The Circle C Cowboys
Organized in 10 regiments (each complete with an M24 tank platoon, horse cavalry platoon, motorcycle platoon) the U.S. Army’s Constabulary units patroled a huge chunk of what later became West Germany between 1946 and 1952. Equipped with machine-gun armed Jeeps and M8 Greyhound armored cars, they policed a population of over 16 million people who generally weren’t happy to see them.
They also wore a unique uniform while they did so.
From a great essay at ArmyHistory.org:
Constabulary troops wore distinctive uniforms distinguishing them from other Army personnel. Their highly shellacked helmet liners had a blue stripe sandwiched between two bright yellow stripes completely encircling the liners, with the Constabulary insignia on the liner front. While on duty, they wore yellow scarves and specially designed boots. The boots were old-style cavalry boots that were cut down and worn with the pants legs bloused, similar to paratroopers. The mounted and motorcycle troopers wore the three-buckle cavalry boots. Mounted troops wore the pre-war riding breeches with four-pocket blouses. All personnel wore leather belts, holsters, and accessories. Vehicles also featured the distinctive stripes and Constabulary insignia. Jeeps had white bumpers with black unit markings. The Germans referred to the Constabulary as the “Lightning Police,” while the U.S. servicemen referred to the Constabulary as the “Circle C Cowboys.”

