The Importance of Uniform

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

What are your feelings on the uniform?

Do you wear it?

What do you think the uniform shows, and who should be allowed to wear it?

I've often been asked if I'm going to buy a uniform. I feel (and this is my personal belief), that unless God calls me to be a Soldier in the SA (and so far I don't think He has), I will refrain from wearing it. I have a badge with the shield on it that I wear at church (and during the appeal), but I don't feel it is appropriate for me to wear it yet.

Our church (yes it's called 'church') has a pretty informal dress code. This is because at night we have guys come from a drug rehabilitation unit run by the DHQ. A few people wear the polo shirts and 'I'll Fight' t-shirts, but for official uniform - there aren't many. The full whites and navy's only really come out for weddings/dedications/Christmas, that kind of thing.

Anyway, what's your thoughts on the importance of the uniform, and who should wear it?

Sasch

[chickette]

We looked at it awhile ago in our church and there was a point made that wearing it inside the church isn't a huge deal. Its only really a useful tool when you wear it outside where others can recognise you and go up to you if they need help. For this reason I think if you wear the uniform or even just a Salvo tshirt, you have to be respectable and kind to all people as you are representing the Army.

Hope that made sense.....I'm half asleep! Sorry if it didn't!

[Andy Broadley]

Well I'm kind of an old fashioned traditionalist, so I'm probably a bit out of step with most people around here, but I do believe in the uniform. We are an ARMY, and armies wear uniforms. I agree that there are certain circumstances when it is more appropriate not to wear full uniform, just as I accept that many people will want to be an adhereant without making the move into uniform, and the Army would not survive without them.

But the uniform marks us out to other people as Salvationists. We quite literally wear our hearts on our sleeves (and shoulders, and lapels etc)

So Soldiers should wear their uniform whenever practicable. And I'm really gonna get the ladies mad at me now, but for me the most architypal symbol of the Salvation Army always has been, and always will be, the bonnet.

Yes, I know. I can hear the indignation crackling from here;) . And I accept that the bonnets days are at best numbered, but I just happened to think that they looked nice.


The only objection I ever had with uniform was the cost. It's fine if you have a well paid job, but to someone on a low income, uniform can be an expensive commodity. I became quite adept at tapping up better off corps members, so that when they went down to trade for a new uniform, I could buy their old one for a fraction of the cost. But because I used to be heralding round the pubs twice a week, I needed a seperate uniform for Sunday if I did not want to smell like a cross between an ashtray and a brewery. In the end I managed to save up my credit notes from paper sales to afford a full new uniform, but it took like 3 years to save them up.

[Gumdrop71]

Can you folks explain to me, why a uniform is important? I am not judging just asking! I "met" Sascha on another thread. I have the utmost respect for The SA. If there were one closer I would join!

[Andy Broadley]

You are welcome to come and join the cyber corps. There are lots of Salvationists here who now worship at other places. I myself now worship at an Anglican church, but cut me in half and I'd have yellow, red and blue stripes.

[Gumdrop71]

Thank-you, for the welcome Andy! I read on the other thread you are having The Lord move in your life! I will be praying for you.
Currently, I am a Pentecostal. The reason is, at this particular church, they are accepting of troubled people. There are folks ,there, who had been in jail had drug problems. While I have not been in jail, I want to be where people who have troubles can go and be healed.
Pentecostals are a wee bit extreme in worship,though. It's a bit of a culture shock. :)

[chaplainjared]

i am a soldier in the SA, i have a uniform but i do not wear it. It is the sort of thing that is usefull if you are out at events, helping, im minsitry etc. but its pointless to wear it to church on sunday. If anytrhing i personally feel that its a religious act....a traditional thing. I dont want to be religious and do things religiously....i want to have a personal relationship with jesus christ.

I was at church 2 weeks ago and i had one of the older ladies ask me why i wasnt wearing my uniform, and said i should be wearing it. to which my response was 'why'?

I feel that in todays day in age there is no need for a uniform in the church. outside yes, inside no.

Its like were stuck in the past...

the same people in my corp who are big on the unifrom are the same ones who dont like the modern music when it gets played, or the youth being too noisy...

we need to be relevant to todays society or our Army is as good as dead. we are one generation away from extiction!

[chickette]

Yeh thats wat I was trying to say. its best to wear it somewhere where you will be able to be linked to the army so out on the street helping people out, etc.

[Abiel]

Uniform is still big in the UK- but we are not daft enough to wear it when inappropriate (eg playing on the floor at toddler group!)
If God has called you to it, it means he has also called you to the specific mission of the Army, which is as varied as the places the Army finds itself, but always means Jesus Jesus Jesus foremost and as the song has it 'storming the forts of darkness'. The uniform is of tremendous value as a witness, a protective shield, a door opener.

It's also really not terribly exciting to look at- you kind of have to humble yourself to wear it in the first place, but once you are up to your neck in the Lord's work, its value is ever apparent.

And no bonnets Andy Broadley!!!! Mind you, I wish someone could come up with something better than the police lady hat!

[someone_else]

i have not had a chance to read all the posts in this topic yet. i God to the same church as sascha. i think that the uniform is a wonderful way of people identifying the salvos. I dont think it matters that much if you wear it to church or not some people like to others dont and thats ok. i realy like the more informal clothing i think for the youth its great as its stuff they like to wear out and know they can still be identified as a salvo without having to wear all the formal stuff


We quite literally wear our hearts on our sleeves (and shoulders, and lapels etc)


just on that comment.. when I was in Zimbabwe recently we lead a salvos service in a church with no roof. the ladies had these bits of matierial with the salvo crest/logo on them to wrap around themselfs. when it started to rain and two off our team were standing up their chairs got wet and the ladies used these to dry off the chairs. how awsome is that

[Andy Broadley]

I posted quite a long reply to this on the 'Traditional names' thread, the vast majority of which is relevent to this thread also.

[elm0]

i am a soldier in the SA, i have a uniform but i do not wear it. It is the sort of thing that is usefull if you are out at events, helping, im minsitry etc. but its pointless to wear it to church on sunday. If anytrhing i personally feel that its a religious act....a traditional thing. I dont want to be religious and do things religiously....i want to have a personal relationship with jesus christ.

I was at church 2 weeks ago and i had one of the older ladies ask me why i wasnt wearing my uniform, and said i should be wearing it. to which my response was 'why'?

I feel that in todays day in age there is no need for a uniform in the church. outside yes, inside no.


I understand your point, and it is a very good one, but there are exceptions.
I know of one married couple at our corps for whom wearing their uniform on Sundays is in no way a pointless. Through my asking them why they wear their uniform every Sunday I found out that they do it so that new people know who to go to with questions/problems. I know some of the soldiers in our corps also pray every time they put their uniform on that others will see Jesus in the uniform not them, how awesome is that?!?!


the same people in my corp who are big on the unifrom are the same ones who dont like the modern music when it gets played, or the youth being too noisy...

we need to be relevant to todays society or our Army is as good as dead. we are one generation away from extiction!

Yes, we need to be relevant to today's society. BUT, aren't those who don't like loud music still part of today's society? It's always difficult finding a happy medium. I'm always so grateful that the older members of my corps are so encouraging and accepting of the youth, even if they don't like the same stuff!

[Abiel]

Every Sunday is uniform sunday for us- it depends on context, but I gues the English attitude is that we put on our Sunday best clothes for church, because God deserves our best, and for uk soldiers that usually means uniform. Also I have no dress sense- another reason why God called me into this church!

[TheDag]

Yes, we need to be relevant to today's society. BUT, aren't those who don't like loud music still part of today's society? It's always difficult finding a happy medium. I'm always so grateful that the older members of my corps are so encouraging and accepting of the youth, even if they don't like the same stuff!

Good point elmo but bear in mind that modern music doesn't neccesarily mean loud. Having operated a sound system at a previous church I went to there was always one older person telling me to turn the volume down. On some occasions when he said this the sound system wasn't even switched on or other times he would tell me to turn it up even tho I hadn't changed the volume after he told me it was way too noisy and to turn it down. Sadly this meant I didn't give him much time but later when I did make an effort to get to know him he had some great advice & wisdom. At least I didn't feel so bad when I found out he did the same to everyone including the two professionals who also operated the sound system!

[elm0]

Thanx for the correction Dag, I combined the 'modern music' and 'noisy youth' comments. Different things, and I didn't even realise I'd done it.

[Andy Broadley]

To add a little more to the recent comments. A link was made earlier between those Salvationists keen on the uniform, and those same people not liking modern music or the youth making too much noise.

Hmmmm.....well this over the hill geriatric IS keen on the uniform, so that would fit in with the theory. Unfortunately, I also like very loud rock music. My top secular band is Status Quo, and my top Christian band is Stryper. OK, granted, they are not what you would call modern any more, but they were a few years ago, and they are VERY loud. I'm also in favour of young people experimenting in worship styles, taking risks, and communicating to their peer groups in modern ways.

It's not that many years since I was involved in trying new things, and having some of the older people looking disapproving and saying "It's not Army".

And goping back a further generation to my parents days, our current General co wrote a musical called 'Take over bid', which had a similer theme to this discussion.

[Abiel]

"It's not Army".



and it is still said, and usually means 'i dont like that'! It may go off the original subject but what do people feel 'Army' is? What is it that means we are part of God's plan rather than just the result of denominational squabbles? On second thoughts, dont answer that here-- I'll start a new thread.

Back to uniform. I would like a better hat.

[Andy Broadley]

Obviously being male I have no axe to grind on this, I ask only out of interest. As women, how do you feel about the fact that uniform regulations require you to wear a hat at all times, whilst men are not required to meet the same criteria.

[Abiel]

We dont. Last September, the General issued a statement making hats not part of the standard uniform. However...if a songster leader wants ladies in hats, what he or she says goes, unless the CO stamps his or her feet.

I just dont like the style of hat. Not military enough for me!

[Andy Broadley]

http://images.picsearch.com/is?252431294732 (http://tm.ask.co.uk/r?t=c&s=p&id=30751&sv=z6f065bd4&uid=07010574392026414&sid=1F42A8581BA218E14&p=%2fimagetop&o=0&u=http://www.portobello.com.au/reading/images/r_mmil0.jpg)
Any better?

[Abiel]

A super hat! But I'm a lady!

more like this one perhaps

http://milmem.com/Merchant/102-5533b.jpg

[Andy Broadley]

http://sp.ask.co.uk/i/j/pixl.gifhttp://sp.ask.co.uk/i/j/pixl.gifhttp://images.picsearch.com/is?895207786055 (http://tm.ask.co.uk/r?t=an&s=p&uid=07010574392026414&sid=165A80FF906F28E14&qid=2381D66EC41016469A14E428AF730375&io=6&sv=z6f065bad&o=0&ask=women+in+the+army&uip=c24a362d&en=is&eo=1&pt=&ac=22&qs=24&pg=6&u=http://pictures.ask.co.uk/redir?bpg=http%3a%2f%2fpictures.ask.co.uk%2fpictures%3fq%3dwomen%2bin%2bthe%2barmy%26o%3d0%26page%3d6&q=women+in+the+army&u=http%3a%2f%2feducationtimes.indiatimes.com%2finfocus%2fDefending.htm&s=p&bu=http%3a%2f%2feducationtimes.indiatimes.com%2finfocus%2fDefending.htm&qte=0&o=0&isimageSearch=true&fromImagePage=False&iskey=&thumbsrc=http%3a%2f%2fimages.picsearch.com%2fis%3f895207786055&imagesrc=http%3a%2f%2feducationtimes.indiatimes.com%2finfocus%2fimg%2farmy-women.jpg&thumbwidth=92&thumbheight=128)
There you are then......

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

I just wanted to say that I was impressed in your taste of music Andy :P

We had Stryper at my house when I was growing up - I snaffled mum's tape of that and White Snake - she actually didn't like them, so I have no idea how we got them in the house!

Sasch

[Abiel]

I had in mind a hat with a peak, but a soft bag like back that you can shove all your hair in. Cant find a picture. Perhaps its back to the spike...

[elm0]

I had in mind a hat with a peak, but a soft bag like back that you can shove all your hair in. Cant find a picture. Perhaps its back to the spike...

How about this:

[Abiel]

Not quite what I had in mind...!

[Andy Broadley]

Get the polka dots in yellow and blue, on a red background, and it could be a winner. Get some odd remarks if you went pub booming in it though.


Be good for summer outreach missions at the seaside though.

[elm0]

Hehe, that's my Aunt in South Africa, and that's the hat she wears whenever she goes hiking or trekking. That hat has been seen quite often in the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, as well as other places around the world like the Andes in South America.

[wobbly]

Shouldn't Christians be known by their love? So if we need to wear a uniform to be seen as a Christian then isn't there a problem with our love?

Martin

[Andy Broadley]

Shouldn't Christians be known by their love? So if we need to wear a uniform to be seen as a Christian then isn't there a problem with our love?

Martin

Not at all. Of course Christians should be known by their love, but the uniform gives us the added visible presence that allows people in need to identify us as a source of love.


Christ told us not to hide our light away, and by wearing uniform we put our light fully on display and turn it up to it's brightest setting.

[wobbly]

But Jesus said that it was by our love that we were to be recognised as his disciples. John 13:35

How can we say that we are being recognised by our love if we need our uniforms to be recognised. Or do you think that being "identified as a source of love" is an alternative to being recognised as his disciples? It seems that Jesus point is that the identifying characteristic of Christians is their visible love for each other. If they don't have that visible love for each other then how can they be a "source of love"?

Although I do like Abiel's "super hat". Very becoming.

cheers Martin

[Andy Broadley]

Taken from the Army's own website (from the horse's mouth you might say)..


18. Why do Salvationists wear a uniform? Can you be a Salvationist without wearing it?


Early-day Salvationists started wearing uniform as a natural consequence of the Movement adopting a military character. Wearing uniform while on Salvation Army service still has distinct advantages today. It tells the onlooker that the person wearing uniform is a professing Christian and that he or she is available to give practical or spiritual help through the Movement, if not personally. Uniform also opens the way for the wearer to be recognised and accepted as the representative of The Salvation Army in all kinds of situations.

There are also personal advantages in uniform-wearing. It helps the wearer to remember to live up to the Christian profession he or she has made. In difficult or dangerous situations the uniform can give the wearer a measure of protection. Wearing uniform also gives Salvationists a feeling of fellowship when they meet.

The intention of Salvation Army uniform is not to isolate its wearer from other people but to give a visible sign that he or she is available to serve others.

You do not have to wear uniform to be a Salvationist, although certain responsibilities like playing in the band or taking a major role in running the local corps usually entail uniform-wearing. However, Salvationists who do wear uniform feel it is a privilege to do so.

Salvationists buy their own uniforms but officers, who as ministers wear uniform for the greater part of each day, receive help toward the cost of their uniform.

People with a sharp eye will notice that Army uniforms, while having a basic style, carry a variety of trimmings such as epaulettes and badges. These denote to fellow Salvationists whether that person is an officer or soldier, the corps they belong to and whether they carry a position of responsibility within that corps.

In overseas countries the uniform is adapted so that it is in the style of the dress worn in those lands.


You might also like to check out

http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/0/4c3fc447c2a9d1fd802568cd0036e695?OpenDocument

http://www.salvos.org.au/SALVOS/NEW/me.get?site.SectionShow&FFFF308#uniform

http://www.salvos.com/berkeley/faq.html#uniform

[Warren Peace]

Jesus said, "Come as you are". I come as I am... in my uniform. No corps will ever cast away a person, be they a saved Christian, soldier or otherwise, based on their clothing.

BTW: New soldiers can get up to 75% off their uniforms, not sure if that's only here in Canada or if it's senior or junior soldiers or what other conditions apply, but I believe that the corps pays 25%, Divisional HQ pays 25%, Territorial HQ pays 25%, and the soldier pays the rest. I'm sure it's to boost the numbers of uniformed soldiers in the Army considering numbers have been declining.

I love the uniform, I love seeing people wearing them, but most of all I love Jesus and I would not want a single soul to be turned away from Him due to any uncomfortable feeling by it. I would give up my uniform and wear jeans and a tshirt for a year if it brought one person into the loving arms of Christ.

I think (moreover hope) that every soldier, uniformed or otherwise, agrees with me there.

Blessings unto you all...

[Abiel]

That's a good scheme you have in Canada. We have no such scheme. The only new number one uniform I wear is my shirt- everything else came out of the Corps second hand supply.

[Andy Broadley]

Yea, I got given my first uniform (very old), and bought another one second hand (I needed two-one for Sundays and one for the pub rounds or the pubs one stank of smoke on a Sunday)

My First 'new' uniform was about two/three years later when I saved up my Heralds credits and went down to trade.

I have had several caps in my time, none of which I have bought.

[BillR]

Taken from the Army's own website (from the horse's mouth you might say)..


18. Why do Salvationists wear a uniform? Can you be a Salvationist without wearing it?


Early-day Salvationists started wearing uniform as a natural consequence of the Movement adopting a military character. Wearing uniform while on Salvation Army service still has distinct advantages today. It tells the onlooker that the person wearing uniform is a professing Christian and that he or she is available to give practical or spiritual help through the Movement, if not personally. Uniform also opens the way for the wearer to be recognised and accepted as the representative of The Salvation Army in all kinds of situations.

There are also personal advantages in uniform-wearing. It helps the wearer to remember to live up to the Christian profession he or she has made. In difficult or dangerous situations the uniform can give the wearer a measure of protection. Wearing uniform also gives Salvationists a feeling of fellowship when they meet.

The intention of Salvation Army uniform is not to isolate its wearer from other people but to give a visible sign that he or she is available to serve others.

You do not have to wear uniform to be a Salvationist, although certain responsibilities like playing in the band or taking a major role in running the local corps usually entail uniform-wearing. However, Salvationists who do wear uniform feel it is a privilege to do so.

Salvationists buy their own uniforms but officers, who as ministers wear uniform for the greater part of each day, receive help toward the cost of their uniform.

People with a sharp eye will notice that Army uniforms, while having a basic style, carry a variety of trimmings such as epaulettes and badges. These denote to fellow Salvationists whether that person is an officer or soldier, the corps they belong to and whether they carry a position of responsibility within that corps.

In overseas countries the uniform is adapted so that it is in the style of the dress worn in those lands.


You might also like to check out

http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/0/4c3fc447c2a9d1fd802568cd0036e695?OpenDocument

http://www.salvos.org.au/SALVOS/NEW/me.get?site.SectionShow&FFFF308#uniform

http://www.salvos.com/berkeley/faq.html#uniform

Amen to that Andy i love seeing the uniform worn everywhere, when i see someone wearing the uniform it makes it so easy to approach them and talk.:amen:

[TheDag]

I remember being on the train one day and I saw a person wearing what I thought was the uniform. When I walked past them I then realised they were a security guard!

[Warren Peace]

When I was manning the kettles at the local liquor store, would not believe the number of people who saw the S's on my uniform and thought they meant "Store Security" :doh:

[tadpole29]

To be as young as I am, I am old fashioned Salvation Army. I do believe in wearing my uniform, I wear it almost every day, but of course I am on my way to bein an officer. But I do think that it is a way to identify with new comers, even in your own Corps. I have had the experience of people who are looking for someone to lead them to Christ, and not know who to turn to, until they see, out of the corner of there eye, the person in the uniform. Most of the time they resort to the person with blue instead of red on their shoulders, mainly because red is a psycholigical intimidating color.

[Andy Broadley]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[kiora]

I think uniform is really important
I have been a soldier for nearly 4 years now and I am still on my first uniform and first hat but I have been through three pairs of shoes and 4 shirts. :)

[Andy Broadley]

I think uniform is really important
I have been a soldier for nearly 4 years now and I am still on my first uniform and first hat but I have been through three pairs of shoes and 4 shirts. :)


:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Abiel]

To be as young as I am, I am old fashioned Salvation Army. I do believe in wearing my uniform, I wear it almost every day, but of course I am on my way to bein an officer. But I do think that it is a way to identify with new comers, even in your own Corps. I have had the experience of people who are looking for someone to lead them to Christ, and not know who to turn to, until they see, out of the corner of there eye, the person in the uniform. Most of the time they resort to the person with blue instead of red on their shoulders, mainly because red is a psycholigical intimidating color.

Hello tadpole! Welcome to cyber corps! do call in to the blood and fire and tell us about yourself!

[nickybr38]

I once had a friend of mine explain to me that while he was in uniform he had to behave... and that he would remove the uniform and go to bars in the evening. He felt a great deal of guilt over this.

Not because it was wrong for Christian's to go to the bar, but because he felt it was wrong to go to the bar after people saw him in the SA uniform.

How very strange.

Christianity is a uniform you can't remove. Once you label yourself Christian everyone knows it, and it's not something easily forgotten simply because you remove a 'uniform' or your sunday best clothes.

For the SA I can see the importance of an officer wearing the uniform. It makes them easily recognizable, but you have to also understand that underneath that uniform is another that can't be removed. The badge of Christianity which you must wear with great care.

[Andy Broadley]

http://www.materialreligion.org/journal/salvman.jpghttp://www.materialreligion.org/journal/salvwoman.jpg


Just be glad it aint like it used to be. Personally I used to be proud of my uniform. I never felt humbled by wearing it. Humbled by the love of the one who called me to wear it, yes, but never by the uniform.

[the_baby]

Unifroms are an outward sign of an inward faith; but I was always brought up and told by others you get a full unifrom only when you become a Senior Soldier. Its more a belonging to the church and God. You can still become a soldier and not choose to wear one. Just pray about it and it will become clear what God want you to do.

[Andy Broadley]

Unifroms are an outward sign of an inward faith; but I was always brought up and told by others you get a full unifrom only when you become a Senior Soldier. Its more a belonging to the church and God. You can still become a soldier and not choose to wear one. Just pray about it and it will become clear what God want you to do.

I was a junior soldier and a corps cadet before becoming a senior soldier and I took a great pride in wearing my uniform then as well

[Warren Peace]

I just hope that when Kymmy67 and I get placed for our first assignment as officers, it's in Bermuda. Not for the warmth and the beach, but because people can't see dandruff on the white uniforms :cool:

[Andy Broadley]

The Lord spoke to Warren in a picture...


http://www1.salvationarmy.org/usw/www_usw_alaska.nsf/0/7fd8d3c10258c1e788256d470069e3c7/Body/0.3F0!OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg

[Abiel]

How cool(!) is that!

[Andy Broadley]

Yea, you could say they would be totally chilled about their first posting

[JoshuaCh1v9]

Thought I'd bump this in light of the discussion in Amisk's thread.

[TheDag]

just for info. A comment was made in a different thread stating that allowing non-soldiers to be in the band or songsters then we may erode the value of soldiership.

I personally disagree with that as I don't place much value on soldiership to begin with. Without being a soldier or adherant I still serve the community and the church. The leader at my corps has no problem with me not becoming a soldier (I did do the course to find out what it is all about) because he knows what I do in the church and community. If however I didn't do any of those things then he would be encouraging me to get involved in them and if that meant I needed to become a soldier then he would encourage me to become one. I often wear a salvation army t-shirt and as a result have people stop me in the street to talk to me. Something I am happy to do. Being a soldier and being in uniform wouldn't change that (although if it did it would be a negative change as a salvo t-shirt is easy to identify as army whereas some see the soldiers uniform and think security guard.

[Evangelina]

My favourite outfit is an "I'll Fight" tshirt and a pair of fatigue trousers... :) Well, actually, the trousers are way too small and a little too old now, but I'll get another pair someday (just have to wait until next year till my hips are once again wider than my belly ;) ).

I've been amazed at people's responses to the "I'll fight" tshirts (they're basically a black or white T - fitted or loose - with a big battered salvo shield on the front and the "I'll fight" speech/poem on the back). The number of people who've approached me for a chat, or asked me to stop so they could read the back of the shirt properly... it really surprised me.

Something a bit sad... I've noticed that older people tend to recognise the Salvo uniform/shield as a sign of someone safe, or friendly, or helpful. The younger people tend to see it and think, they're involved somehow with the charity. Now this isn't a church-charity rant, because I don't think that's the point, or the problem. But maybe we're not as visible as a source of good as we used to be. Is that because we're not wearing the uniform as much, or because we're not following God's orders as much as we used to?

[Abiel]

My favourite outfit is an "I'll Fight" tshirt and a pair of fatigue trousers... :) Well, actually, the trousers are way too small and a little too old now, but I'll get another pair someday (just have to wait until next year till my hips are once again wider than my belly ;) ).

I've been amazed at people's responses to the "I'll fight" tshirts (they're basically a black or white T - fitted or loose - with a big battered salvo shield on the front and the "I'll fight" speech/poem on the back). The number of people who've approached me for a chat, or asked me to stop so they could read the back of the shirt properly... it really surprised me.

Something a bit sad... I've noticed that older people tend to recognise the Salvo uniform/shield as a sign of someone safe, or friendly, or helpful. The younger people tend to see it and think, they're involved somehow with the charity. Now this isn't a church-charity rant, because I don't think that's the point, or the problem. But maybe we're not as visible as a source of good as we used to be. Is that because we're not wearing the uniform as much, or because we're not following God's orders as much as we used to?



A link please, to where we can buy such a t-shirt- it sounds fab!

[sawitch]

Well there's one thing that's always guaranteed to generate a debate and that's discussing uniforms!!

:scratch:

[Abiel]

Can't stand it myself. Doesn't fit right. Too hot in summer. Too much like a traffic warden- and don't get me started on the hat...

[Abiel]

expensive too

[chrisbroadley]

Well there's one thing that's always guaranteed to generate a debate and that's discussing uniforms!!

:scratch:
I'm proud to wear my uniform otherwise i wouldn't wear it but i do feel that there is too much put on it by some people at times. It can be easy to hide behind the uniform thinking they know i'm a christian cos i'm wearing a uniform i don't need to tell them. I find it sad though that sometimes it seems that being in uniform is the most important thing since, well sliced bread for want of another word. My mum and dad attended the army for many years before ever becoming a soldier(no paticular reason for not becoming one just never got asked if the'd like too) however because of the cost of uniforms it was a year before they wore one. More fuss was made of them the 1st day they arrived in uniform than ever before. Even when they were made soldiers. Isn't the most important thing that you believe and have a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus, rather than what you wear. I remember a few years ago when the Army decided that women no longer had to wear hats in the hall. Ohh the shock and discust of some people i knew. what is the army coming too they would say. one last thought, (What would Jesus do?)

[Abiel]

What would Jesus do? Grow his hair long and wear a dress

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

^_^

I am more interested in the "I'll Fight" tshirts that Flame is talking about - I think they are more 'combat friendly'... :)

As for where you can get them - they were released a couple of years back during our annual conference, but I will have to go hunting to see if they can still be purchased...

Sasch

[Andy Broadley]

When I return to soldiership I shall, like our Chris, wear the uniform with pride.

But I'd like one of those tee shirts as well....

[TheDag]

A link please, to where we can buy such a t-shirt- it sounds fab!
here is the link.

http://www.life4u.org.au/

just follow links on page to "online shop" and then "apparell" The t-shirts are called "I'll fight t-shirts"
the t-shirts used to come in white as well but they wearn't listed as being in white so don't know if still available in that colour of course if your happy with black no problems.