Soldier Style - Iraqi Soldiers Look to US Troops For Fashion

Knee pads worn around ankles and goggles back-to-front are just two of many style statements being made amongst the Iraq army.

“It looks more trendy”, said one Iraq soldier when questioned by a reporter.

“Many soldiers look good. We take care of our image, but to do this we have to buy extra gadgets because the equipment we get from the Iraqi Army is not good,” said one 25-year-old Iraqi soldier. “The Americans teach us many things such as how to hold a rifle, how to stand to attention and to keep our uniform clean.”

This isn’t just to add character to the uniforms; it shows emulation of American soldiers. The knee pads (which generally slip down the American soldiers knees) and the goggles are being picked up from Baghdad markets, as are US helmets, boots, magazine holders, gun holsters and hand cuffs.

The markets are said to be making a roaring trade out of selling old US military equipment to the Iraq soldiers.