History and Significance of the Kilt in the United States Navy

The History of the Kilt in the US Navy

The kilt has a long and storied history in military traditions around the world. From historic Scottish highland regiments to modern ceremonial units, the kilt evokes images of valor, honor, and tradition.

In the United States, several military units have incorporated the kilt into their uniforms, including the US Navy. While not as widely recognized as the Marine Corps kilt, the Navy has maintained its own unique highland dress tradition for over a century.

Early Beginnings

The kilt first appeared in the US Navy in 1812, during the war with Britain. US Navy recruiters visited immigrant Scottish communities, encouraging young Scotsmen to join the Navy. Some recruits showed up wearing traditional Scottish kilts, which were simply incorporated into their uniforms.

After the war, the Navy continued recruiting Scotsmen. New Scottish immigrants were assigned to the "Scotch Cracker" units, many of whom wore kilts. The most famous of these units was the 42nd New York Volunteer Infantry, better known as the legendary "Tammany Regiment."

20th Century Establishment

During World War I, the Navy formalized the use of the kilt, establishing it as an official uniform item. The "Action Kilt" was worn by members of the US Navy Pipes and Drums unit. It resembled a traditional tartan kilt but lacked ornamentation for ease of wear and action.

In 1941, the Navy approved a new ceremonial kilt for the Pipes and Drums unit. Known as the "Double Wrap Kilt," it was designed for dress occasions and included leather sporrans and hose tops.

The kilt saw limited use in WWII, with some Scottish-American recruits wearing it with pride. But it wasn't until the Korean War that the Navy kilt gained greater prominence and recognition.

Modern US Navy Kilts

Today, the Navy continues its highland dress tradition through several ceremonial units that wear authorized kilts:

• United States Naval Academy Pipes and Drums
• Training Support Center Great Lakes Pipes and Drums
• Navy Ceremonial Guard and Drill Team

The basic components of the modern naval kilt uniform include:

• Tartan kilt in approved patterns
• Sporran with chain strap
• Kilt hose and garter flashes
• Jacobite shirt
• Glengarry cap

The kilt patterns worn come from historic Scottish clans affiliated with naval service. Popular patterns include Government Sett, McBeth, and RNR. Uniform items feature Navy colors and emblems.

Kilt Controversies

Despite its long history, the Navy kilt has sometimes come under criticism. In the 1990s, some Scottish Americans objected to the ceremonial use of the kilt by the drill team. They felt such wear should be reserved for those honoring Scottish heritage.

The Navy defended the kilt as a traditional uniform item worn with respect. After reviewing the matter, the Scottish Tartans Society officially recognized the Navy's right to wear kilts in certain ceremonial functions.

Sporadic objections still arise but have not impacted official Navy policy. The kilt remains an authorized uniform component for designated units.

The Significance of the Navy Kilt

The Navy kilt may not be well known, but it honors a proud history of Scottish military service. For Scottish Americans who join the Navy, the right to wear the kilt connects them to their heritage.

More broadly, the Navy kilt represents the ethnic diversity of America. The assimilation of the kilt into US naval uniforms reflects the blending of Scottish traditions into American culture.

So while the Navy kilt may seem unusual to some, it holds deep meaning for those who are honored to wear it in service to their country.

FAQs

When did the kilt first appear in the US Navy?

The kilt first appeared in the US Navy in 1812, during the war with Britain. Scottish immigrants were recruited into the Navy, some of whom arrived wearing traditional Scottish kilts that were incorporated into their uniforms.

What are the main components of the modern US Navy kilt uniform?

The modern naval kilt uniform includes the tartan kilt, sporran, kilt hose and flashes, Jacobite shirt, and Glengarry cap. The kilt patterns reflect Scottish clans affiliated with naval service.

Which units currently wear the kilt in the US Navy?

Units that are authorized to wear the kilt include the US Naval Academy Pipes and Drums, Training Support Center Great Lakes Pipes and Drums, and the Navy Ceremonial Guard and Drill Team.

Why do some object to the Navy's use of the kilt?

Some Scottish Americans have objected to the ceremonial use of the kilt by Navy drill teams, believing it should solely honor Scottish heritage. But the Navy defends it as a traditional uniform item.

What does the Navy kilt represent?

The Navy kilt honors the legacy of Scottish military service and the ethnic diversity of America, blending Scottish traditions into US naval uniforms.