TBS 2-67 Cruisebook_Updated_7Jan23

OpOrd TBS 2‐67
About the Title
The term "Green Side Out" (and its complement "Brown Side Out") originated back in the "Old Corps" when our
camoulaged utilities, shelter halves, Camoulage Nets, and other 782 gear had a green (jungle) pattern on
one side, and a brown (desert) pattern on the other side. SOP's, Op Orders, other written and/or verbal
guidance, and sometimes even common sense dictated which "side" was to face outward
It was a term frequently use by troops and junior oficers, often in exasperation when "The Word" was changed
(as we know frequently happens)...as in "Green Side Out...No, Brown Side Out...No, belay that, Green Side
Out"...etc. This also had signiicance when a vehicle had to be repainted, or when a camoulage net had to be
re‐done (i.e. from 70% green‐30% brown to the opposite pattern. This was manual labor back in the day.)
Now we are issued (or buy) a separate entire wardrobe for operations in jungle or desert terrain, packs and
other 782 gear are reissued or painted over, cammy paint comes in different colored tubes, vehicles and
rolling stock get a new rapid paint job and decals...or just "skinned" with new appliques..."Green Side (Brown
Side) Out" has lost its practical and colloquial meaning.
For our group, TBS Class 2‐67, it identiied with the location many of us were heading for, and the jungle/rice
paddy war we were about to join...and the color of the camoulaged utilities, poncho liners, etc. that we were
(eventually) issued, and that became a signature icon of our Corps for years to come.
"Green Side Out, Brown Side Out, Run in Circles, Scream and Shout" ...or so the story goes.
O‐3