Iraqis Stay Cool in British Uniforms
British troops in the Persian Gulf are sweltering in camouflage gear while Iraqi soldiers stay cool--because Iraq bought Britain’s entire stock of desert uniforms.
The Defense Ministry confirmed Thursday that Britain had sold its desert uniforms to Iraq four years ago in the belief they would no longer be needed. British forces in the gulf, deployed after Iraq’s Aug. 2 invasion of Kuwait, are wearing the less cool camouflage uniforms until new, lightweight battle dress is ready.
A ministry spokesman said: “The uniforms were sold as a normal turnover of stock. The present deployment of forces to the gulf was unforeseen.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
