U.S. Space Force presents new dress uniforms, drawing sci-fi comparisons

Sept. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Space Force has made public the prototypes of its new uniforms, which immediately drew comparisons to those worn in Star Trek and other science fiction franchises.

The Guardian Service Dress prototype was presented on Tuesday by Gen. John W. Raymond during the Air Force Association's Space Force Air, Space and Cyber Conference.

The military's newest service branch described the uniforms in a tweet as "modern, distinctive, professional uniform."

Raymond explained the six buttons on the uniform's coats are intended to represent Space Force being the military's sixth branch, reports military.com.

Others on Twitter reacted to how the uniform's collar and a diagonal flap that buttons up on the right side resembled those of Starfleet, the fictional organization the Star Trek franchise is centered on.

Others noted the uniform's likeness to those worn in the Battlestar Galactica television series, as well as imperial officers in Star Wars.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman also posted the branch's insignia to Facebook on Monday.

All of the uniform ranks feature a "foundational Delta," reports Stars and Stripes.

Although the triangular shape is also similar to an emblem used in Star Trek, the military has had it in use since 1961, years before the space opera aired.

The branch's three junior ranks feature horizontal stripes representing "terra firma," the ground the service is built on. The three most senior ranks feature curving chevrons representing orbit.

Lt. Col. Alison Gonzalez, Space Force deputy chief of strategy, modeled the new uniform at the conference.

She said the uniform was designed to fit women service members -- typically, the military designs uniforms for men and then adapts them for women, sometimes resulting in bad fits.

Raymond said Space Force is getting feedback on the uniforms and will wear-test them before they are widely distributed.