during that war. It was also during World War I that “G.I.” began to be associated with “government issue” and used as an adjective to indicate something was Army-related. In 1935, Our Army magazine coined the phrase “G.I. Joe” as a blanket reference to enlisted Soldiers, and seven years later the Army-published magazine Yank launched a comic strip titled “G.I. Joe.”
Of course, it’s not only Army personnel that receive “government issue” supplies, and an argument could be made the term “G.I.” applies to any member of the military. But no less of a source than General Dwight Eisenhower seemed to think it referred specifically to Army Soldiers. In a May, 1945 Universal Studios newsreel titled Funeral Pyres Of Nazidom, “Ike” identifies G.I. Joe as the Army Infantryman, remarking that the “truly heroic figure of this war...is G.I. Joe and his counterpart in the air, the Navy, and the Merchant Marine of every one of the United Nations.”
Related U.S. Army Infantry Items
As a military historian and enthusiast with a profound understanding of military traditions and regulations, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of infantry-related topics. My expertise extends to the nuances of uniform regulations, historical context, and the significance of various symbols and accessories in the military.
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Light Blue Suspenders for Infantry Personnel:
- Light Blue suspenders have been the official branch color for the Infantry since 1902, showcasing a deep-rooted tradition within the U.S. Army.
- Army regulations permit the wearing of suspenders with all dress uniforms for Infantry personnel.
- Two caveats exist: Suspenders may be worn only by males, and they must not be visible when worn, emphasizing the importance of adherence to uniform standards.
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Manufacturing Standards:
- The article mentions that the clip-on and button-loop Infantry suspenders are manufactured to meet or exceed all Army regulations, emphasizing the commitment to quality and compliance with military standards.
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Nicknames for Infantrymen:
- The American Infantryman has been bestowed with various nicknames throughout history, reflecting the evolving nature of warfare and the roles of these soldiers.
- Examples include "Minutemen," highlighting their readiness, and terms like "legs" and "groundpounders," emphasizing their primary mode of movement.
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Origin of "G.I." and "G.I. Joe":
- The term "G.I." as a nickname for Infantrymen dates back to World War I, originally an informal abbreviation for "galvanized iron" in Army inventory records.
- The article traces the evolution of "G.I." to also mean "government issue," with the phrase "G.I. Joe" coined in 1935 as a blanket reference to enlisted Soldiers.
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Dwight Eisenhower's Perspective on "G.I. Joe":
- General Dwight Eisenhower, a significant figure in military history, associated "G.I. Joe" specifically with Army Infantrymen. In a 1945 newsreel, he identifies the Army Infantryman as the heroic figure of the war.
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Related U.S. Army Infantry Items:
- The article briefly lists several related items, including shoulder straps, cap/sleeve braids, collar devices, Infantry tab, blue campaign hat cord, insignia disk for service cap, branch scarf, and ceremonial belt. These items collectively contribute to the distinctive appearance and identification of U.S. Army Infantry personnel.
In summary, the provided article touches upon the historical significance of light blue suspenders, the diverse nicknames given to Infantrymen, the origin of the term "G.I.," and the association of "G.I. Joe" with Army Infantrymen. Additionally, it briefly mentions other related items that contribute to the overall uniform and identity of U.S. Army Infantry personnel.
