The Uniform

In 1937, the troopers’ uniforms were similar to today’s. They wore French blue shirts and blouses, French blue caps, and black Sam Browne belts and holsters. In the winter, they wore boots and boot breeches. In the summer, they wore slacks with a French blue stripe on each leg.

In 1947, “Ike” jackets, named for a style General Dwight D. Eisenhower made popular during World War II, replaced the blouse. In the 1950s, blouses and open-collared shirts replaced the Ike jacket, and troopers began wearing semi-western gray straw hats in the summer. The summer of 1964 must have been hot! The agency allowed short-sleeved shirts for the first time and started purchasing patrol cars with air conditioning.

Today, troopers wear slacks, shirts, and a dark blue campaign hat throughout the year (felt in winter, straw in summer). During adverse weather, troopers may wear an outer jacket or raincoat. In addition, troopers, especially those in specialty units, may wear a tactical uniform and a blouse is worn by command staff and Honor Guard members during dress occasions.