I am unaware of any well researched essay on the evolution or history of jockstraps in the US military. There is scattered information found in some books on military history. I recall some academic mention of the subject in my undergrad courses toward pursuit of my education degree (Physical Education). There are tidbits of information scattered around the internet, in such places as Alt. Support jockstrap and at the Allkink site. I heard a lot of "scuttlebutt" about military jocks when I was a marketing representative making institutional sales of Bike Athletic products, but have honestly forgotten most of the enlightenment. Certainly the information already shared in this forum is probably the most accurate I have seen so far. I haven't researched the topic in any way comparable to the presentations JSMike has related, but in the next few postings I will try to sort out the history to the best of my limited knowledge. A lot of my comments will probably be a bit thin on accuracy, so JS Mike (or anyone else), please step in and offer corrections or additional info. And rest assured, after perusing my essays, you still will not have read a well researched paper on the evolution and history of jockstraps in the US military. Bob