Why did the East German Military go through the effort and expense of making doilies? And why did the Italians have an issued tool to open wine bottles? Was looking at the army surplus store and found some weird stuff.

Question

In addition, I found that the Pakistani rucks were white canvas which would stick out like a sore thumb, and hot countries in North Africa still wear wool for some reason.

In: 4

Answer 1

Militaries need a lot of seamingly random things as they are quite huge enterprises with lots of units who needs special equipment. Doilies can help make things a bit easier on the eye and will help raise morale. Especially in officers quarters. Wine can similarly raise morale and need openers, however a wine opener can also be used in various other situations. Pakistan have glaciers and these have been the place of battles in the not so distant past. The Pakistani army is therefore fully equiped with white camuflage gear in order to fight in the cold mountains. And wool is actually quite good in hot climates as it will whick away sweat to help it evaporate and keep you cool.