By the time of the first World War, a uniform of a
somewhat darker hue was found to be less conspicuous
against a background of vegetation. The olive drab,
or "O. D." as it was popularly designated, corresponded to
the color of British uniforms. The cost of equipping a
soldier for infantry service in France in 1917 was
reported to be $156.30. This included $101.21 for clothing,
$7.73 for eating utensils, and $47.36 for fighting
equipment. The items listed as clothing consisted not only
of wearing apparel, but included also a bed sack, three
woolen blankets, and a shelter tent. In raising war funds
the cost of equipping a soldier was kept in mind and
citizens were urged to "Buy a Bond" and "Equip a Soldier".
