Cover Page

Preface

Introduction

The Developing Years

Photofile

Bibliography

Notes

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

National Park Service Uniforms The Developing Years 1932-1970	Number 5
The Developing Years (continued)

The intervening year between the issue of the new regulations and their taking effect brought forth questions and suggestions from the field. Most covered small items such as a word change or clarification of some passage, things that could be easily remedied. Other changes, however, required the approval of the Director. For instance, the regulations allowed the wearing of short-sleeve shirts without ties in "very hot and humid climates" and specifically mentioned the Southeast and the Everglades as illustrations. Two regional directors thought this uniform should also be allowed in the hot but dry southwestern desert areas. A medium-weight uniform was suggested to cover the areas whose climate and temperature fell between the lightweight and heavy uniforms then specified. [37]

To insure that uniformed employees did not "mix" uniforms, the old 19-oz. field jacket had been replaced by a new "Eisenhower" type made from Orlon and cotton. The theory was that since this material did not match that of the Class A uniform (wool elastique), the rangers would be less inclined to wear it for dress. However, Orlon and cotton are not moisture-repellent nor is the material warm enough for winter clothing. And since it was not practical to wear the uniform coat under a parka, especially when the assignment involved a great deal of activity, such as skiing, woolen ski trousers were authorized but not a jacket.

A number of parks brought this situation to the attention of Acting Regional Director Herbert Maier, who forwarded their comments to Lawrence F. Cook (Chief of Ranger Activities). He considered their arguments valid and thought that while "It would probably be desirable to specify some wool material other than elastique to insure obvious contrast . . . most permanent uniformed employees already have it in elastique." These jackets were rather expensive and readily available. Director Wirth approved the reinstatement of the wool jacket on April 6, 1961. along with its use restrictions. The regulations, however, were not amended until October 5, 1961. [38]

As with past regulations, these were also modified over the years to clarify and incorporate changes. Following are changes that directly effected the clothing worn by uniformed employees.

Amendment No.1 (July 13, 1960)

-Authorized the use of the field cap while in open boats, but it was to be replaced promptly by a regulation hat upon reaching land.

Harlan F. Daniel, [Dinosaur National Monument] 1965. NPSHPC-M. Woodbridge Williams photo-HFC#5768-35A

Amendment No.3 (October 5, 1961)

-Field jackets were now to all be made to "Eisenhower" style and could be made out of either cotton (8.5-9.5-oz.), orlon (16-oz.), dacron-rayon (8-9-oz., 55% dacron - 45% rayon) or wool elastique16-19-oz). Field uniform use was extended to include winter activities and out-of-door activities during periods of cold and damp weather outside normal season of intensive visitor use. It was not to be worn while on official duty inside public offices, visitor centers, etc. except at ski or other similar sites. All employees had to be dressed alike. (dress and field coats could not be mixed)

-Cap could now be made from wool or cotton and nylon.

-Sportscaster was the only company that furnished the parka used by the U.S. Forest Service. It would not take individual orders, only group orders submitted on official stationary.

Amendment No.4 (January 30, 1962)

Added a medium-weight (13-14-oz. all worsted gabardine Hamberger shade #813-1) uniform and trousers for those areas where the seasonal climate conditions make the regulation heavyweight (19-oz.) or light-weight (8-8-1/2-oz.) uniform impractical.

Release No.3 (April 17, 1962)

Approved personal protective clothing and safety equipment mandated for all employees engaged in work determined to be of a hazardous nature. Aluminum hardhats were issued under this order. They were painted a fluorescent orange with an arrowhead decal applied. A stripe or bar of a contrasting color could be applied to differentiate between the various divisions. (maintenance, construction, etc.)

Park technician explaining prehistoric bone formations to Park Guide at Dinosaur National Monument. 1960's. Technician is wearing a hardhat with the NPS arrowhead decal, although the hat appears to be either silver or white rather than the fluorescent orange prescribed. NPSHPC-HFC#5780-2-6

Amendment No.5 (April 1, 1963)

Encouraged the wearing of the uniform at outside functions when NPS recognition was desirable, including meetings at which representatives of other agencies were in uniform.

As the required articles of clothing increased, so did the expense, so in early 1966 the uniform allowance was increased from $100 to $125. Now permanent rangers (with dress coat) would receive an initial $125 when they were hired and $125 ($100 for women) [39] replacement allowance each year thereafter while in a position subject to the same uniform requirements. Rangers not required to have the dress coat received $125.00 if men and $100 if women, with replacement allowances of $90 and $80 respectively. Permanent employees authorized to wear the uniform on an occasional basis received a proportionally reduced amount of the annual allowance (25% for 1 to 65 days, 50% for 66 to 130; etc.). Less-than-full-time employees were paid their replacement allowance on a modified quarterly basis, as of the 15th or 30th day of the month, whichever occurred following their return to duty. [40]

On July 2, 1966, allowances were increased again. Now all rangers with dress coat received an allowance of $125 with $125 replacement; those without dress coat received #125 with $117 replacement if men and $104 replacement if women. [41]

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