Sears using WWII image to promote current clothing line.

[Widebrim]

Has anyone noticed the "U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division" line of clothing at Sears? It is actually endorsed by the U.S. Army. The clothing is mostly modern-looking nylon t-shirts, as well as khaki pants, but the advertising features a young serviceman in early-WWII Class A uniform, complete with campaign hat. Yet on one leg he has a low-quarter shoe topped by leggings, while on the other a jump boot! And he is wearing no necktie! Anybody know anything about this eclectic, out-of-uniform ensemble, and why it was designed as such?[huh]

 

[Davep]

Veterans unhappy with Sears clothing line

Yes I did see that..

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/v_10153_12605_Clothing?sbf=Brand&sbv=US+Army+1st+Infantry+Division

And the Veterans are not to happy about it .....

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Veterans blast Sears over US Army 1st Infantry Division Apparel

Posted: Jan 2, 2009 05:28 PM

Updated: Jan 2, 2009 05:48 PM


SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Veterans across the State of Georgia were seeing red over what they called an insult to the men and women who fight for the red, white and blue.

In October, Sears struck a deal with the US Army to sell clothes and apparel inspired by the men and women of the armed services.

On the side of the jackets, it reads,US Army 1st Infantry Division. It even has an official looking patch on the back of the hood.

It's one of several US Army apparel items being sold at Sears. The line is US Army approved, but made in China.

Local veterans who have seen the clothing line call it one big slap in the face.

"On the hoodie, thats the Big Red One patch that goes all the way back to World War I," Jimmy Ray told WTOC.

Ray is a veteran of the military, serving in the US Marines, spending 26 months overseas and then several years in the reserves. Ray took his service seriously.

"I take it to heart. My family were all in the military," Ray said.

This morning, he heard about Sears' Army styled apparel, which we showed him first hand.

"When you look at that, it bothers you," said Ray. "Yes it does, because it's not on a military jacket."

Inside the jacket, more Army themes, and one thing which really set Ray off.

"Right above it it says made in China. Now that is really a slap in the face," he said. "If we have the garment factories letting people go and here you have a jacket made in China. Why is that? I don't understand it."

Inside Sears, racks and racks of different style jackets, were all on clearance, most featured realistic looking patches and insignias of one of the most revered Army Divisions, the Big Red One, the US Army's 1st Infantry Division, which were the first soldiers to storm the beaches of Normandy during World War II.

"It's an insult to me to see someone wearing ragged military attire," Ray said. "Too many people have lost their lives. This country has been around 300 years, people have fought and died and then you have people wearing rag tag clothes. They are wearing something they didn't do. It's kind of a slap in the 1st Infintry Divisions' face."

The US Army said proceeds of the sale of the merchandise goes to programs which benefit military service men and women.

"It's hard to contemplate how they could be selling that for the military but they weren't made in the United States. How about supporting those who work in the United States first," Ray said.

Where the clothing is made still stings Ray.

"You know, we talk about flags made in Korea or China. This is the same thing. You and I looked and saw the label says made in China," Ray said. "The Army should think twice about doing things like this. I don't see anything wrong with the jacket, but putting all these insignias on it, next thing they will put rank on here, and that is really against the law."

Sears did not return any calls or emails. However, the retail chain has a history of supporting the troops, and paying employees who are deployed in the reserves. They started selling the clothing line in October, the first retailer to work a deal with the military to sell army approved clothing.

Jimmy Ray agreed with veterans in Atlanta who were fighting to have the army themed clothing line stopped.

 

[Widebrim]

I don't see how the Army allowed Sears to manufacture items in such a slipshod fashion, and why Sears had to turn to China to manufacture them. What I saw was on clearance, and hopefully it will disappear soon. An insult to both the Army and the Big Red One in particular.

Widebrim
OIF, 42d ID

 

[Lady Day]

If I were a Veteran, Id be cheesed too.
Thats one reason why I have never worn military inspired anything; cammo, you name it. I just dont feel comfortable in a caricature of a uniform worn by people who fight to defend my country.

I have plenty of choices in civilian fashion.

LD

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Hear, hear, Lady Day...I haven't either, but your reasons are the most valid ones I can think of.

 

[MrBern]

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=34009&highlight=sears

And BTW, plenty of anti-war peacelovers wore militaria

 

[Widebrim]

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=34009&highlight=sears

And BTW, plenty of anti-war peacelovers wore militaria

Ironic, isn't it? And if you look closely, that's a 2nd ID patch on John's left shoulder; I recall that he wore that utility top quite often. (Yoko actually looks good in that blouse and belt.)

 

[Widebrim]

If I were a Veteran, Id be cheesed too.
Thats one reason why I have never worn military inspired anything; cammo, you name it. I just dont feel comfortable in a caricature of a uniform worn by people who fight to defend my country.

I have plenty of choices in civilian fashion.

LD

I actually have seen men wearing retail shirts with military/naval patches and rank (Marine, I think), and with the word "Combat" on a patch. It actually makes me cringe inside.

 

[FinalVestige79]

Oh that is 2nd ID wow. To me...I find it wrong for the Army to have authorized this..and for Sears to done it period. Its a total lack of respect and wanting to make money.