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Stable belt
Stable belt
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A pre-2007 stable belt of the Royal Air Force. Newer versions feature a metal decorative buckle.

A stable belt is a striped coloured belt worn at times by the armed forces of the United Kingdom, other Commonwealth countries, and a few other countries including Denmark, Brazil and Lebanon. The stripes vary by regiment and corps, identifying the wearer's unit. In Brazil and Lebanon they are known as gymnastic belts.

The term "stable belt" originates from when UK cavalrymen would place the surcingle around the waist when cleaning the stables and tending to their horses.[1] In the 1950s they spread to all branches of the armed forces, adding a splash of colour and individuality to the drab khaki working uniforms. Initially they were resisted by many senior officers, who saw them as too individualistic, but they soon became accepted throughout the UK forces, and spread to the forces of a number of other countries. The "gymnastic belt" of some countries has a similar appearance and purpose, with a name reflecting its origin in physical training equipment. Sword belts of similar appearance are used on ceremonial occasions by some military forces.[2][3]

Australia

[edit]

The Australian Army adopted the stable belt in the late 1970s, however they were removed from service in 1995.[4]

Brazil

[edit]
Firefighters Corps of Paraná - 1923.
Brazilian Firefighters Cadets - 2009.

In Brazil, the gymnastic belt (Portuguese: cinto ginástico) is one of the most traditional elements of the uniforms of the Military Firefighters Corps. It has been used with few modifications since 1887.[5] Made of cotton and leather, earlier examples were reinforced to serve as climbing harnesses. Modern gymnastic belts are of lighter construction and only worn as ceremonial item. There are two versions of the gymnastics belt:

For Officers:
The belt is red with a horizontal stripe in blue, with silver-coloured metal buckles. In the 1960s, the leather components were white.
For other ranks (sergeants, corporals, and privates):
The belt is red, with gold-coloured metal buckles.

Denmark

[edit]

The Danish Army, Home Guard, and Air Force all use stable belts. The Danish Defence's close co-operation with the British Army of the Rhine in the 1950s created the interest in a similar belt for the Guard Hussar Regiment, which was introduced in 1968.[6] In the late 1970s it was decided to allow stable belts for all regiments in Denmark. The design of the belt would be based on the colours of the regiment, and a colour to signify their role. To show the transition between role and regiment colours, a thin line was introduced, there is however no system with these.[7][8]

  • Red: Combat troops
  • Blue: Signal troops
  • Gray: HMAK

The Danish armed forces have had a total of 43 different stable belts, of which about sixteen remain in use. Only the standard black stable belt is issued, other belts have to be purchased individually, so are neither regulation nor compulsory.[9]

In use

[edit]

Disbanded regiments

[edit]

Lebanon

[edit]

Lebanese firefighters (الدفاع المدني, i.e. "Civil Defense") use the same type of gymnastic belt as used by firefighters in Brazil.

New Zealand

[edit]

The various Corps and Regiments of the New Zealand Army wear stable belts. Most corps wear the same patterns of belt as their counterparts in the British Army[10][11]

Corps and regiments

[edit]
 
New Zealand Corps of Officer Cadets Royal New Zealand Artillery Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps
 
Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals
 
Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment New Zealand Special Air Service New Zealand Intelligence Corps
 
Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps Royal New Zealand Dental Corps
 
Royal New Zealand Chaplains Department New Zealand Army Legal Service Corps of Royal New Zealand Military Police
 
Royal New Zealand Army Education Corps New Zealand Army Physical Training Corps Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps
Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles;

The QAMR belt is black with a central amber stripe as used by the original Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles, they are also the colours of the Taranaki, where the unit's foundations were laid in the early 1860s.

Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment;

Personnel of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, with the exception of those serving in Territorial Force battalion groups, wear the regimental belt of the Durham Light Infantry, being rifle green with two thin red stripes. The belt was adopted as the RNZIR Corps belt in 1970. The Durham Light Infantry regimental belt was given to the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment when it relieved the 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry at Sarawak, Borneo in May 1966.

New Zealand Special Air Service;

Originates from belt worn by the British Special Air Service. It was first worn in 1965 by 1 Detachment, 1 Ranger Squadron NZSAS. The colours originate from a concept by David Stirling integrating the Oxford Blue and Cambridge Blue.[12]

Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment;

The Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment stable belt is blue with a silver buckle displaying the regimental badge surrounded by the regimental motto "Ma Nga Hua Tu-Tangata" (By our actions we are known).

Reserve Infantry Battalions

[edit]

The reserve battalions of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment retain their own patterns of stable belt. In 2013 the reserve battalions were amalgamated, reducing their number from six to three. No decision was made on the future of the various battalions' belts.[10]

 
2nd (Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast) Battalion 3rd (Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland) Battalion 4th (Otago and Southland) Battalion
Mackenzie tartan
 
5th (Wellington West Coast and Taranaki) Battalion (Officers and Warrant Officers) 5th (Wellington West Coast and Taranaki) Battalion (Other soldiers) 6th (Hauraki) Battalion
 
7th (Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawke's Bay) Battalion
2nd (Canterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast) Battalion;

Rifle green, as worn by the Battalions Allied Regiment, The Royal Irish Rangers.

3rd (Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland) Battalion;

Two sets of thin red and white stripes on a black background, adopted in 1995. Originally the belt consisted of three evenly-sized stripes of red, black, and white, and were based on the regiment's colours.

4th (Otago and Southland) Battalion;

The Otago and Southland Regimental belt is that of Queen's Own Highlanders, and is the pattern of the McKenzie tartan.

5th (Wellington West Coast and Taranaki) Battalion;

Two separate belts are worn; officers and warrant officers wear a black belt with central stripes of red, green, yellow, mauve, and red, while soldiers below the rank of warrant officer wear a black belt with central stripes of yellow, red, green, and mauve. The belts adopted in 1973 were based on the Royal Hampshire Regiment with colours stemming from the regimental colours and the colours of the lace and facings on the uniforms of the 37th (North Hampshire) Regiment of Foot and 67th (South Hampshire) Regiment.

6th (Hauraki) Battalion;

Thames blue with a gold strip in the middle, derived from the old Royal Warwickshire Regiment which in turn is derived from the old 6th Regiment of Foot. The 6th Foot were once charged with guarding the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London; hence the blue of the belt represents the Thames river and the gold stripe, the crown jewels.[13] The belt was introduced in 1975 and has a buckle in worn centre which has the Regiments badge mounted.

7th (Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawke's Bay) Battalion;

The 7th Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawke's Bay Battalion Group inherited the York and Lancaster Regiment stable belt. The belt is composed of maroon bands at the top and bottom (16mm wide), with a centre stripe of black (18mm wide) with a silver stripe above and gold stripe (each 6mm wide) below the centre strip. The York and Lancaster Regiment was allied to the Wellington Regiment in 1913 in recognition of the York and Lancs (65th of Foot) 19 year participation in the New Zealand Wars.

United Kingdom

[edit]
Single colour, front fastening, Royal Navy stable belt, (2020).
Horizontally striped, side fastening, Royal Observer Corps stable belt, (1995).

A stable belt is a wide webbing belt comprising a single solid colour or horizontally striped in two or more different colours. The original cavalry regiment stable belts buckled at the side using leather straps in order to both avoid chafing the wearer's stomach while undertaking stable work and avoid marking or catching upon the horse's harness. Many contemporary stable belts now secure at the front using a metal clip or metal plate bearing a regimental/service emblem. Whilst a limited number of army regiments, including the Light Infantry, secure their stable belts at the front using the original two leather straps, generally those belts fitted with leather straps are secured on the left-hand side.

The belt is worn around the waist and in the case of PCS is fitted through the trouser belt loops. In the British Army and Royal Marines, when worn with barrack dress, the belt is placed either through the belt loops of trousers or a skirt, or over a jersey. In the Royal Air Force (RAF), it is worn with service working dress (No. 2 dress) either covering the top of the trousers (or skirt) and the lower part of the shirt, or through the belt loops if able to accommodate the belt's width. Unlike the Army, the RAF do not wear the belt over the jersey. (The former Royal Observer Corps conformed to RAF dress regulations). Historically, the Royal Navy rarely wore stable belts unless working in a tri-service environment. However, these are now available as part of the new Royal Navy uniform RNPCS, replacing the old No. 4 Dress.

Stable belts are worn with most styles of informal dress, but not with full dress, service dress or mess dress. Every regiment and corps of the British Army has its own stable belt and, as is the case throughout the UK armed services, belts are not issued but purchased by individual service personnel at their own expense and are therefore optional items of uniform/equipment. However, their widespread use effectively renders them a standard uniform item.

The following belt patterns are shown in cross section, the stripes actually being horizontal as worn, and are actually considerably wider than shown, although the stripes are shown in correct proportion. Where belts are asymmetric, the left-hand side of the illustration is the uppermost as worn.

Cavalry/armoured regiments

[edit]
 
Life Guards Blues and Royals
 
1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Royal Dragoon Guards
 
Queen's Royal Hussars 9th/12th Royal Lancers King's Royal Hussars
 
Light Dragoons Queen's Royal Lancers Royal Tank Regiment
 
Royal Yeomanry[14] Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry Royal Wessex Yeomanry[15]
 
 
Queen's Own Yeomanry

Infantry regiments (current)

[edit]
 
Foot Guards Royal Regiment of Scotland Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
 
Duke of Lancaster's Regiment Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Royal Anglian Regiment
 
Yorkshire Regiment Mercian Regiment Royal Welsh
 
Royal Irish Regiment Parachute Regiment Royal Gurkha Rifles
 
The Rifles Special Air Service Royal Gibraltar Regiment

Corps

[edit]
 
Royal Horse Artillery Royal Artillery Royal Engineers
 
Royal Corps of Signals Army Air Corps Royal Army Chaplains' Department
 
Royal Logistic Corps Royal Army Medical Corps Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
 
Adjutant General's Corps
(Staff and Personnel Support)[16]
Adjutant General's Corps
(Royal Military Police)[16]
Adjutant General's Corps
(Military Provost Staff)[16]
 
Adjutant General's Corps
(Educational and Training Services)[16]
Adjutant General's Corps
(Army Legal Services)[16]
Adjutant General's Corps
(Military Provost Guard Service)
 
Royal Army Veterinary Corps Small Arms School Corps Royal Army Dental Corps
 
Intelligence Corps Royal Army Physical Training Corps Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps
 
Royal Corps of Army Music
 
Queen's Gurkha Engineers Queen's Gurkha Signals Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment
 
Honourable Artillery Company[17]

Sub-units

[edit]
 
1 Regiment RHA
 
 
 
4 Regiment RA 5 Regiment RA 29 Commando Regiment RA
 
B Battery RHA E Battery RHA F (Sphinx) Parachute Battery RHA
 
G Parachute Battery (Mercer's Troop) RHA I Parachute Battery (Bull's Troop) RHA K (Hondeghem) Battery RA
 
L (Néry) Battery RHA N Battery (The Eagle Troop) RHA O Battery (The Rocket Troop) RHA
 
P Battery (The Dragon Troop) RA Q (Sanna's Post) Battery RA
 
 
4/73 (Sphinx) Special Observation Post Battery RA 38 (Seringapatam) Battery RA 46 (Talavera) Battery RA
 
53 (Louisburg) Battery RA 129 (Dragon) Battery RA
 
1 Squadron HAC
2 Squadron HAC
3 Squadron HAC
 
Signal Squadron HAC
Corps of Drums HAC
A (1st City of London) Battery HAC

Training units

[edit]
 
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
 
Aberdeen Universities Officers Training Corps Birmingham Universities Officers Training Corps Bristol University Officers Training Corps
 
Cambridge University Officers Training Corps City of Edinburgh Universities Officers Training Corps East Midlands Universities Officer Training Corps[18]
Hunting Stewart Tartan
 
Exeter University Officers Training Corps Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Officers Training Corps Leeds University Officers Training Corps
 
Liverpool University Officers Training Corps Manchester and Salford Universities Officers Training Corps Northumbrian Universities Officers Training Corps
 
Oxford University Officers Training Corps Queen's University Officers Training Corps Sheffield University Officers Training Corps
 
 
Southampton University Officers Training Corps Tayforth Universities Officers Training Corps University of London Officers Training Corps
Hunting Stewart Tartan
 
University of Wales Officers Training Corps
 

Other services

[edit]
 
Royal Navy Royal Marines Royal Air Force[19]

Other organisations

[edit]
 
First Aid Nursing Yeomanry Royal Corps of Naval Constructors Falkland Islands Defence Force

Youth cadet units

[edit]
 
Sea Cadet Corps
Royal Navy Section, Combined Cadet Force
Sea Cadet Corps (Royal Marines)
Royal Marines Section, Combined Cadet Force
Army Section, Combined Cadet Force
 
Army Cadet Force Air Training Corps
RAF Section, Combined Cadet Force
Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets

Former cavalry regiments

[edit]
 
Royal Horse Guards
 
 
1st King's Dragoon Guards Queen's Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards) 3rd Carabiniers
 
 
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards
 
Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons) Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons) 3rd The King's Own Hussars
 
4th Queen's Own Hussars 7th Queen's Own Hussars 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars
 
 
 
 
9th Queen's Royal Lancers 10th Royal Hussars 11th Hussars
 
 
 
12th Royal Lancers 13th/18th Royal Hussars 14th/20th King's Hussars
 
 
15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers 17th/21st Lancers
 
Queen's Own Hussars Queen's Royal Irish Hussars Royal Hussars
 
Queen's Royal Lancers (pre-1998)

Former Yeomanry regiments

[edit]

Many of these belts are still worn by sub-units.

 
Ayrshire (Earl of Carrick's Own) Yeomanry Bedfordshire Yeomanry Berkshire and Westminster Dragoons
 
 
Berkshire Yeomanry Cheshire Yeomanry[20] City of London Yeomanry (Rough Riders)
 
 
3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) Derbyshire Yeomanry Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry[21]
 
 
 
East Riding Yeomanry Essex Yeomanry[22] Fife and Forfar Yeomanry
 
 
Flintshire and Denbighshire Yeomanry Glamorgan Yeomanry Hampshire Yeomanry
 
 
 
 
Hertfordshire Yeomanry Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Yeomanry[23] Inns of Court Regiment
 
 
 
Inns of Court & City Yeomanry[24] Kent Yeomanry Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry[25]
 
 
Lanarkshire Yeomanry Lancashire Hussars Leicestershire Yeomanry
 
 
 
Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry[26] Lothians and Border Horse Lovat Scouts
 
 
 
Middlesex Yeomanry Norfolk Yeomanry North Irish Horse
 
 
North Somerset Yeomanry North Somerset and Bristol Yeomanry Northamptonshire Yeomanry
 
Northumberland Hussars Pembroke Yeomanry[27] Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry[28]
 
Queen's Own Dorset and West Somerset Yeomanry Queen's Own Lowland Yeomanry Queen's Own Mercian Yeomanry
 
 
 
 
Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars[29] Queen's Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry Queen's Own Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry[30]
 
Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons Queen's Own Yorkshire Yeomanry
 
 
 
 
Royal Buckinghamshire Yeomanry Royal Devon Yeomanry[31] Royal Gloucestershire Hussars[32]
 
 
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry[33] Scottish Horse Scottish Yeomanry[34]
 
Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry[35] Shropshire Yeomanry[36] South Nottinghamshire Hussars Yeomanry
 
Staffordshire Yeomanry Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry[37] Suffolk Yeomanry
 
 
Suffolk and Norfolk Yeomanry Surrey Yeomanry Sussex Yeomanry
 
 
Warwickshire Yeomanry West Somerset Yeomanry Westminster Dragoons[38]
 
 
 
Yorkshire Hussars Yorkshire Yeomanry Fife and Forfar Yeomanry/Scottish Horse[39]
 
 

Former infantry regiments

[edit]
 
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Black Watch
 
Border Regiment The Buffs The Cameronians
Douglas Tartan
 
Cheshire Regiment Devonshire and Dorset Regiment Devonshire Regiment
 
Dorset Regiment Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles
Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment Duke of Wellington's Regiment Durham Light Infantry[40]
 
1st East Anglian Regiment 2nd East Anglian Regiment 3rd East Anglian Regiment
                                                         
                                     
 
East Lancashire Regiment East Surrey Regiment East Yorkshire Regiment
 
 
Essex Regiment Gloucestershire Regiment Gordon Highlanders
                                     
                                       
Gordon Tartan
 
Green Howards The Highlanders Highland Light Infantry
Gordon Tartan
 
 
2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles King's Own Royal Border Regiment King's Own Royal Regiment
                       
 
King's Own Scottish Borderers King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry King's Regiment
Leslie Tartan
 
King's Regiment (Liverpool) King's Royal Rifle Corps King's Shropshire Light Infantry
 
 
Lancashire Fusiliers Lancashire Regiment The Light Infantry
 
Loyal Regiment Manchester Regiment Middlesex Regiment
 
Northamptonshire Regiment North Staffordshire Regiment Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
 
 
Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire 10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles
 
Queen's Lancashire Regiment Queen's Own Buffs Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
 
 
Queen's Own Highlanders Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Queen's Regiment
MacKenzie Tartan
 
 
Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment The Rifle Brigade
 
Royal Berkshire Regiment Royal Fusiliers Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment
 
Royal Green Jackets Royal Hampshire Regiment Royal Highland Fusiliers
                                                     
MacKenzie Tartan
 
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Royal Irish Fusiliers Royal Irish Rangers
 
 
Royal Leicestershire Regiment Royal Lincolnshire Regiment Royal Norfolk Regiment
 
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers Royal Regiment of Wales Royal Scots
Hunting Stewart Tartan
 
Royal Scots Fusiliers Royal Sussex Regiment Royal Ulster Rifles
Green Erskine Tartan
 
Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers Royal Welch Fusiliers Seaforth Highlanders
 
 
Sherwood Foresters Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry Somerset Light Infantry
South Lancashire Regiment South Staffordshire Regiment South Wales Borderers
 
Staffordshire Regiment Suffolk Regiment Ulster Defence Regiment
                                                     
 
 
Welch Regiment West Yorkshire Regiment Wiltshire Regiment
 
Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment Worcestershire Regiment York and Lancaster Regiment

Former volunteer infantry regiments

[edit]

These stable belts may still be worn by sub-units.

 
Cambridgeshire Regiment Glasgow Highlanders Herefordshire Light Infantry
 
 
 
1st Battalion, 51st Highland Volunteers 2nd Battalion, 51st Highland Volunteers 3rd Battalion, 51st Highland Volunteers
 
 
 
 
Lancastrian Volunteers Leeds Rifles Light Infantry and Mercian Volunteers
 
 
 
 
Liverpool Scottish London Irish Rifles London Regiment
 
 
 
 
London Rifle Brigade London Scottish[41] 1st Battalion, 52nd Lowland Volunteers
 
 
 
 
2nd Battalion, 52nd Lowland Volunteers 1st Battalion, Mercian Volunteers 2nd Battalion, Mercian Volunteers
 
 
 
 
Monmouthshire Regiment North Irish Militia Northumbrian Volunteers
 
 
 
 
Queen Victoria's Rifles Queen's Westminsters The Rangers
 
 
 
 
Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Regiment Tower Hamlets Rifles Tyneside Scottish
 
 
 
 
Welsh Volunteers 1st Battalion, Wessex Regiment 2nd Battalion, Wessex Regiment
 
 
                           
 
1st Battalion, Yorkshire Volunteers 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Volunteers 3rd Battalion, Yorkshire Volunteers
                     
                                           
                                           
 
Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment[42]
   

Former corps

[edit]
 
Adjutant General's Corps (1st Pattern) Army Catering Corps Army Fire Service
                                         
 
Army Legal Corps Military Provost Staff Corps Royal Army Educational Corps
                                                                               
                               
                                                 
 
Royal Army Medical Corps (1st Pattern) Royal Army Ordnance Corps (1st Pattern) Royal Army Ordnance Corps (2nd Pattern)
                                             
 
Royal Army Pay Corps Royal Army Service Corps Royal Corps of Signals (1st Pattern)
                                                     
                                                                     
 
Royal Corps of Transport Royal Military Police Royal Pioneer Corps
 
 
Women's Royal Army Corps
 
Gurkha Military Police Queen's Own Gurkha Transport Regiment
 
 

Former sub-units

[edit]
 
36 Guided Weapons Regiment RA
47 Guided Weapons Regiment RA
95 Commando Regiment RA
 

Former training units

[edit]
 
Welbeck College Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College Mons Officer Cadet School
 
 
Army Apprentices College, Arborfield Army Apprentices College, Chepstow Army Apprentices College, Harrogate
 
Junior Leaders Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps

Former civil defence organisations

[edit]
 
Royal Observer Corps

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A stable belt is a wide, colorful belt, often striped or patterned in regimental colors, worn by members of the armed forces of the and various countries as part of their working dress or informal uniform. Originating in the British during the late , it was initially a practical adaptation of horse surcingles used to secure loose-fitting while tending to stables and grooming s. By the early , stable belts had evolved into more formalized items of regimental attire, incorporating vibrant designs inspired by officers' neckties and spreading from units to and other branches of the . Their adoption accelerated in the post-World War II era, particularly during the , when they became widespread to add distinction and color to the otherwise monotonous uniforms worn during peacetime duties. Stable belts serve both functional and symbolic purposes, with each or featuring unique color schemes that foster unit pride and identity; they are typically fastened with leather tabs or metal buckles and continue to be issued or purchased by personnel today. In militaries, such as those of and , analogous belts were introduced in the mid-20th century but have seen varying levels of retention—for instance, the phased them out of general service in 1995.

Introduction

Definition and etymology

A stable belt is a wide belt constructed from woven , typically worn over the upper portion of uniforms by personnel in the armed forces of the and certain nations, serving to denote regimental or unit affiliation through its distinctive colors and patterns. Unlike narrower utility web belts, which are primarily functional for carrying equipment and measure around 1.5 inches in width, or ceremonial belts designed for blade suspension, stable belts emphasize decorative and identificatory roles with widths generally ranging from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm). Their broader design provides a prominent visual element while offering minor support during wear. The term "stable belt" derives from its historical adaptation in the by British troopers, who repurposed the —a practical strap of or used to secure and blankets—for personal use while tending to stables and . Originally functioning to girth the horse's belly and stabilize the , the was shortened, fitted with smaller buckles, and worn around the human waist to support the lower back during extended marches or stable duties, evolving from a utilitarian equestrian item into a accessory by the mid-1800s. This practical origin underscores the belt's initial association with mounted units, though its adoption later extended beyond contexts. Stable belts are commonly made from durable materials such as or , allowing for vibrant dyeing in solid colors or horizontal stripes that reflect unit traditions, with some variants featuring linings for added reinforcement. They are fastened using a variety of mechanisms, including metal buckles, adjustable straps with hooks, or modern hook-and-loop closures, ensuring a secure fit over or service without impeding mobility. These components contribute to the belt's role in fostering , as the colors often symbolize regimental heritage.

Purpose in military uniforms

Stable belts fulfill a practical role in uniforms by cinching the over shirts, pullovers, or in various working and service dress orders, such as No. 2 (Service Dress), No. 5, No. 7, No. 8 (Barrack Dress), No. 13, and No. 14, thereby providing support without the restriction of braces or belts that might hinder movement during routine duties. This design allows for comfort in activities involving bending or stooping, enhancing wearability in non-combat environments. Symbolically, stable belts embody unit pride, tradition, and esprit de corps, with their colors and patterns drawn from regimental flags, badges, or historical elements to signify affiliation and foster cohesion among ranks when other distinctive uniform features are absent. Authorized for all personnel, they reinforce a sense of identity and heritage within participating forces. Ceremonially, stable belts are donned for parades in orders like No. 2 , mess functions, and off-duty occasions to impart formality and visual distinction, though their non-tactical construction precludes use in or field operations. Regulations mandate private purchase, with designs and wear governed by the Dress Committee and commanding officers, allowing variations by service branch while prohibiting them over heavy items or in training scenarios.

History

Origins in the British Army

The stable belt originated in the during the 1880s and 1890s, when officers adapted the leather or canvas surcingles—straps used to secure saddles and blankets—for personal wear. These belts were initially worn around the to provide back support and secure during stable duties, such as and grooming , transforming a practical equestrian tool into a utilitarian accessory for mounted troops. The first formal adoption occurred within the in the late 19th century, where the belts were incorporated into informal and sporting attire. Drawing from regimental traditions, these early stable belts featured colors derived from officers' neckties, which had been worn in unit-specific patterns since around 1900 to denote affiliation. This evolution marked the belts' transition from mere functionality to a symbol of regimental identity among elite units like the Life Guards and . By the early , stable belts saw informal use among some officers and troops, particularly in mounted units during , where they were privately purchased for personal purposes such as securing items. Although not an official issue item at the time, their utility led to limited informal adoption. Post-1918, leather versions gave way to more comfortable woolen constructions, which included a small for personal items until incorporated built-in pockets in later decades.

Spread to other forces

Following , the stable belt transitioned from a accessory to a feature in other militaries, largely due to colonial legacies, joint training programs, and alliances during the era of the 1940s to 1960s. armies, shaped by British influence through shared command structures and officer training at institutions like the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, incorporated stable belts to maintain regimental identity and add color to post-war uniforms. This adoption was gradual, often starting as optional items purchased privately before becoming more formalized. The continued the British tradition of stable belts post-independence. In , stable belts appeared in army units as early as the late 1940s, gaining popularity during the and persisting into the early 1960s across corps like the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, which used patterns mirroring British designs from 1953 onward. New Zealand's forces followed a similar but delayed path, with stable belts emerging in the mid-1960s for logistics and other units, reflecting the broader trend of emulating British practices to foster esprit de corps. Australia's adoption came later, in the late 1970s, but general use ended in 1995 amid efforts to streamline uniforms for modern operations. Beyond the , non-aligned forces adopted stable belts through cooperation and advisory missions. introduced them in the mid-, influenced by Indian stable belts observed during UN service in in the mid-1970s; the first Danish belt was a for the , soon followed by regimental variants for units like the Royal Hussars, spreading to about 16–18 active formations as of the . By the , stable belts had evolved from accessories to standardized identifiers in adopting forces.

Design features

Construction and materials

Stable belts are primarily constructed from woven materials designed for durability and color retention in environments. The core material is typically heavy-duty , which provides strength and resistance to wear, though modern variants often incorporate or blends for enhanced longevity and reduced maintenance. Fastening components include straps and metal buckles, such as chrome lockets or nickel slides, ensuring secure and adjustable fit. Widths and fastenings may vary by , with versions often narrower. In terms of construction methods, stable belts are machine-woven into striped or solid patterns, with a typical width of 65–75 mm to accommodate wearing over uniforms or through belt loops, varying by gender and unit (e.g., 64 mm for female, 75 mm for male). Lengths are adjustable, typically ranging from 90 to 120 cm to fit various waist sizes up to 48 inches, achieved via roller s or slides. Traditional versions may feature two straps connected by a metal roller for added stability, while contemporary designs emphasize reinforced stitching to prevent fraying under active use. Manufacturing occurs through specialist firms specializing in accoutrements, such as Selcraft and Ammo & , which blend traditional techniques with modern production for precision and consistency. These producers adhere to specifications, incorporating fade-resistant dyes to maintain vibrancy and robust stitching for structural integrity. Variations in stable belts reflect evolving needs, with modern synthetic blends of and offering cost-effective alternatives to pure while improving washability and resistance to environmental factors. Historically, post-World War I designs shifted from constructions—used in rare wartime issues for their suppleness—to more practical fabric , prioritizing comfort and ease of production in large quantities.

Regimental patterns

Stable belts feature regimental patterns that distinctly encode unit identity, allowing wearers to visually affiliate with their specific formation amid otherwise standardized . The predominant pattern type consists of horizontal stripes, usually incorporating two to four colors arranged in bands, though variations include solid single colors or less common diagonal configurations. These designs are typically derived from longstanding regimental identifiers, such as the colors of facings, unit flags, or badges, ensuring continuity with historical traditions. Colors often reflect regimental traditions, such as those from facings or historical events, without a universal branch-specific code. However, no standardized code governs these choices across the ; instead, symbolism is shaped by individual regimental customs and heritage, fostering a of unique identity. Patterns must adhere to formal customization rules, with all designs subject to approval by pertinent authorities, including the Army Dress Committee, which evaluates proposals for historical alignment, practicality, and cost. Alterations to approved patterns are infrequent, generally limited to instances of unit amalgamations or restructurings, such as those implemented in the British Army's post-2006 reforms to consolidate regiments. Documentation of regimental patterns can lag behind structural changes, particularly for disbanded units, necessitating updates to reflect ongoing mergers in forces during the .

Usage in the United Kingdom

Current cavalry and armoured regiments

The , comprising the Life Guards and the , maintains distinct stable belt patterns that reflect their royal heritage and ceremonial roles. The Life Guards' stable belt features horizontal stripes of and , symbolizing their senior status as the oldest regiment in the , with origins tracing back to the 1660s; this design has been in use since the late as a practical garment for stable duties. Similarly, the wear a belt of blue, red, and blue horizontal stripes—darker shades than those of the —adopted following their 1969 amalgamation from the Royal Horse Guards and , emphasizing their mounted ceremonial and operational duties. These belts, lined with leather for durability in horse-related tasks, have been worn by personnel since the 1880s, evolving from surcingles used to secure saddles. Within the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC), active regiments employ stable belts that incorporate historical colors from their , , or lancer traditions, adapted for modern armoured formations. For instance, the Royal Tank Regiment's belt consists of equal horizontal stripes in red, green, and brown, representing the rugged terrain and engineering heritage of tank warfare since the unit's formation in 1917; this pattern underscores their role in heavy armoured operations. The Royal Dragoon Guards, formed through mergers in the 1990s but updated in the 2010s to reflect integrated structures, use a belt of maroon, primrose (gold), and green stripes, drawing from facing colors to symbolize and combat mobility. Other RAC units, such as the (merged in 2015 from and ), feature patterns blending scarlet, buff, and blue—evoking lancer heritage—while the incorporate garter blue, yellow, and green stripes from traditions. These stable belts are primarily worn in ceremonial dress, such as during state occasions and parades, and as working belts in or training for roles, where they provide a non-bulky alternative to combat webbing while preserving regimental identity. Post-2010s restructuring, including the Future Soldier reforms, has standardized their use across merged units to maintain tradition amid reduced force sizes, ensuring continuity in and formation fighting. Stable belts remain in use across services as of 2025, typically as optional or issued items in working and ceremonial dress, with no major policy changes reported.

Current infantry regiments

The regiments, comprising the , , , , and , share the stable belt as a mark of their unified role within the British Army's ceremonial and operational duties. This belt features three equal horizontal stripes of dark blue, scarlet red, and dark blue, constructed from durable webbing with leather straps and a metal fastened on the left side. The design draws from the traditional facing colors of the Guards, where blue predominates for regiments like the (with white collar facings) and (with blue facings accented by red), emphasizing their elite status and historical ties to the . Line infantry regiments maintain distinct stable belts that embody their regional and historical legacies, particularly following the 2006 formation of larger, single-battalion structures under the Strategic Defence Review. For instance, the wears a stable belt woven in a Hunting Stewart pattern, incorporating interwoven stripes of red, black, green, blue, and yellow to evoke Scottish Highland traditions and unify its recruiting areas across . Similarly, other line regiments, such as the Yorkshire Regiment or , adopt patterns derived from pre-amalgamation colors, often in vertical or horizontal stripes that highlight county affiliations. Regional variations persist in the stable belts of units, adapted to the and subsequent refinements that consolidated regiments while preserving identities. The , for example, utilize the shared belt but incorporate green and yellow elements in related regimental accessories to symbolize Welsh heritage, such as the green plume on their bearskins; this reinforces recruitment from amid the Army's shift toward integrated brigades. These belts are typically worn in No. 2 dress for public duties, barracks wear, and non-combat training, fostering esprit de corps and connections to local communities through their vivid, regiment-specific designs.

Corps and other services

In the , support corps employ stable belts with standardized patterns reflecting their functional roles rather than regimental histories. The stable belt features a design of dark blue with central scarlet (cherry red) and gold stripes, symbolizing the corps' heritage from predecessor units like the . This all-ranks belt is worn in working dress to denote logistical support personnel across supply, transport, and movement functions. Similarly, the ' stable belt consists of scarlet webbing with two central blue stripes, a pattern adopted to represent engineering expertise in construction and demolition. These corps-wide designs ensure uniformity among sappers and logisticians, distinguishing them from infantry regiments' more varied motifs. Sub-units within the also utilize distinct stable belts for identification in healthcare roles. The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) pattern incorporates three horizontal stripes in dull cherry (maroon), blue, and Oxford blue, woven to evoke the corps' colors and worn by medical officers, nurses, and orderlies during operational duties. This maroon-dominant design aligns with broader guidelines, providing a cohesive identifier for field hospitals and units without individual sub-unit variations. Beyond the Army, the Royal Air Force (RAF) maintains a light blue stable belt as its standard, often featuring subtle red and white accents to match service colors, introduced for all ranks in working uniforms since the mid-20th century. The belt serves as a practical waistband over jumpers or shirts, emphasizing the RAF's and technical branches in a non-regimental format. In the Royal Navy, stable belts saw limited adoption post-1990s uniform reforms, primarily in specialized units; the Royal Marines, as an amphibious corps, wear a dark blue base with green, old gold, and scarlet stripes, reflecting traditions and integrated with Navy working dress. Current dress regulations permit stable belts in various orders of dress to enhance unit cohesion.

Youth and cadet units

In the , stable belts are worn by youth and organizations to foster a sense of , unit identity, and , particularly during parades, ceremonial events, and camps. These belts adapt patterns from affiliated adult units or standardized designs specific to the cadet forces, serving as optional but symbolic uniform items that enhance esprit de corps without the full rigors of professional service wear. The (CCF), sponsored by the and operating within schools, employs stable belts that mirror those of affiliated regiments or services to build connections with parent units. For instance, Army sections of the CCF may adopt regimental patterns such as the green and maroon stripes of or the black and yellow of the Royal Logistic Corps, while RAF sections typically use the light blue with maroon flashes of the Royal Air Force stable belt. These belts are worn in No. 2 dress and other informal uniforms, subject to contingent commander approval, emphasizing affiliation and pride in military heritage. The (ACF) similarly adopts stable belts from parent or affiliated units to instill regimental loyalty among its members aged 12 to 18. Detachments can select patterns like the red, white, and blue stripes associated with regiments or the standard ACF and design, worn over working dress during indoor training, parades, and field exercises. This practice, permitted at the discretion of county commandants, reinforces discipline and while allowing customization to local affiliations. Sea Cadets, part of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets, wear the Royal Navy stable belt featuring dark blue with white and red stripes, introduced in the 1960s alongside broader uniform standardization to promote naval tradition and uniformity. This belt is donned with Action Working Dress for parades and shore-based activities, symbolizing alignment with the Senior Service and aiding in the development of maritime discipline among youth participants. Air Cadets in the (ATC) utilize the Royal Air Force stable belt, characterized by light blue webbing with maroon borders, available to all ranks as an optional accessory since the mid-20th century. Worn in No. 2 and dress but not over outer garments or in field conditions, it underscores heritage and is encouraged for ceremonial duties to build pride and a professional appearance. The belt's adoption reflects the ATC's integration into RAF structures, with regulations updated in the to permit universal wear.

Former regiments and units

The stable belts of former regiments and units, particularly those disbanded before the major infantry reforms of 2006, often featured distinctive patterns that reflected regimental colors and traditions, many of which were carried forward into successor formations. For instance, the Royal Scots Greys, a disbanded in 1971 upon amalgamation with the 3rd Carabiniers to form the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, wore a stable belt featuring horizontal stripes of grey, gold, red, and navy blue, symbolizing their Scottish heritage and historical associations with grey horses. This design influenced the successor unit's vandyke stable belt, incorporating a yellow zigzag pattern on a blue background to honor the Greys' legacy. In the infantry, pre-2006 volunteer and territorial units like the London Rifle Brigade, which served as a volunteer until its integration into the London Regiment in the early , adopted a solid green stable belt consistent with conventions, emphasizing their role and woodland ethos. Similarly, the , an armoured cavalry regiment disbanded in 1993 and merged into the , utilized a blue and white stable belt, with the colors drawn from their facing and historic lancer uniforms; this pattern contributed to the striped elements in the ' design post-amalgamation. Corps and support units also had notable stable belts prior to their dissolution. The Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), responsible for logistics until its 1993 merger into the Royal Logistic Corps, employed a second-pattern stable belt introduced in the mid-1950s, featuring a central stripe bordered by thin blue and red lines, flanked by broad blue outer stripes to represent ordnance efficiency and service branches. During , battalions—local defence volunteers raised in 1940 and stood down in 1945—frequently adapted existing stable belts or improvised with plain brown leather versions for utility, as standardized issue was limited by wartime constraints, allowing for battalion-specific modifications in color and fitting. The legacy of these disbanded units' stable belts endures through their integration into modern regimental identities, where amalgamated formations retain elements of historical patterns to preserve esprit de corps. For example, the RAOC's blue-dominant design informed aspects of the Royal Logistic Corps' multi-striped belt. However, post-2020 Army restructurings, including further infantry integrations under the Future Soldier plan, have led to evolving uniform policies, rendering some pre-2006 documentation incomplete and necessitating verification against current regulations for accurate historical attribution.

Usage in other Commonwealth countries

Australia

The Australian Army adopted the stable belt in the late 1970s, influenced by longstanding British practices where such belts originated as practical waistbands for stable duties. These colorful, striped webbing belts became a general issue item across units, serving both functional and regimental identification purposes until their discontinuation from standard inventory in 1995, after which they were retained by select formations for ceremonial and informal wear. Stable belts saw a partial reintroduction in 2017, authorized for compatibility with polyester-based service dress uniforms and limited to designated and regiments to preserve tradition without reverting to widespread issue. In current practice, infantry battalions such as the , wear stable belts featuring outer red and central green stripes of equal width, emblematic of regimental heritage. Historically, specialized like the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers utilized belts in dark blue with red and yellow stripes, highlighting their technical role through distinctive colors. Following the 1995 phase-out, exceptions persist for ceremonial applications in active and reserve units, with incremental updates to patterns and availability noted into the 2020s, though full documentation of all authorized variants remains incomplete. As of 2025, stable belts continue to be authorized for optional wear in select contexts.

Canada

The adoption of stable belts in the Canadian Armed Forces occurred in a haphazard manner during the and , stemming from ties to British Commonwealth military traditions, with initial instances involving privately purchased items by officers and personnel. By the , their use became formalized in certain regiments, though overall implementation remained fragmented and dependent on unit discretion rather than widespread policy. Current stable belt patterns are unit-specific and primarily limited to select army regiments, such as the Royal Canadian Regiment, featuring a scarlet base. Official descriptions and approvals vary, with some corps like the Royal Canadian Artillery having endorsed stable belts for wear with updated dress uniforms to enhance regimental identity. Documentation remains sparse, as stable belts are not mandated in the Canadian Forces Dress Instructions and require authorization for optional use. Use in the Royal Canadian Navy and is limited, with adaptations appearing mainly in youth programs; for example, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets incorporate stable belt-style webbing in ceremonial and working dress, often in multi-colour patterns echoing service traditions. As of 2025, the Canadian Armed Forces dress policy continues to evolve toward greater unification, with updates effective from July 2024 emphasizing standardized while allowing regimental variations like stable belts to promote pride and heritage, subject to ongoing review by the CA Dress and Ceremonial Committee. This reflects broader efforts to balance inclusivity and tradition amid recent policy refinements. Stable belts remain an approved optional item for operational dress.

New Zealand

The adoption of stable belts in the was influenced by British military traditions, with initial use by select units beginning in the mid-1960s and official authorization extended across the force in 1973 by the Army Dress Committee. These belts, often referred to as corps or regimental belts, were standardized for both regular and reserve components, drawing on patterns from corresponding British formations to denote unit identity and provide functional support. In current use, the Royal employs a dark green stable belt featuring two thin red pinstripes, secured with dark brown fittings. Corps-specific designs include the plain navy blue belt of the Royal Army Logistic , introduced in 1996 upon the amalgamation of prior logistics units like the Royal of , and featuring a chrome locket with the regimental badge and motto "Kia Kaha." Reserve battalions under the Royal maintain distinct patterns, such as the 4th and Southland Battalion Group's adoption of the Queen's Own Highlanders tartan design, which incorporates green stripes on a multicolored woven background with a multi-tongue . Similarly, elements of the 2nd/4th Battalion draw from predecessor units like the 2nd Canterbury Battalion Group, retaining green-based patterns to preserve regional heritage. Stable belts are worn as part of Dress No 1C (Informal) and Dress No 1D (Casual) uniforms for all ranks, serving both ceremonial and practical purposes. Following the structural reforms, including the 1996 integration of logistics corps into the , these belts were retained to uphold regimental traditions amid broader army modernization. As of 2025, their use remains standardized.

Other Commonwealth nations

South Africa's stable belt practice originated in the (SADF) and persisted into the (SANDF) post-apartheid, with various units including airborne and continuing to wear patterned stable belts in ceremonial contexts to denote corps affiliations. In , stable belts were formally introduced across the in 2005 via a decision at the 32nd Army /Regiment Chairman Committee Meeting, mandating their use with No. 3 uniforms to denote corps and regimental affiliations. Examples include the Royal Malay Regiment's black, red, and yellow pattern and the Royal Ranger Regiment's green and black design, worn exclusively for ceremonial purposes to highlight unit pride.

Usage in non-Commonwealth countries

Denmark

The adoption of stable belts in the Danish Armed Forces occurred in the mid- to late 1970s, drawing inspiration from British practices amid alliances and joint operations. The first instance was a standardized belt for Danish personnel serving with the in from 1974 to 1975, adapted from designs during that mission. This marked the initial integration into Danish uniforms, with the "T-78" system formalizing their use as "Model M/85," initially in black for general issue before regiments developed distinctive patterns. Stable belts are worn ceremonially in the Danish equivalent of (service) dress, such as the M/84 barrack uniform, providing regimental identification over a green shirt and trousers. They feature prominently in the Hjemmeværnet (), the fourth branch of the armed forces, where the belt's design emphasizes national defense roles. Overall, the Danish forces have produced around 35 unique patterns, with 16 to 18 still in active use across army, , and units, excluding the . Among active units, the Gardehusarregimentet (Guard Hussar Regiment) employs a stable belt with alternating red and white stripes, reflecting its ceremonial and reconnaissance duties. Patterns in Danish service often adapt Scandinavian color schemes, incorporating bold stripes or solid hues to denote branch or regional ties, distinct from broader NATO influences. For disbanded units, the Jydske Dragonregiment (Jutland Dragoon Regiment), active until the early 2000s, used a predominantly blue stable belt symbolizing its armored cavalry heritage. These designs highlight local adaptations, such as Nordic-inspired simplicity, while maintaining the functional role of supporting posture in working uniforms.

Brazil

In Brazil, stable belts are referred to as cinto de ginástica (gymnastic belts) and form a traditional element of uniforms within certain organizations, particularly the , which operates under a military structure integrated with the . These belts were incorporated into uniform regulations during the mid-20th century, as evidenced by a 1954 presidential decree approving uniform standards for the Fire Department, where the cinto ginástico is described as a red lona belt, 8 cm wide, featuring a central blue stripe 0.25 cm wide, with metal buckles and a key holder for practical use in service roles. The design and application reflect influences from European military traditions, adapted for Brazilian contexts, and are typically limited to elite or specialized units such as firefighters and rather than widespread adoption across the regular army or . Patterns often incorporate national or institutional colors, such as red with contrasting stripes, emphasizing ceremonial and identification purposes over everyday utility. Today, their use remains primarily ceremonial during parades and formal events, aligning with local preferences for more functional web equipment in operational settings.

References

  1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danish_Home_Guard_Stable_belt.png
  2. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stable_belt_SPESK.PNG
  3. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stable_belt_JDR.PNG
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