Mercenary Kilt

Several months ago, I was surfing my kilt wearers support group xmarksthescot and read an interesting post about a man that had a tartan designed. I did some research, some web surfing and found out that anyone can design and register a tartan. A little light went off, and I thought to myself, "Self, wouldn't it be great if the mercenaries in Iraq had their own tartan?"

I contacted Matt Newsome at the Scottish Tartan Museum and shared with him my idea. Matt was wonderful, he really worked with me to design a tartan appropriate for our mission and our teams. Matt gave me some great advice and some very helpfull suggestions. He really went out of his way to make sure this project was nothing less then remarkable.



This week, Matt has registered our tartan with the Scottish Tartan Authority in Scotland. I sent out several emails to friends and friends of friends, explaining my idea. The response was amazing. Private Military Contractors from all over the world wanted in on the commissioning of this tartan. We all chipped in $57, and Matt went to work. Each member that participated will be able to receive a certificate from Scotland showing the registration of the tartan and the tartan description will include all of our names. I am going to post a copy of the description and a swatch that will be similiar to what the tartan will look like. (computer imaging and actual colors will differ slightly) Full names were left out of this post, for operational security and safety. You do not have to be a private military contractor to buy the cloth or wear the kilt. Although I stated in the description the tartan is authorized for members, direct support and immediate family, I would in no way take offense to anyone that wanted to contact Matt, order their own yards and wear our colors proudly.(and also, As long as your not a white flag raising poof, convict, wannabe french guy, no cowards please.)

Operation Iraqi Freedom; PSD tartan:


This tartan, designed by Matthew Newsome, was commissioned by "The Baghdad 12" (listed below) in January of 2006, to commemorate the service of the Private Military Contractors serving as Personal Security Detail during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The colors in this tartan were chosen for their particular symbolism to the PSD members: Brown and tan represent the Iraqi desert we served in; green is for the new Iraq we strive to create; the red is the blood we shed; and the black is the life of our friends laid down for our mission. PSD members, direct support staff, and immediate family are authorized to wear this tartan.

PSD Tartan participants: "The Baghdad Twelve".

Jason Thomas King, PSD Medic, Staten Island, New York;

William, PSD Team Leader, Oregon;

Ian, PSD Operator, Scotland;

Tommy, Weapons Specialist, Texas;

Robert, PSD Team Leader, Idaho;

James, PSD well gunner;

Pennie, Security;

Michael, Iraq;

Paul, PSD Medic, Texas;

Jason, PSD Team Leader, Tennessee;

Maaka, PSD Specialist, Baghdad Iraq;

Roger, PSD Medic, South Africa;