Top 5 - Ridiculous Military Uniforms

It was recently brought to my attention that Goose-stepping (or 'Des Stechschritt' for those in the know) is still illegal in Germany. I always thought this march was a discard from The Ministry of Silly Walks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqhlQfXUk7w) but apparently a lot of people feel it is still offensive or upsetting. Geniunely.

This made me think, was the Goose-step designed as such? And where did it come from? More importantly - why did it catch on so?


Well, it seems that the Des Stechschritt was dreamed up by the Prussians in the 19th century as a drilling march. I can see how marching is good for discipline and drilling out individual thought, but doing it with high kicks?

Apparently George Orwell was a little more impressed with it, likening the stamping motion to one that could be used to crush skulls and oppressive, though that being said, it could just as easily be used to crush grapes - or stretch the hamstrings.

Following my train of thought though, I started thinking about other ridiculous military customs that are supposed to intimidate or unite but are just rather silly, specifically; uniforms.

So here we go, my Top 5 Ridiculous Military Uniforms:
1) The Swiss Guard. Only by defending the Pope with Swiss Army knives could they be taken any less seriously (Quothe Robin Williams: "Some of you may not have opened Chardonnay under fire before").

2) The Greeks. Puffy Skirts. Say no more.

3) Beefeaters. They carry guns for a reason.
4) German Soldiers circa. WWI. Solely for the pointed helmets. Did they charge with their heads-down?
5) US Marines. Is in no-way reflective of what they do, their level of prestige etc. Wholly inappropriate.

Thoughts?