Presidential Uniform

This is an AHC (my first), sorry for not putting that in the title.

With a POD no earlier than the signing of the Declaration of Independence, have the democratically elected executive leader of the United States (president or some equivalent) use a military uniform decorated with many medals as the standard dress for public functions. Think of the military uniforms worn by European monarchs and modern dictators.

This must be a traditional custom for the position, not a single president who likes to wear a military uniform.
 
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Gaius Julius Magnus

Gone Fishin'
That's really not possible considering the general mood of the country and men creating the government. They didn't want a strong executive, monarchical like figure, so it's not likely they would have the President dress in a monarch like fashion. You'd also have to have Washington not be President as he was rather strongly opposed to such things regarding the Presidency, purposely not wearing his military uniform.

John Adams even got mocked for suggesting a rather flamboyant way to address the President.
 
Like this...?

obama_twitter.jpg
 
So a farther back POD is needed? Keep in mind that this is only for appearance, there is no difference in the powers of the President needed for this to be achieved.
 

Sabot Cat

Banned
During the post-Civil War era, the few Presidents are Union generals who regularly wear military attire, and the first President who isn't still wears the uniform as a matter of custom.
 
With a POD no earlier than the signing of the Declaration of Independence, have the democratically elected executive leader of the United States (president or some equivalent) use a military uniform decorated with many medals ... This must be a traditional custom for the position, not a single president who likes to wear a military uniform.

The president is also the 'President of the Armed Forces of America'. This is a military rank and has a military uniform associated with it, which the president is supposed to wear on all formal occasions.... lest he will be seen as disrespecting the military.

Assigning a POD is tricky since famously neither Lincoln nor FDR wore uniforms (,nor would look particularly dashing in them). So I would go with Theodore Roosefelt and the American-Spanish wars. The US acquires a militaristic bent and having served in the military becomes more or less a perquisite for seeking higher office and failing to give a crisp salute is more damaging then failing in the marital fidelity department. (FDR, having helped with the reorganization of the navy in 1918 would probably get a free pass on both counts...)

For a uniform, I imagine something like a colonel's gala attire in the colors of the branch the President has served in. The insignia would consist out of a simple president's seal worn as a shoulder patch and probably on the chest pocket too. However - as the US is now highly militaristic - individual medal ribbons will be prominently displayed. I mean, if you earned them, everyone should know. They're probably the credentials that brought you into the white house anyway, so keep reminding everyone.
 
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