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part of the original uniform, but were discarded early on as too difficult to fit comfortably and inexpensively to a wide range of female shapes.  The second choice of split-skirts cutottes was rejected as being impractical for women working as mechanics. (At this time it was envisaged that motor transport would be the only outside work women would undertake, so it was believed that an issue of overalls would be sufficient and separate trousers would be unnecessary.)
After a great deal of thought it was decided that public reaction to over-masculine uniforms would be unfavorable, so skirts rather than trousers were specified.  An open-neck blouse was rejected in favour of a more military and dignified khaki shirt and tie, in accordance with the Director's wish for as military an appearance as possible.  Controversy over the headgear was intense, however, and lasted for most of the war.
For WAAC officers and WMG suggested a stiff service cap similar to that of the men, with the popular 'overseas cap' - or sidecap - for other ranks, and a khaki brimmed hat for summer wear.  The Director requested that officers and enlisted ranks should have the same hat, as being more democratic.  Mrs Hobby considered that the widespread use of the 'overseas' type of cap by other voluntary organizations made it undesirable; there were sold reasons why the WAACs should be immediately distinctive.  By a large vote a peaked cap was selected, as being practical in all weathers and military in appearance; it was of a 'peaked pillbox' or kepi shape, in OD cloth.
A heavy top-coat designed by Mangone, very similar to that of the soldiers, was included in the issued uniform.  A utility coat designed by Maria Krum replaced the field jacket of male personnel; it was in a lightweight material, with a raincoat styling, and had an attached hood and a button-in lining.
Since the issued uniform had no trousers, the only pockets were in the jacket.  The carrying of personal items in the breast pockets produced some embarrassment, and orders were quickly given that not even a pack of cigarettes was to be carried.  A shoulder-strap handbag was quickly issued to fill the gap  Brown Oxford-type shoes were worn for all normal duties, with plimsolls, galoshes and bedroom slippers for appropriate times.  Rayon stockings were worn for 'walking out' and cotton ones for working dress.
The selection of an insignia for the WAACs was solved with a suggestion from the Heraldic Section of the QMG's office that the head of Pallas Athene be adopted.  This wholly fitting suggestion was approved, and the helmeted female profile was worn in the usual manner-in 
'cut-out' form by officers on both lower lapels, and on a brass disc on the left lapel by enlisted ranks, balanced by a disc with the national cypher.  The cap badge was a plainer version of the American eagle than that worn by make branches, and was popularly known as the 'buzzard'.  As the WASCs were an auxiliary corps they could not wear army buttons, so the 'buzzard' was embossed on their plastic buttons.  Insignia of rank and grade generally followed army practice, with the letters 'WAAC' on a flash under the chevrons.
Predictably, these initial designs were found to be unsatisfactory in various ways as experience of their use accumulated, and new uniform patters began to emerge in 1943 and 1944.  The idea of their production was purely academic, however, as the large initial stocks acquired had to be used up before any new expenditure could be undertaken.  The original peaked cap came in for criticism, and Director Hobby herself reversed her earlier decision and requested a change to the overseas cap in January 1943.  This request was at first resisted, but was eventually granted.  An issue of overalls to all personnel was granted to members of the women's service when, as a result of rapid expansion in numbers and in duties undertaken, it became clear that many were doing jobs for which the 'walking out' and issued cotton fatigue dresses were equally inappropriate.
Women were not employed in many fields previously the exclusive province of male personnel.  Aside from work in hospital wards and laboratories they were driving light trucks and staff cards, serving as messengers, welders, and full-time mechanics, and-in the Army Air Corps-working on the general maintenance of airframes and engines.
On 28 June 1943 (signed 1 July 1943) came the final decision to integrate the WAAC with the US