Originally Posted by portshort-starboardlong

Having heard all the pathetic excuses for wearing a Para Smock, ie it's comfortable, it is hard wearing etc, etc, I ask you this.
If it's issued to Airborne Units and it's not issued to Hat units, doesn't that tell you something?
Smocks are for members of Airborne Forces.
They are Not issued to Other units.
So if you're called names like Walter/wannabe etc etc, then you deserve it.

Read my post,theyWERE issued to "hat",units you pretentious twat,before you could even spell Para. It's a piece of issue clothing,get a life,I used to wear a Navy flying suit,but I wasn't a F***ing pilot.

Some time ago i was in a unit that had the dual role of supporting 5 AB Bde and 3 Cdo Bde (shows my age). I was indeed issued with a para smock which I have to say I have never worn, not because I wasn't a para but purely because I preferred the arctic smock and it was far more practical.

So, I might dig the old para smock out, brush the dust off and wear it for a few weeks before I hand it back in on leaving. I'm looking forward to being "gripped" mainly because it's been a while since I have been and should be a laugh.

If it hurts anyones feelings then it may be consolation to know that I also spent 5 years in 16 AA Bde, mainly carrying true deserving smock wearers around. One set of wings is enough for me thanks although plenty of my oppos have 2 or 3.

I'm sorry guys but it's a jacket and it's an issued bit of kit, yes, even to hats. I don't remember ever crying my eyes out when paras have asked me to get them flying boots/gloves/jackets. I'd be more concerned about the people who falsely wear Para Wings or All arms Cdo Daggers or any other hard earned badge of qualification, sadly there are plenty of them about.

Para smock? thats the one with press studs instead of buttons... yes?

Bit like velcro instead of laces.

Its a fecking jacket,if I have a swiss army knife in my pocket does that make me a walt? I have chopped the little flap off mine,and I wouldnt give a toss if anyone told me to take it off(unless he was in my CoC.) I would still wear it. However nails he thinks he is.

for sale para smock--4 para dz patch---last drop 1981 lol

i carry a swiss army knife. then again, i am swiss.

Anyone can wear a para smock,no probs but i think they d look a bit of a tit to wear one without the wings so why bother....if they re not actually Airborne,stick to what they were issued....or...do the course.........

Originally Posted by RoofRat

Originally Posted by portshort-starboardlong

Having heard all the pathetic excuses for wearing a Para Smock, ie it's comfortable, it is hard wearing etc, etc, I ask you this.
If it's issued to Airborne Units and it's not issued to Hat units, doesn't that tell you something?
Smocks are for members of Airborne Forces.
They are Not issued to Other units.
So if you're called names like Walter/wannabe etc etc, then you deserve it.

Read my post,theyWERE issued to "hat",units you pretentious t**t,before you could even spell Para. It's a piece of issue clothing,get a life,I used to wear a Navy flying suit,but I wasn't a F***ing pilot.

No, I give up!
Why would you wear a Navy flying suit if not a pilot?
I'm sure you have a good answer, but asking anyway

I got one as a present from an old airborne mate after we had a good punch up in a Germany town I shall not mention, coz he rekoned that if I wasn't there he would have been in hospital for a few months. I never wear it, but if I was to would that make me a Walt?

My own opinon is:-

Not all kit is made equal, if a smock ( Para or SAS ) is a better bit of equipment then standard then why not use it. Why do people buy lowa/Altbergs for example, to make life easier ( especially in the field).

P Coy is to earn a Maroon Beret and Wings, not for a smock or for that point a Para Lid.

Glider born troops in WW2 were issued smocks and the majority of them had not passed a Parachutists Course ( Bulb or Wings ).

If people in smocks are walting it by saying thay have done P Coy or Selection then they should be gripped.