Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps

Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
The Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps serve to distinguish Marines from members of other services.
Among current uniforms in the United States Armed Forces, the Marines' uniforms have been in service the longest.
The Marine Dress Blue uniform has, with few changes, been worn in essentially its current form since the 19th
century.
Dress uniform
The Marine Corps dress uniform is an
elaborate uniform worn for formal or
ceremonial occasions. Its basic form of
a blue jacket with red trim dates back
to the 19th century.[1] It is the only
U.S. military uniform that incorporates
all three colors of the U.S. Flag. There
are three different variations of the
Dress uniform: Evening Dress, Blue
Dress, and Blue-White Dress; only
officers and staff non-commissioned
officers (SNCOs) are authorized to
wear the Evening Dress. Until 2000,
there was a White Dress uniform,
left to right: Utility Uniform, Uniform, Service Uniform, and Evening Dress uniforms
similar in appearance to the U.S.
Navy's Dress White uniforms, but
worn by officers only (in a manner similar to that of the Dress White uniforms worn in the U.S. Coast Guard). This
uniform has since been replaced with the Blue/White Dress uniform for officers and SNCOs.
Blue Dress
The most recognizable uniform of the Marine Corps is the Blue Dress
uniform, often seen in recruiting advertisements. It is often called
"Dress Blues" or simply "Blues". It is equivalent in composition and
use to civilian black tie. The various designations are listed in
descending order of formality:
• Blue Dress "A" has a long-sleeved midnight blue coat (enlisted
members have red trim) with a standing collar and belt (white web
belt and gold waistplate for enlisted; midnight blue for officers with
a gold M-buckle), white barracks cover (a peaked cap), plain white
Officer Blue Dress Uniform. From left to right:
shirt, sky blue trousers (midnight blue for general officers), white
"C","A","A","B","C"
gloves, and black dress shoes and socks. Full-size medals are worn
on the left chest, with ribbon-only awards worn on the right.
Marksmanship badges are not worn. Women wear pumps in place of shoes, and may wear a skirt in place of
slacks. For men, the dress coat is cut to be formfitting.
1
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
2
• Blue Dress "B" is the same as "A", but medals are replaced with
their corresponding ribbons and all are consolidated on the left
chest. Marksmanship badges may be worn.
• Blue Dress "C" is the same as "B", but a khaki long sleeve
button-up shirt and tie replace the outer blue coat and white gloves.
Ribbons and badges are normally worn on the shirt.
• Blue Dress "D" is the same as "C", but with a khaki short sleeve
button-up shirt and no tie.
Enlisted Blue Dress Uniform. From left to right:
"B","B","A","D","C"
Because the Blue Dress uniform is considered formal wear, Blue Dress "C" and "D" are rarely worn. The main
exception are Marine Recruiters and Marine Corps Security Guards, who wear the "C" and "D" in warm weather.
Only the "B", "C", and "D" Blue Dress uniforms are authorized for leave and liberty wear; the "A" is not.
Officers, NCOs, and SNCOs wear a scarlet "blood stripe" down the outer seam of each leg of the blue trousers.
General officers wear a 2 in (5.1 cm) wide stripe, field- and company-grade officers have a 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wide
stripe, SNCOs and NCOs have a 1.125 in (2.86 cm) wide stripe. General officers wear trousers that are the same
color as the coat, while all other ranks wear medium (sky) blue trousers. A blue boatcloak with a scarlet lining is
optional.
A blue crewneck sweater, in the same color shade as that of the trousers, may be worn with the "C" and "D"
uniforms, in which case rank insignia will continue to be worn on the collar by officers, and all wearers will display
rank insignia on shoulder epaulettes (brushed brass for enlisted). The collar is worn on the outside of the sweater in
order to display the rated rank insignia of officers. When wearing the crewneck sweater with the long sleeve khaki
shirt, a tie is not required.
Blue-White Dress
Prior to 1998, the "Blue-White" dress uniform was authorized to be
worn for the ceremonial units at Marine Barracks, 8th & I in
Washington, D.C. (most famously the Silent Drill Platoon and Color
guard). Since then, it has become the authorized summer dress uniform
for all officers (it replaced, in 2000, an all-white uniform, similar in
appearance to that of the Naval Officer/CPO white dress uniform),
SNCOs (unless they are in formation with NCOs and junior enlisted
personnel who are not authorized to wear the uniform), and by NCOs
and junior enlisted personnel for ceremonies and social events only, if
authorized and provided by the command structure.
Blue-White and Red Dress Uniforms
Like the Blue Dress uniform, the Blue-White Dress consists of an "A" and "B" uniform, and is worn in the same
manner as that of the Blue Dress uniform, except for the trousers, skirt, or slacks being white instead of blue. Unlike
the Dress Blues, the Blue-White Dress uniforms do not feature the "blood stripe". As with the Dress Blues, the "A" is
not authorized for leave and liberty wear. The white trousers are not authorized for wear with either the long-sleeved
or the short-sleeved khaki shirt, precluding the "C" and "D" uniforms.
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
3
Red Dress
To differentiate themselves from the infantry, musicians—at that time, buglers and signal callers—would reverse the
traditional colors. Today's Marine Corps musicians still carry on this tradition by wearing a scarlet blouse with blue
trim instead of the Dress Blues blouse. Currently, the Red-Dress uniform is worn only by members of the United
States Marine Band and the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, both based in Washington, D.C.; members
of the twelve fleet bands wear standard Marine uniforms.
Like the Blue-White Dress uniform, musicians are not authorized to wear the khaki shirts with the Red-Dress
uniform. Should the condition warrant (e.g., summer heat), the band will wear a white shirt with the appropriate
Dress uniform trousers (with the exception of the white trousers).
Evening Dress
The Evening Dress is the most formal (and by U.S. Military standards,
the most elaborate) of the Dress uniforms, and is the equivalent of
white tie in usage. It is only authorized for wear by officers and
SNCOs, and only a required uniform item for senior officers (Majors
and above). It comes in three varieties:
• Evening dress "A" For male officers, it consists of an evening coat
with strip collar, white waistcoat, and white shirt with pique placket.
The stripe on the midnight-blue trousers is a thin red stripe inside a
gold embroidered stripe. Female officers wear a mess jacket with
scarlet lapels, a white dress shirt, a red cummerbund, and a long
skirt. Miniature medals and badges are worn.
Evening Dress. From left to right: SNCO, "A",
"B"(General officer), "A" with boatcloak, "B"
• Evening dress "B" is identical to Evening Dress "A" except men wear a scarlet waistcoat (General officers) or
cummerbund (all other officers), and women may wear a short skirt. Miniature medals and badges are worn.
• SNCO Evening Dress Staff Non-Commissioned Officers wear a semi-formfitting mess-jacket with historic
1890s-era rank insignia sewn on the sleeves, a black bow tie and sky blue trousers. Miniature medals and badges
are worn.
A blue boatcloak with a scarlet silk liner is optional. Junior officers not required to possess Evening Dress may
substitute Blue or Blue-White dress "A". It is appropriate for such occasions as State functions, inaugural receptions
and dinners, and formal dinners.
Service uniform
The service uniform consists of green and khaki colors. It is roughly
equivalent in function and composition to a business suit. It is the
prescribed uniform when
• serving on a court-martial
• making official visits and calls on American and foreign dignitaries,
officials, and military officers.
• visiting the White House, except when in a tourist capacity, or on an
occasion where another uniform is specified.
• reporting for duty onshore
Like the Blue Dress uniform, the service uniform is authorized for
wear while off-duty (i.e., while on leave or liberty).
The service uniforms are designated:
Officer Service Uniform. From left to right:"C",
Service with all-weather coat, "A", "A", Service
with sweater
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
4
• Service "A" (or Alpha) is the base uniform. It consists of a green
coat, green trousers with khaki web belt, khaki long-sleeve
button-up shirt, khaki tie, tie clasp, and black shoes. The coat is cut
to be semi-form fitting, with ribbons and marksmanship badges
worn on the left chest of the coat. Women wear a green necktab in
place of the tie, pumps instead of shoes, and have the option of
wearing a skirt instead of slacks. It is sometimes appropriate to
remove the jacket while indoors.
• Service "B" (or Bravo) is identical to the "A" except the coat is
removed. Ribbons may be worn on the shirt.
Enlisted Service Uniform. From left to right: "C",
Service with sweater, "B", "A", "B"
• Service "C" (or Charlie) is identical to the "B" except with a short-sleeve button-up shirt and no tie.
There are two types of authorized headwear for the service uniform. Both men and women may wear the green soft
garrison cap, sometimes nicknamed a "piss cutter".[2] There is the option of wearing a hard-framed service cap
(called a Barracks Cover). The design of these covers differ between women and men. As on the Blue Dress
uniform, officers wear rank insignia on the shoulder epaulettes of their jackets and the collars of their shirts, while
enlisted personnel wear rank insignia sewn on their sleeves.
A green crewneck sweater may be worn with the "B" and "C" uniforms, in which case rank insignia will continue to
be worn on the collar by officers and all ranks will wear rank insignia on shoulder epaulettes (black for enlisted). The
collar is worn on the outside of the sweater in order to display the rated rank insignia of officers. When wearing the
crewneck sweater with the long sleeve khaki shirt, a tie is not required.
Utility uniform
The Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform or MCCUU is intended for
wear in the field or for working parties, but has become the typical
working uniform for all deployed and most garrison Marines and
Sailors.[3] It is rendered in MARPAT digital camouflage that breaks up
the wearer's shape, and also serves to distinguish Marine uniforms
from those of other services. Previously, Marines wore the same utility
uniforms as the Army. It consists of MARPAT blouse and trousers,
MARPAT Utility Uniform
green undershirt, and tan (specifically "olive mojave") suede boots.
There are two approved varieties of MARPAT, woodland/winter
(green/brown/black) and desert/summer (tan/brown/grey). To further distinguish the uniform, upon close
examination, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor can be found within the pattern.
MARPAT variants: woodland (left) and desert (right)
The variety worn depends on the environment and season: Deployed Marines wear whichever color is more
appropriate to the climate and terrain; Marines in garrison wear the woodland MCCUU in winter months, and the
desert MCCUU in summer months (the transition occurs simultaneously with Daylight Saving Time).[4] Formerly,
the desert MCCUU was worn with rolled sleeves in garrison, with the sleeves of the blouse tightly folded up to the
biceps, exposing the lighter inside layer, and forming a neat cuff to present a crisper appearance to the otherwise
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
formless uniform. In the past, when Marines wore the same utilities as the Army and Air Force, this served to
distinguish them from the other branches, who folded the sleeves in with the camo facing out. In Haiti, the practice
earned them the nickname "whitesleeves". However, on October 24, 2011, the Commandant of the Marine Corps
ordered that Marines will no longer roll their sleeves, regardless of what uniform color and time of year. This
decision has been met with mixed reviews, both for and against. [5]
Both officers and enlisted wear rank insignia on each collar, which is affixed like a pin and not sewn on as in the
Army/Air Force. Enlisted insignia is always black, while officers wear bright metal insignia in garrison and subdued
insignia (or none at all) in the field. Most badges and breast insignia are authorized for wear on the utility uniform,
shined or subdued as appropriate. Landing Support Marines also wear the Red Patch insignia.
Unlike the dress and service uniforms, utility uniforms are not permitted for wear on leave or liberty (i.e., while
off-duty), except when traveling in a vehicle between a place of duty and a residence, or in emergency stops.
The approved headwear is the utility cover, an eight-pointed brimmed hat that is worn "blocked", that is, creased and
peaked. In the field, a boonie cover is also authorized. The trouser legs are "bloused", or the cuffs are rolled inside
and tightened over their boots with a spring or elastic band known as a "boot band" or "blousing garter". With the
introduction of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), Marines now wear color-coded rigger's belts
instead of the old web belt, indicating their level of proficiency in MCMAP (the web belt was phased out in 2008
due to a requirement for all Marines to achieve a tan belt rank by then).[6]
In combat, Marines will also wear one of two ballistic vests: the Outer Tactical Vest and the newer Modular Tactical
Vest, as well as the Lightweight Helmet (replacing the PASGT helmet) and Improved Load Bearing Equipment.
Marines in a combat area may also wear Flame resistant organizational gear, or FROG uniforms. These combat
uniforms are designed to reduce fire-related injuries, and look quite similar to the MCCUU. Other individual
equipment may be worn as directed.
The wearing of the MCCUU by civilian contractors deploying with Marine units was granted early in the Iraq War,
but rescinded in early 2008.[7]
Physical training uniform
The Physical training uniform or PT uniform consists of one of the
following pairs:
• green nylon shorts and cotton t-shirt (shirts with unit logos can be
authorized)
• green sweatpants and sweatshirt with the Marine Corps emblem
printed in black on the left chest and thigh [8]
• The green tracksuit with gold and scarlet "Marines" lettering and
reflective trim [9] [10] was unveiled during a tour of Iraq in
CMC Gen Conway leads a unit run wearing the
December 2007, by Commandant of the Marine Corps General
new running suit on the Marine Corps birthday
James Conway.[11] It began to be issued to Marines free of charge in
February 2008 and will be mandatory possession by the end of FY 2010.[12]
In addition, Marines can wear a watch cap and gloves in cold weather, or a hydration pack to prevent dehydration.
5
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
6
Miscellaneous
The following items may be worn at the individual's discretion, except
when in formation, ceremony, inspection, or when the commander
decrees that uniformity is required:
• Grey all-weather coat (which is a double-breasted trenchcoat with
removable liner) is authorized for wear with all uniforms during
inclement and cold weather (the Silent Drill Platoon has its own
special Dress-blue greatcoat)
• Grey tanker jacket is authorized with the Dress "C" and "D" and
Service "B" and "C" except when the all-weather coat is worn
• Wool service sweater will be worn with rank insignia on the
shoulder epaulettes:
A drill instructor (left) wears the campaign cover
• Blue service sweater may be worn with the Dress "C" and "D"; enlisted Marines will wear gold pin-on rank
insignia
• Green service sweater may be worn with the Service "B" and "C" as well as with the MCCUU (under the
blouse); enlisted Marines will wear black pin-on rank insignia
• Gloves may be worn at the individual's discretion except when in formation ceremony (white for Dress, black for
Service, black or olive green for Utilities)
• Olive green undershirt with a unit insignia or other design may be worn in lieu of the green undershirt for the
MCCUU or with the PT uniform (a custom shirt will not be mandatory unless provided without cost to the
individual)
• Umbrellas and purses may be worn or carried by female Marines when appropriate if they are black and plain
• Female Marines may wear the Service or Utility maternity uniforms when the standard items will no longer fit.
There is no maternity dress uniform, while the maternity MCCUU comes in both woodland and desert patterns.
• Various organizational clothing items may be worn with the utility uniform during inclement or cold weather, to
include the All Purpose Environmental Clothing System (APECS) parka and trousers, the Combat Desert Jacket,
or rain poncho.
• Plain black and white plastic name tags may be worn above the right breast pocket of the dress and service
uniforms only when mandated by the commanding officer. This is usually seen by instructors at schools or
conferences, such as by drill instructors or NROTC advisors.
• Drill instructors and certain range personnel (such as Primary Marksmanship Instructors) wear the campaign
cover (with several nicknames) with the service and utility uniforms when they are in an instructing billet, such as
at recruit training or related activities.
Working uniforms will be worn when the individual's duties require, to include coveralls, flight suits, cooking &
medical uniforms, and other safety clothing like goggles, gloves, or aprons.
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
7
Wear by Navy personnel
Naval officers and enlisted sailors assigned to Marine units are
authorized to wear all Marine uniforms except the Dress and Evening
Dress uniforms. When wearing Marine uniforms, Naval personnel
must meet Marine grooming and physical regulations, as well as
replace Marine insignia with U.S. Navy insignia whenever feasible.
These members of the Fleet Marine Force include Doctors, Dentists,
Nurses, Medical Service, Hospital Corpsmen, Chaplains, Religious
Programs Specialists, Lawyers, Legalmen, Naval Gunfire
Coordinators, Divers, and Naval Academy midshipmen who are
selected for Marine officership.
A sailor wears the MCCUU with Fleet Marine
Force insignia
Most Marine units will have, at minimum, Naval medical and religious personnel, who will be issued and required to
wear the MCCUU; wear of other Marine uniforms is optional. Medical battalions and dental battalions, being almost
entirely Naval officers and sailors, may direct other uniform wear. Other units, such as artillery, aviation, or legal
units, may have other Naval personnel attached, and issued Marine uniforms.
Insignia, rank, and other accoutrements
Like any uniform, Marine uniforms have many accoutrements whose
symbolism may not be obvious. One of the most notable adornments is
the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, found in some manner on most
uniforms; it is even within the MARPAT digital camouflage pattern. It
is also the standard cap badge for all uniform covers. An older insignia,
progenitor to the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor can be seen in modern
dress and service coat buttons.
The "blood stripe" is found on the outside seams of the dress uniform
pants of NCOs, SNCOs, and officers. Tradition holds that it represents
the high casualty rates of those leaders during the Battle of
Chapultepec.[13] Officers wearing the Evening Dress uniform also have
additional gold trim on the trouser stripe.
Officer uniform insignia
Various uniforms display rank insignia differently. Enlisted Marines
will wear chevrons on the sleeves of all uniforms but the Utility and
other working uniforms: gold stripes on red for the Dress coat, green
stripes on red for the service coat, green stripes on khaki for the khaki
short and long sleeve shirts, and black metal or plastic pin-on insignia
on the collar of the utility and other working uniforms and the all
weather coat. The same insignia is pinned on the epaulettes of the wool
sweaters and tanker jacket. Officers will wear large insignia on the
Enlisted uniform insignia
epaulettes of dress, evening dress, and service coats as well as sweaters
and tanker jacket; smaller insignia is worn on the collar of all other uniforms (officers in a combat environment may
wear subdued insignia, where flat black replaces silver and flat brown replaces gold). Chief Warrant Officers who
are designated "Infantry Weapons Officer" with an MOS of 0306 (also known as "Marine Gunner") replace their left
insignia with a gold or black bursting bomb. Navy personnel authorized to wear Marine uniforms wear their assigned
rate. Musicians in the United States Marine Band replace the crossed rifle in their insignia with lyres to denote their
non-combat role.
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
8
Marines wear awards in several ways. Large medals are authorized only on the Dress "A" uniform, while awards for
which no medal was struck will have ribbons mounted on the opposite pocket. Miniature medals are worn on the
Evening Dress uniform, and are authorized for wear with civilian tuxedos when appropriate to the event. Other dress
and service uniforms are worn with ribbons and weapon qualification badges, though the unit commander may
decide to forgo the latter. Breast insignia, also known as badges, are similarly worn, though individuals have the
option of wearing subdued insignia on the utility uniform.
The buttons on the dress and service coats are reminiscent of Marine insignia prior to the adoption of the Eagle,
Globe, and Anchor. The quatrefoil -- the cross-shaped braid worn atop an officer's cover—is a distinguishing part of
the Marine officer's uniform. The design is of French origin, and is a tradition from the pre-Civil War era when
officers wore a rope cross on their caps to allow sharpshooters high in the rigging of a sailing ship to identify his
allies in a battle. Enlisted Marines wear service stripes on the cuff of the dress and service coats, each stripe denoting
four years of service as a Marine. The standing collar of the dress coat is reminiscent of the uniform that earned
Marines the nickname "Leatherneck".
Green cartridge belts and/or brassards can be worn by personnel in an authoritative or ceremonial duty status (such
as drill instructors or fire watch sentries), wearing such items regards the individuals as "under arms" whether they
are actually carrying a weapon or not. As such, they do not uncover indoors. During ceremonies, officers have the
option of wearing a Sam Browne belt and the Mameluke sword, and Noncommissioned Officers may wear the NCO
sword. The current Mameluke sword is modeled on the sword presented to First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon by the
Ottoman Empire viceroy, Prince Hamet, in 1804, during the First Barbary War, as a gesture of respect and praise for
the Marines' actions at the Battle of Derne.[13]
Members of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments wear the French Fourragère to represent the multiple awards of the
Croix de Guerre by the French government in World War I.
Comparison with the Army
Marines are sometimes confused with United States Army. This was more prevalent when both services wore the
same utilities, but with the introduction of unique digital camouflage patterns (MARPAT for the Marines, UCP for
the Army), this is no longer a point of confusion. There are several other significant differences:
• Marines do not wear berets, and wear boots only with the utility uniform, while certain airborne-qualified and
ceremonial Army units are authorized to wear shined black boots with service/dress uniforms. Both services make
exceptions for boots with other working uniforms, such as coveralls, aviation, and cold weather uniforms.
• The Marine utility cover is an 8-pointed creased and peaked cover,
the Army uses a rounded kepi-style patrol cap. Unlike the Army,
Marines do not wear rank insignia on the cover, instead there is an
Eagle, Globe, and Anchor in the middle of the cap. The Army used
to wear beret in garrison but has since changed the policy back to
wearing the patrol cap in garrison and in field (Airborne, Special
Forces, and Rangers may wear their distinctive berets in garrison).
The cloth helmet covers formerly were required to have iron-on
EGAs, but this has fallen into disuse. Marines may also wear the
creased garrison cover or a barracks cover with their service
uniforms, while the Army wears berets and service cap with theirs.
• Marines do not roll up the sleeves of camouflage utilities. In the
past, Marines rolled up their sleeves such that the light-colored
inside of the sleeve was visible. Other services rolled up their sleeves inward.
Various 8-point utility covers
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
• Marines now wear predominantly dark green or tan camouflage utilities (switching between woodlands in winter
and desert in summer, and as appropriate to the theater of operations), while the ACU is a light green, tan and
gray uniform intended for all climates. Marines most often wear a green undershirt with their utilities, while most
Army units wear a sand-colored shirt.
• Marines are not authorized to wear their utility uniforms off-base while on leave or liberty, except while in a
vehicle traveling to or from base, or in an emergency. The Army offers more leeway in this regard, but still
prohibits casual wear of utilities, especially in social or drinking scenarios.[14]
• The Marine service uniform is an olive green coat with a waistbelt and worn with khaki shirt and tie. The Army's
current service uniform is a dark blue coat with a white shirt, previously referred to on a regular basis as the
"Dress Blue" uniform (the green coat with light green shirt and white coat are being phased out in favor of the
blue uniform).
• The Marine service and dress uniforms displays fewer items - only rank insignia, ribbons, marksmanship badges,
and breast insignia. The Army Service Uniform contains, in addition, branch insignia, distinctive unit and
regimental distinctive insignia, combat and special skill badges (e.g., Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat
Medical Badge)--some of which correlate to Marine breast insignia--shoulder sleeve insignia (only on the green
service uniforms), and skill qualification tabs above current unit shoulder sleeve insignia like the Ranger Tab or
Sapper Tab.
• Likewise, Marines wear few items on their utilities, compared to the Army, which wear American Flag patches,
shoulder sleeve insignia, service tabs, and have the option of wearing subdued combat and special skill badges
when in garrison. Typically, the only distinguishing features on Marine utilities are service and name tapes;
Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem; rank insignia; breast insignia (which is not worn in the field) and (depending
on the personnel) the Red Patch.
• Marines never salute without a cover. This precludes the vast majority of Marines from saluting inside, where
covers are removed except for those individuals under arms (or wearing a duty belt, a method of symbolically
being under arms without a weapon). Soldiers are permitted to salute uncovered when reporting to a superior.[15]
History
Replica 1812-era uniform Archibald Henderson in dress uniform, circa 1820
On 5 September 1776, the Naval Committee published the Continental Marines uniform regulations specifying green
coats with white facings (lapels, cuffs, and coat lining),[16] with a leather high collar to protect against cutlass slashes
and to keep a man's head erect.[17] Its memory is preserved by the moniker "Leatherneck", and the high collar on
Marine dress uniforms. Though legend attributes the green color to the traditional color of riflemen, Colonial
Marines carried muskets. More likely, green cloth was simply plentiful in Philadelphia, and it served to distinguish
Marines from the red of the British or the blue of the Continental Army and Navy. Also, Sam Nicholas's hunting
club wore green uniforms, hence his recommendation to the committee was for green.[1] [18] [19]
9
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
10
At the second founding of the United States Marine Corps in 1798, the Secretary of War authorized a blue uniform
edged in red; blue chosen for naval ties, and red with sentiment for Royal Marines and John Paul Jones's Marines
tradition of wearing red.[20] A year later, Marines were issued leftover uniforms from Anthony Wayne's Legion, blue
with red facings. It was the beginnings of the modern "dress blues". The uniforms also came with a round hat, edged
in yellow.[17] In 1834, President Andrew Jackson reinstated the green and white jackets of the Colonial Marines,
with gray trousers. However, the dye on these faded quickly and in 1841 the uniform was returned to the blue—this
time with a dark blue coat and light blue trousers with a scarlet stripe down the seam for officers and NCOs.
World War I-era uniforms: field (left) and dress (right)
In 1859, new dress uniform regulations were issued; the new uniform had a French-style shako with an unpopular
pom-pon. There was also the option of a fatigue cap, fashioned after the French képi.[17] In the expeditionary period
post Civil War, Marines began wearing a khaki field uniform, better suited to tropical and arid environments. In the
1890s, the Marines adopted some practical changes to the field uniform, adding a campaign cover, with a large
Marine emblem on the side, and canvas leggings.[1] [21]
When the size of the Corps grew in preparation for World War I, Marines were forced to adapt surplus uniforms
from the Army to clothe its troops. The green service uniform was adapted with a standing collar, while khaki
uniforms were worn in combat. The garrison cap was introduced, originally to be worn overseas, as it could easily be
carried when wearing the steel helmet. This marked the first time Marines, as well as other U.S. service members,
wore distinct combat and non-combat field uniforms, in addition to dress uniforms. The service uniform was
designated for ceremonies, garrison, and leave.
Sometime after World War I, the tradition of a "uniform of the day" designated by the unit commander was created
to ensure uniformity of troops, now that there was a wide variety of uniforms available for wear. Also born was the
tradition of reporting to a new duty station in the Service "A" uniform. In 1926, the standing collar on the service
uniform was changed to a rolled-flat collar, but the dress uniform collar remained standing. A khaki version of the
service uniform was adapted as well, for use in summer months.[22]
At the start of World War II, the Marine Corps had four standard
uniforms. Dress Blues could be worn with a white canvas belt, a
leather belt, or a blue cloth belt for officers, but their issue ceased in
early 1942 except for recruiters and ceremonial units for the duration
of the war.[23] The green winter service uniform, issued with a coat and
a shell cordovan belt for enlisted men with a Sam Browne belt for
officers (until a cloth belt of the same material replaced both in 1943),
was initially worn as a field uniform (such as the 1st Provisional
Marine Brigade in Iceland wearing them daily). The garrison cap was
reintroduced, originally to be worn overseas, but quickly became
standard. The summer khaki service uniform featured pointed pocket
flaps, as opposed to the Army's trousers having only front pockets.
Beginning with a prewar deployment to Guantánamo Bay in early
A World War II-era Major in winter service,
summer service, & dress white uniforms
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
1941, a fiber pith helmet began to replace the campaign hat worn in tropical areas and by recruits in training, but was
eventually phased out as field uniforms were eventually replaced with utilities and helmets in November of that year.
Marine combat uniforms were adapted from Army inventories again, a tradition that would continue through until
the adoption of the MCCUU in 2000. However, they made more extensive use of camouflage, due to the jungle
environment being more suitable for era patterns,[24] such as the reversible camouflage uniform was issued to some
units in 1943.
The introduction of women into the Corps doubled the number of uniforms, as
women had an equivalent for every male uniform. After the war, female
uniforms became close to their male equivalents as women were more closely
integrated into the Corps, and the green service uniform was worn year-round as
the khaki summer version was discontinued. In the late 1980s, the full white
dress uniform coat was discontinued, though the white dress trousers remain in
use for ceremonial units today.
After the Korean War, khaki utilities were replaced by olive drab versions. The
Battle Dress Uniform became the standard utilities in the early 1980s, with the
woodland and 6-color desert patterns available. After the Gulf War, the 3-color
desert pattern was developed to address deficiencies, worn until the MCCUU
was adopted in 2000.
Swagger sticks were once in vogue in the Corps, starting as an informal
accessory carried by officers in the late 19th century. In 1915, it gained official
approval as recruiters were encouraged to carry them to improve public image.
This tradition grew when Marines deployed for World War I encountered European officers carrying swagger sticks,
leading to an entry in the uniform regulations in 1922 authorizing enlisted Marines to carry them as well. The usage
died down in the 1930s and 40's, excepting China Marines, and returned in vogue when a 1952 regulation
encouraged them; reaching a peak from 1956 to 1960, when Commandant Randolph M. Pate encouraged use.
However, his successor, David M. Shoup, quickly made them optional[25] and discouraged their use, and they have
not been used since.[26]
Marine in Vietnam War-era utilities
and armor
References
[1] Chenoweth, USMCR (Ret.), Col. H. Avery; Col. Brooke Nihart, USMC (ret) (2005). Semper fi: The Definitive Illustrated History of the U.S.
Marines. New York: Main Street. ISBN 1-4027-3099-3.
[2] "Marine Corps Uniforms" (http:/ / www. hqmc. net/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=47& Itemid=29). Marine For Life. .
Retrieved 2008-07-17.
[3] ALMAR 035/07 (http:/ / www. marines. mil/ news/ messages/ Pages/ Archive/
WEAROFTHEMARINECORPSCOMBATUTILITYUNIFORM. aspx) directing wear of the MCCUU
[4] ALMAR 007/08 (http:/ / www. marines. mil/ news/ messages/ Pages/ MESSAGES198. aspx) directing seasonal uniform changes
[5] Freedman, David H. (2000). Corps Business: The 30 Management Principles of the U.S. Marines. New York: Collins.
[6] ALMAR 034/07 (http:/ / www. marines. mil/ news/ messages/ Pages/ Archive/
MARINECORPSMARTIALARTSPROGRAM(MCMAP)UPDATE. aspx) directing all Marines to earn at least a tan belt by CY 2008
[7] ALMAR 004/08 (http:/ / www. marines. mil/ news/ messages/ Pages/ MESSAGES160. aspx) rescinding permission for civilians to wear the
MCCUU
[8] "MCSysCom Infosheet PT uniform" (http:/ / www. marcorsyscom. usmc. mil/ sites/ pmice/ InfoPapers/ Clothing/ PTUniform. pdf) (PDF). .
Retrieved 2007-10-31.
[9] "Feedback sought on PT threads" (http:/ / www. marinecorpstimes. com/ news/ 2007/ 01/ mcptuniform070115/ ). Marine Corps Times.
2005-10-27. . Retrieved 2007-08-30.
[10] Lance Cpl. Bryan G. Carfrey (2008-02-29). "New Running Suit Unveiled" (http:/ / www. quantico. usmc. mil/ Sentry/ storyview.
aspx?SID=1701). Quantico Sentry. . Retrieved 2008-03-14.
[11] Johnson, Kimberley (December 7, 2007). "Conway unveils new running suit in Iraq" (http:/ / www. marinecorpstimes. com/ news/ 2007/ 12/
marine_conway_running_suit_071204/ ). Marine Corp Times. . Retrieved 2007-12-09.
[12] Program Manager, ICE data sheets (http:/ / www. marcorsyscom. usmc. mil/ SITES/ PMICE/ CPTUniform. asp)
11
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps
[13] Kelly, Jack (April 12, 2009). "Kill the pirates" (http:/ / www. post-gazette. com/ pg/ 09102/ 962110-373. stm). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. .
Retrieved 2009-04-14.
[14] Chief of Staff (3 February 2005). "3 Temperate, Hot-Weather, and Enhanced Hot-Weather Battle Dress Uniforms" (http:/ / www. usapa.
army. mil/ pdffiles/ r670_1. pdf) (PDF). Army Regulation 670–1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. United States Army.
pp. 17, par. 3–3. .
[15] "1" (http:/ / www. usapa. army. mil/ pdffiles/ r600_25. pdf) (PDF). Army Regulation 600–25: Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy.
United States Army. 24 September 2004. pp. 1, par. 1–5c. .
[16] Smith, Charles Richard; Charles H. Waterhouse (1975) (PDF). A Pictoral History: the Marines in the Revolution (http:/ / www. marines.
mil/ news/ publications/ Documents/ A Pictorial History-The Marines in the Revolution PCN 19000317900. pdf). United States Marine Corps
History Division. . Retrieved 2008-08-22.
[17] Simmons, Edwin Howard (2003). The United States Marines: A History, 4th Edition. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press.
ISBN 1-59114-790-5.
[18] United States Marine Corps, Report on Marine Corps Duplication of Effort between Army and Navy December 17, 1932. Contains a very
detailed account of almost all the actions of the Continental Marines and USMC until 1932. It's available in scanned TIFF format from the
archives of the Marine Corps University.
[19] Smith, Charles R., Marines in the Revolution: A History of the Continental Marines in the American Revolution, 1775-1783, illustrated by
Major Charles H. Waterhouse, USMCR, History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 20380, 1975.
Forward and Table of Contents online at http:/ / www. scuttlebuttsmallchow. com/ marrevwat. html
[20] Guidebook for Marines (http:/ / www. usmcpress. com/ guidebook. htm) (18th ed.). Quantico, VA: Marine Corps Association. 2001. p. 11. .
Retrieved 2008-09-05.
[21] USMC entry (http:/ / www. diggerhistory. info/ pages-uniforms/ american-usmc. htm) on Digger History
[22] USMC Service Uniform in WW II (http:/ / www. olive-drab. com/ od_soldiers_clothing_combat_ww2_usmc_service. php) on
olive-drab.com
[23] p.30 Rottman, Gordon L. US Marine Corps 1941-1945 1995 Osprey
[24] USMC WW II Camouflage Uniform (http:/ / www. olive-drab. com/ od_soldiers_clothing_combat_ww2_usmc_camo. php) on
olive-drab.com
[25] Shoup, Gen David M. (4 January 1960). "Inaguration remarks to staff" (http:/ / www. tecom. usmc. mil/ HD/ Docs_Speeches/ Swaggerstick.
htm). United States Marine Corps History Division. . Retrieved 2 February 2010.
[26] Borsh, Fred L.; Robert F. Dorr (2009-03-16). "Swagger stick reached its zenith in the 1950s" (http:/ / militarytimes. com/ projects/
usmcbirthday/ history/ index. php#swagger). Marine Corps Times (Gannett Company): pp. p38. Archived from the original (http:/ /
marinecorpstimes. va. newsmemory. com/ default. php?token=bdca7c50457300a3208d58ac225fa273& pSetup=marinecorpstimes) on
2009-11-14. . Retrieved 2009-03-10.
• McClellan, Maj Edwin N. (1932). Uniforms of the American Marines, 1775-1829 (http://www.tecom.usmc.
mil/HD/PDF_Files/Pubs/Uniforms of the American Marines 1775 to 1829 PCN 19000411100.pdf) (1982
reprint ed.). Washington, D.C.: History & Museums Division, United States Marine Corps.
• Capt Neary, Donna J. (1983). "U.S . Marine Corps Uniforms 1983" (http://www.marines.mil/news/
publications/Documents/Marine Corps Uniforms 1983 Color Prints PCN 19000316200.pdf) (PDF). United
States Marine Corps. Retrieved 2008-08-22.
• Hilliard, Jack B.; Doris S. Maley (1975). Making a Continental Marine Uniform (http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/
HD/PDF_Files/Pubs/Making a Continental Marine Uniform.pdf). Washington, D.C.: History & Museums
Division, United States Marine Corps.
External links
• "Marine Corps Uniform Regulations" (http://www.marines.mil/news/publications/Pages/MCO P1020.34G
W CH 1-4.aspx). MCO P1020.34G W/CH 1-5 (United States Marine Corps). 31 March 2003. Retrieved
2008-09-05.
• Marine Uniform Regulations (http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/mcub/library/MCUR/URTOC.htm)
• Permanent Marine Corps Uniform Board (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/mcub/)
12
Article Sources and Contributors
13
Article Sources and Contributors
Uniforms of the United States Marine Corps Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=466222381 Contributors: Acowgirltease, Adam McMaster, AubreyEllenShomo,
AustralianRupert, Bahamut0013, Binksternet, Bobby H. Heffley, Bobo192, Buistr, Bunns USMC, Chris the speller, Colonies Chris, DODCTR, Deathofthedungeonmaster, Deeter063, Delta-2030,
DerHexer, Discospinster, Doug4422, Dumelow, ERcheck, Eromrab, Ewhalen, Fanman904, Foofbun, Fourthords, GCW50, Gfoley4, Greenshed, Groundsquirrel13, Gsperla, Hakoniwa,
Happysailor, Heroeswithmetaphors, Hmains, Hotspur23, IW4, Intgr, Iridescent, Jack Bethune, Jasonmassengale, JeremyGonz, Jigen III, JohnDoe0007, Jonorza, Kainaw, KaragouniS, Kbdank71,
Kentm0300, Kenyon, Kumioko, Laerwen, Lastgladen, Lexa bexa, Lightmouse, LilHelpa, Looper5920, LordJesseD, M, Melesse, Mmx1, Mrtharp, Murraypaul, NearTheZoo, Nobunaga24,
Novis-M, Nrschmid, NuclearWarfare, Ocatecir, Oknazevad, Ouketi.ego, Pbroks13, ProdigySportsman, QueenofBattle, Rich Farmbrough, Richardcavell, Rillian, Rjwilmsi, Rmbrittain,
Roundhere44, Rwboa22, Ryptide, SGalliver, SHCarter, Sandstein, Seamus45, Septegram, Signalhead, Skinny McGee, Solicitr, Srich32977, Stephan Leeds, Struthious Bandersnatch, Tabletop,
Theconster, Tmaull, Toukairin, Ulric1313, VAcharon, Vanished 6551232, XLerate, ZachPG, 209 anonymous edits
Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors
File:USMC uniforms.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:USMC_uniforms.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: Bahamut0013
File:PlateIII Officer Dress Uniform.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:PlateIII_Officer_Dress_Uniform.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader
was Mmx1 at en.wikipedia
File:PlateIV Enlisted Dress Uniform.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:PlateIV_Enlisted_Dress_Uniform.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader
was Mmx1 at en.wikipedia
File:PlateVIII Blue White and Drum Corps.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:PlateVIII_Blue_White_and_Drum_Corps.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors:
Original uploader was Mmx1 at en.wikipedia
File:PlateV Evening Dress.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:PlateV_Evening_Dress.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader was Jigen III at
en.wikipedia
File:DutyDressOfficer.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:DutyDressOfficer.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Bahamut0013, GrummelJS, KTo288
File:DutyDressEnlisted.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:DutyDressEnlisted.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Bahamut0013, GrummelJS, KTo288
File:MARPAT combat.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:MARPAT_combat.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Bahamut0013, GrummelJS, Mattes, Smat
Image:MARPAT woodland pattern.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:MARPAT_woodland_pattern.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: created by Henrik
Clausen, uploaded by Novis-M
Image:MARPAT desert pattern.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:MARPAT_desert_pattern.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: created by Henrik Clausen,
uploaded by Novis-M
File:20091110 USMC birthday CMC's run.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:20091110_USMC_birthday_CMC's_run.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Sgt.
Michael S. Cifuentes
File:US Navy 080829-N-8848T-896 Marine Gunnery Sgt. Sandra Center, a drill instructor at Officer Candidate School, congratulates Ensign Elizabeth Swart, from Harbert, Mich.,
.jpg Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:US_Navy_080829-N-8848T-896_Marine_Gunnery_Sgt._Sandra_Center,_a_drill_instructor_at_Officer_Candidate_School,_congratulates_Ensign_Elizabeth_Swart,_from_Ha
License: Public Domain Contributors: Benchill, 2 anonymous edits
File:Navy fleetmarine.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Navy_fleetmarine.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Coffee Atoms, Plyhmrp
File:PlateXI.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:PlateXI.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Bahamut0013, KTo288
File:MarineEnlistedUniformAccessories.png Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:MarineEnlistedUniformAccessories.png License: Public Domain Contributors: Capt
Neary, Donna J.
File:Cover mccuu.JPG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Cover_mccuu.JPG License: Public Domain Contributors: bahamut0013wordsdeeds
Image:BirthdayPageant 29Palms 081104-M-6603L-059.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:BirthdayPageant_29Palms_081104-M-6603L-059.jpg License: Public
Domain Contributors: Cpl. Nicole A. LaVine, USMC
Image:Archibald Henderson.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Archibald_Henderson.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: unknown
Image:BirthdayPageant 29Palms 081104-M-6603L-046.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:BirthdayPageant_29Palms_081104-M-6603L-046.jpg License: Public
Domain Contributors: Cpl. Nicole A. LaVine, USMC
Image:Hulbert HL.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Hulbert_HL.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: ERcheck
File:MarineMajor-3uniforms.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:MarineMajor-3uniforms.jpg License: Public Domain Contributors: Hollem, Howard R., photographer
File:Marine in Vietnam era uniform.JPEG Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Marine_in_Vietnam_era_uniform.JPEG License: Public Domain Contributors:
User:KTo288, User:Shotgunlee
License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/