This is where the somewhat derogatory term of "Straight-leg" came from. Those who were jump qualified were under orders, in the interest of safety, to not wear leggings as you need your ankles to flex in order to safely perform a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall). Leggings would restrict your ankles from free movement resulting in broken/dislocated ankles. The Airborne in WWII were essentially our first Special Forces, so "Straight-legs" were looked down upon. Also, the Airborne were the only soldiers allowed to blouse their trousers over their jump boots. Through time, "Straight-leg" got shortened to just "Leg" for any personnel that wasn't jump qualified. This term is still used today. Parachute Riggers insist that, "Without us, you're Leg with an attitude."
That's interesting, thanks for the info. As a side note, modern jump boots did not come with hooks for laces I believe that was the same for the 1940's military jump boot as well. This idea extended into sports jumping. The idea was that if you have bad exit and tumble the last thing you need is to get snared in the rigging lines of the canopy.
F in the chat for use big calf guys. I made it work, but could be better. Mine are that yellowish tan, and I'm thinking of dying them brown. I have them for reenacting, but not WW2. I'm using them for western shooting matches, old west reenactments, ect. Also wanted something for keeping my pant legs from snagging on my motorcycle shifter, and something for hunting, to keep from getting my boots soaked from morning dew. Edit: Actually, I do the occasional korean war reenactment, so I guess that's close enough lol
I was wondering how freezing cold weather might cause difficulties if your fingers are not so flexible ? ( but there again, tying your boot laces would be difficult as well !) I suppose in such conditions the fingers have to be kept in a working condition or you're in trouble ! Would soldiers be issued the same leggings and boots for colder weather ?🤔
![How to tie WW2 American leggings [English subtitles]](/img/n.gif)
This is where the somewhat derogatory term of "Straight-leg" came from. Those who were jump qualified were under orders, in the interest of safety, to not wear leggings as you need your ankles to flex in order to safely perform a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall). Leggings would restrict your ankles from free movement resulting in broken/dislocated ankles. The Airborne in WWII were essentially our first Special Forces, so "Straight-legs" were looked down upon. Also, the Airborne were the only soldiers allowed to blouse their trousers over their jump boots. Through time, "Straight-leg" got shortened to just "Leg" for any personnel that wasn't jump qualified. This term is still used today. Parachute Riggers insist that, "Without us, you're Leg with an attitude."
That's interesting, thanks for the info. As a side note, modern jump boots did not come with hooks for laces I believe that was the same for the 1940's military jump boot as well. This idea extended into sports jumping. The idea was that if you have bad exit and tumble the last thing you need is to get snared in the rigging lines of the canopy.
I just got an original pair, thanks
I wore these in the U.S. Navy and now I am using a pair for weed trimming, keeps stuff off the socks!
With my ATF leggings I used original unissued lacing since mine didn't come with laces.
F in the chat for use big calf guys. I made it work, but could be better. Mine are that yellowish tan, and I'm thinking of dying them brown. I have them for reenacting, but not WW2. I'm using them for western shooting matches, old west reenactments, ect. Also wanted something for keeping my pant legs from snagging on my motorcycle shifter, and something for hunting, to keep from getting my boots soaked from morning dew.
Edit: Actually, I do the occasional korean war reenactment, so I guess that's close enough lol
I'm here because I saw these in the movie saving private Ryan. Exactly what is their purpose?
They provide a very slight protection against water but their main purpose was to keep the bottom of your trousers from catching on things and ripping
@@reenactmentdays5891 thanks mister I think they look cool on soldiers. Greetings from the Philippines 🇵🇭🖐🏼
I was wondering how freezing cold weather might cause difficulties if your fingers are not so flexible ? ( but there again, tying your boot laces would be difficult as well !) I suppose in such conditions the fingers have to be kept in a working condition or you're in trouble ! Would soldiers be issued the same leggings and boots for colder weather ?🤔
Typically yes, but double buckle boots started to appear more frequently late war?
so why not use original leggings？ The material is more correct and for the price many of them are cheaper than atf
Some people may not want to rough-up or ruin an original pair I suppose
Update
Mr sulu says "oh my"!😳
Jman