Peace and field service uniforms are identical. The jacket is made of field grey cloth and has cloth shoulder-straps edged with coloured piping indicating the branch of the service to which the wearer belongs. The steel helmet is of the pattern introduced in 1916 and is now the only helmet in use in the German army. It is roughly bell-shaped, is made of hard magnetic nickel steel and weighs, about 21 pounds. On either side a large lug projects from the body of the helmet. These lugs serve a double purpose. (a) A heavy bullet-proof protective face shield can be attached to them for use by snipers and observers. (b) When not in use for this purpose, the lugs, which are hollow, serve to ventilate the helmet. On the left side of the helmet, which is painted field grey, a small badge is painted in the colours of the State of origin to which the wearer belongs.
Two patterns of caps are used: the field service cap (Feld mutze) made of soft cloth with a cloth cockade of the State colours worn on the cap band ; in cold weather this cap may be worn under the steel helmet : the service dress cap (Dienstmutze) is a peaked cap made of ordinary field-grey cloth, the cap-band is grey-green made of the special cloth for badges and piping in the colour of the arm of the service.
Trousers and pantaloons of grey cloth without raised seams are issued to all arms. Trousers are worn by dismounted units when "half-jack" boots are worn and alternatively with overalls by all arms when walking out ; pantaloons are worn by mounted men in field service marching order and by dismounted men when laced boots and puttees are ordered. The greatcoat worn by "other ranks" is of universal pattern and is made of field-grey cloth. The lower corners may be hooked up to facilitate marching in diffi cult country. Gloves of grey cotton are issued to all ranks, though woollen ones are sometimes worn.
The Polish army is equipped with a universal pattern uniform of khaki. The same uniform is in use for home service and in the field. The tunic is of khaki serge, with upright collar. On each side of the collar opening is a patch of coloured cloth, about 4" long, with rear edging of different colours, varying with the arm, except in the cavalry and horse artillery, who wear in the same place a miniature pennon of identical colours with those of the lance pennon. Trousers or breeches are of plain khaki serge or cord. General officers wear a double dark-blue stripe down both breeches and trousers.
A modified form of the national headdress or czapka, has been adopted and made into the headgear for all ranks of the Polish army. A band of coloured cloth, varying with the regiment, is worn round the cap in the cavalry. On the front of the cap is worn the badge of rank. A steel helmet of French pattern is worn
by troops on manoeuvres and in war. A silver eagle is attached to the front. The soldier's greatcoat is of khaki cloth, single breasted, with broad collar, belt and shoulder straps. The officer's is similar but the new pattern is similar to the double-breasted British. During winter fur coats of no standard pattern, with fur collars, are allowed. Khaki mackintoshes are also worn. A gas mask is carried.
The Belgian Army is universally clothed in khaki, of a pattern very similar to the British. The peace and war uniforms are identical. Officers also invariably wear khaki uniform, the classes of dress for special occasions being varied by the addition of epaulettes, medals, and overalls for full dress or ceremonial pur poses. The uniform of all ranks is serviceable and solid. No pre war uniform is worn, except by the gendarmerie, who have re tained their black and silver kit for general wear. Wound and service stripes are universally worn by those entitled to Review order has now been abolished entirely and field service uniform of a grey-green type is universal. It consists of a kepi, tunic, knickerbockers, puttees (riding breeches and black leather leggings for mounted troops), black boots and overcoat. Each soldier on joining the colours receives two tunics, one new and one part-worn. The tunic is of grey-green cloth with one row of bronze buttons. The collar is upright with coloured piping for all arms except cavalry and horse artillery. The steel helmet is similar to the French pattern and weighs 2.2 lb.
In 1915, a grey-green field uniform was adopted. The uni versal pattern tunic is of grey-green cloth, with an upright collar (except for cyclists), breast and side pockets. The different arms are distinguished by coloured collar patches, cuff tabs, pipings, etc. The trousers are of grey-green cloth with piping down the outer seams of the same colour as the facings. Officers wear rid ing breeches. General Staff Officers wear a black stripe down the seam. The officer's cap is grey-green with a black leather peak and chin strap. It is of a peculiar shape, being high and full at the back of the head ; piping the same colour as facings ; gold and silver stripes varying in number and width according to rank. Army Unit Commanders and General Staff officers wear a black cap band. The kepi is of felt, with peak before and behind. The kepi is now used for all training purposes, replacing it by a steel helmet of a distinctive pattern being high-crowned and corn ing low down over the ears and brow. The gas mask is a com bination of the French and German models. A new mask of American manufacture is being tested.