***There's the term "going commando" for when you neglect to wear underwear. What is the origin of this term, and do commandos typically not wear under clothing?***

# The "Bare" Necessities of Warfare: Unpacking the Origins of "Going Commando"

The phrase "going commando," a colloquialism for not wearing underwear, has its roots firmly planted in military slang, born from the practical and often uncomfortable realities of combat. While the exact moment of its inception is debated, the consensus points to soldiers, particularly elite commando units, who opted to forgo undergarments for reasons of health, comfort, and readiness.

Several compelling theories trace the term's emergence to different 20th-century conflicts. One popular belief is that American soldiers during the Vietnam War coined the phrase. In the hot, humid, and often wet jungles of Southeast Asia, standard-issue cotton underwear could lead to a host of problems, including chafing and debilitating fungal infections, colloquially known as "crotch rot." To improve ventilation and reduce moisture, soldiers would dispense with their underwear, a practice that became associated with the elite special forces, or commandos, operating in the harshest conditions.

Another theory suggests the term originated with British Commandos during World War II. These soldiers, often engaged in amphibious assaults and operating behind enemy lines, would find themselves in and out of water. Wet undergarments could lead to discomfort and skin issues, making the decision to go without a practical one. Similarly, some attribute the phrase to British forces in the Falklands War, who, facing grueling conditions, may have adopted the practice for similar reasons of hygiene and comfort.

Regardless of the specific conflict that cemented the term in the lexicon, the underlying rationale remains consistent: forgoing underwear was a practical adaptation to extreme environments. The phrase is believed to have entered mainstream civilian language as veterans returned home from these wars, bringing with them the slang and customs of military life. Its use in popular culture, notably in the 1990s, helped solidify its place in everyday conversation.

# Do Commandos Actually Go Commando?

The question of whether modern-day commandos typically go without underwear doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer, but the practice is far from a myth. While military dress regulations in garrison environments usually require underwear, the rules often become more flexible during field operations and combat deployments, especially in extreme climates.

The primary reasons for this practice remain the same as those that likely gave rise to the term:

* **Hygiene and Health:** In hot and humid environments, the improved air circulation from not wearing underwear can help prevent fungal infections and other skin irritations.
* **Comfort:** In the demanding and often prolonged operational tempo of special forces, any measure that increases comfort and reduces distractions is a welcome one.
* **Readiness:** While perhaps a less critical factor, the idea of being "ready for anything" at a moment's notice is a core tenet of commando units. In a firefight, for instance, a soldier's immediate and effective response is paramount, and what they are or aren't wearing under their uniform is of little consequence, as anecdotally supported by instances of soldiers being commended for their quick action while in minimal attire.

Ultimately, the decision to "go commando" is often a personal and practical one for soldiers in the field, dictated by the environment and the mission at hand. It is a tradition born out of necessity and a testament to the adaptive nature of soldiers facing challenging conditions.

[Gemini 2.5 Pro] Do soldiers really "go commando"?