Getting Ready
During the Revolutionary War, the British were known as Redcoats because their uniforms featured bright red coats. Some people thought that this uniform was a foolish choice because the bright red color made the soldiers easy to spot on the battlefield, or in the woods. That made them easy targets.

Activity
Design a uniform for the Continental Army or a Revolutionary War militia group. How does your design take into account the terrain; the weather; protecting a soldier from bullets; the need to carry weapons, food, and other gear; and the difficulty in keeping it clean.

Thinking More About It
Compare your design to uniforms that U.S. soldiers wear today. What is the same and what is different? Talk with soldiers to find out what they like about their uniforms and what they wish they could change.

Words to know: gear, uniform, terrain