In the opening scene of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, we see Rebel fighters dressed in those blue/black uniforms. Now I get why this is done from a storytelling perspective so we can immediately tell the good guys from the bad guys. But is there an in-universe explanation for the difference?
For instance Leia initially claims they are on a diplomatic mission. They’re almost hiding in plain site as it were. Which stands to reason the uniforms of her soldiers means they would have been “official” soldiers (if this was indeed a diplomatic mission). The ship (a Corellian CR90 corvette) was also something used by both factions was it not?
So later on when we view the rebel base on one of Yavin’s moon, all the rebel soldiers are wearing the same uniform. Is there anything that explains why this is? When I thought about this, my initial theory would be that perhaps they were all from Alderaan. It stands to reason the troopers on Leia’s ship would have been from her own planet and that a larger proportion of them would have joined the rebellion since her adopted “father” (Bail Organa) was sympathetic to the Jedis and the Rebellion.
But it would be difficult to think that the rebels would go “Oh hey, you’re joining us cool, wear this blue uniform so that we recognise you and the Empire will as well.”
Is this ever officially explained?
Answer
UPDATE: I don't have any visual proof that this is accurate, but the Essential Guide to Warfare (EU/Legends canon) says:
While the Alliance had no standard uniform for its troopers, it did manage to outfit many of them in helmets and uniforms reminiscent of those worn by Planetary Security Forces ground troops in the final decades of the Republic.
Imperial propaganda noted that that these uniforms were the same as those worn by Alderaan defense troops, and that was true - but such uniforms had been worn by better-funded Planetary Security Forces across the Core, Colonies and Inner Rim.
When the Empire took over the Planetary Security Forces, a glut of such uniforms and equipment became available...
The irony that the Empire had effectively outfitted many Rebel irregulars ...
At the very least, Telos SF had similar helmets.
And here we see (Clone Wars, so Disney Canon) Alderaan Security Forces member:
Even leaving aside that wonderful retcon above, it really didn't matter story-wise!
George Lucas and Alan Dean Forsters ANH novelization very explicitly hint that everyone - both Vader/Empire, and the Tantive VI occupants - knew that it was a Rebel ship and diplomatic cover was basically BS on this mission.
They won’t trust the word of rebel-owned machines that we don’t know anything of value. (C-3PO)
...
“Where is the data you intercepted?” Vader rumbled dangerously. “What have you done with the information tapes?”
...
“Senator Leia Organa,” Vader rumbled softly, though strongly enough to override her protests. His pleasure at finding her was evident in the way he savored every syllable.
“Don’t play games with me, Your Highness,” he continued ominously. “You aren’t on any mercy mission this time. You passed directly through a restricted system, ignoring numerous warnings and completely disregarding orders to turn about—until it no longer mattered.”
The huge metal skull dipped close. “I know that several transmissions were beamed to this vessel by spies within that system”This means that there wasn't really any point in dressing up Rebel troopers in a way to camouflage their belongings - if they were caught, they would all be dead because of their mission anyway.
A small band of armed humans suddenly appeared, rifles held at the ready. Their expressions were as worry-wrinkled as their uniforms, and they carried about them the aura of men prepared to die.
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