Military Impressions "Gee I wish I were back in the Army, the Army is the place to find romance. Soldiers and WACs, the WACs who dressed in slacks, dancing cheek to cheek and pants to pants" ~ Irving Berlin Women's equality took a huge leap during wwii as women for the first time served in great numbers in the armed forces of the world. While both Britain and the US had women's auxiliaries during the first war, nothing could compare to the influx of women serving in military positions from 1939-1945. From airplane pilots to anti-aircraft gun operators, women held more non-traditional roles than ever before, many roles that would not be reopened to women until the 1970's. Military impressions can seem complicated due to the large amount of military protocal, as well as the constraint of requirements in regards to uniform. While any 40's looking shoes will work for your civilian kit, each different service had its own requirement not only for shoes, but for jewlery, hair, makeup, and nails as well. Typically, military impressions require the hair off the collar, minimal jewlery (usually just a watch and wedding ring if applicable), subtle makeup or none at all, as well as well neatly trimmed nails with a neutral color or no nail polish. Some basic tips for forming a military impression: 1. Pick a unit that you find interesting. If you don't know where to start, take a look at the reading list and pick up a book or two. 2. Do your own research. Don't take the word of movies, etc. There are a lot of myths about women in the military. Try not to spread them. 3. Ask questions before you buy anything reproduction or postwar. Not all repros are equal and many times postwar items are not acceptable. Subtle differences in cut between post war and wartime uniforms may not seem to be a big deal, but can be quite noticeable to the trained eye. 4. Don't over exagerate your rank. Few women held ranks higher than Captain (or its equivalant). 5. Uniforms generally come in two varieties - fatigues or battle dress, and class A's or service dress. Battledress / fatigues are normally worn for work, in the daytime, while service dress is usually worn for dressing up, going to a dance, etc. Its helpful to have both, but if you have to pick just one uniform, make sure that it will be comfortable to wear all day for two-three days. 5. Read, read, read. Not only about the unit you are portraying, and the uniform, but general history and military protocal for your service, as well as an overview of the war in Europe and the Pacific in general. It helps to understand the difference between Dunkirk and D-day. You'll earn more respect from the men in the hobby if you can execute a proper salute and identify rank for at least the nationality you are portraying. The US Army has a book called The Officer's Guide and there are similar publications for other nations.   Kate's Grandmother - WWII WAAF Barrage Balloonist