Photos of the Space Force’s new uniforms are dividing opinion online. Some see a crisp, formal parade. Others see 1940s Europe. The design—with a stand-up collar, sash, and boots—is the same style that was worn by the officer corps in several countries back then. One thing is very clear: The uniforms stand out!
Donald Trump has posted photos of the next generation of uniforms for the U.S. Space Force. Many people like them. Others think they look like something from the 1940s.
On Truth Social, the president described the design as inspired by the discipline and functionality of the movie uniforms from Starship Troopers, modernized for the “guardians of the space domain.” The colors are ”space gray” and ”midnight black”. The jacket has a stand-up collar, a sash, and high, shiny boots.
On social media, the images are divided into two camps. One praises the lines. The other points to Germany in the 1940s. The comparison isn’t entirely unfounded, but it isn’t the whole story either.
The '40s Style: Not Just a Country
The stand-up collar, belted tunic, and riding boots were not unique to the army of any single country. This was the European officer’s uniform style during the 1930s and 1940s: Germany, Italy, and several other countries wore variations of the same silhouette. Sweden, among others, adopted the same style during the 1940s.
Paul Verhoeven, who did Starship Troopers, has himself said that he drew inspiration from that aesthetic, including Leni Riefenstahl, so that the film would look like propaganda.
Trump talks about dignity and functionality. The critic Martin Markelius calls it a nod to authoritarian aesthetics in a segment on SVT. Some see Star Wars imperial officers. Some see the Waffen-SS. Some just see a dark, austere parade uniform.
There is no evidence that the images show the final, official uniform. The Space Force has already rolled out its own blue service uniforms, which do not match Trump’s montage. What’s been posted is a suggestion in the president’s feed—and a debate over whether the space age should dress like 1940s Europe.
