It was not until the Spanish-American War that the United States Army instituted a khaki uniform. The grey was not the best choice as a camouflage, although at the time the usefulness of camouflage was not generally recognized. This helped contribute to the fact that many Confederate soldiers suffered from heatstroke on long marches. The use of wool in the uniform meant that the uniforms were not suited to the warm climates that were common in the South. This forced even officers to wear " butternut" colored uniforms. At the end of the war even grey dyes were hard to come by. During the summer months, white was accepted for tropical wear. The prescribed color of grey was the predominant color. Confederate naval uniforms had few differences from those of the Union. Overcoats were also cadet grey and followed the lines of the design of the Union overcoats. The ankle-high "Jefferson Boot" was supposed to be supplied to all officers and men of the army. Ĭavalrymen, artillerists, and infantry followed the same designations and insignia, but cavalrymen and artillerists wore waist-length jackets. While hats had to match the specified color, the lack of materials meant soldiers often wore what hats they could find, and the continued need for fabric after the war means that relatively few Confederates hats have survived. They were also more diverse in shape, especially in the Deep South and out West. Buttons, insignias, and chevrons were not as richly decorated as those used by the Union Army. The Confederates' frock coat that was to be hung to mid thigh, was given to the officers and enlisted men of the infantry. By 1863, all troops were asked to obey the Regulations for the Army of the Confederacy and have cadet grey uniforms. Near the beginning of the war, some Confederate units wore dark blue outfits that were often mistaken at the field of battle for the enemy, conversely, many Union units which were originally militia units went to war wearing grey. The original Confederate uniforms from all branches of the military closely followed the lines of the Union’s uniforms.
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