Actually the double or single jacket is just dependant on issue date. All winter jackets issued in the 50s 60s (think old green army jackets) are double and they are definitely not formal by any measure. 90s 2000s went to single. Now revert back to double.. who knows.
90% of time a soldier will be wearing either his work out outfit (t-shirt/shorts) or camo for training/daily. Even the shirt/pants combo is only worn when leaving the base etc.
The military find changing outfits every 2 hours a waste of time.
Okay one in particular I was addressing the current type 07 uniform.
Which has both coat styles concurrently.
next dress is based on situations and rules set.
office wear is typically described by uniform of the day.
A soldier in combat exercises or range is going to wear working uniforms IE camouflage.
A soldier working garrison duty in offices will wear prescribed uniform IE service uniform or Dress or camouflage utility uniform. Depending on rules set by CO and command.
A Full Dress is typically worn for well known ceremonial events IE Parade, Funerals even weddings.
It’s not every two hours it’s based on need.
A Soldier isn’t going to be looked on by his Command if he meets the Head of state in a uniform that is soiled with days of sweat and debris from a field exercise.
First impressions are important and meeting your CO for the first time in running shorts and a T shirt isn’t proper.
