civilian government standard issue

[GUEST2008]

Hi

The former general was dressed in civilian government standard issue, namely a boring suit and an equally boring tie and black wingtips on the feet.

"Civilian government standard issue" - What does that mean?

 

[5jj]

Hi

The former general was dressed in civilian government standard issue, namely a boring suit and an equally boring tie and black wingtips on the feet.

"Civilian government standard issue" - What does that mean?

It may be what we in Britain used to call a 'demob suit'. When men called up for war service were demobilised (returned to civilian life) they were issued with a suit. All the suits issued were of the same pattern and materials. There were a lot of men walking round in identical suits at the time.

 

[GUEST2008]

So in your opinion it says that the general had a civilian suit given to him by government?

 

[5jj]

So in your opinion it says that the general had a civilian suit given to him by government?

That's one possibility. I am not saying it is the correct answer.

 

[GUEST2008]

I think the general still works for the government. So actually he wasn't demobilised, but I think he was maybe given the same sort of clothes that all people working for government were given.