Blue represents bravery. Red represents sacrifice. White represents honor.
A Marine in uniform is a sight to behold. As a Marine, you will wear a uniform that has for more than two centuries stood for the very best of the United States of America. Freedom and opportunity are the pillars of our nation, and Marines protect them. Only the bravest wear the Marine uniform.
Marines respect tradition, which is why their uniforms have changed little over time. Current dress and service uniforms have become a big part of the Marine image and are steeped in Marine heritage. Their buttons are emblazoned with the oldest American military insignia worn in any service.
Marine dress blues are the only uniforms made up of all the same colors of our nation's flag. Blue represents bravery. Red represents sacrifice. White represents honor. Marines defend their colors and live by them.
The collar of their "dress blues" uniform is similar to the leather stock worn around the necks of their American Revolution-era predecessors, which is how Marines earned the nickname "leatherneck." The scarlet stripe on their trouser leg is the "blood stripe" earned in "the halls of Montezuma." Officers carry the replica of a sword presented by an Arab chieftain after a Marine victory on "the shores of Tripoli" two centuries ago. A desert chieftain presented Marine Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon with a sword - a scimitar - to show his appreciation. Mameluke warriors of North Africa used the scimitar. By 1825, all Marine officers were mandated to wear the Mameluke sword and have done so ever since.
Their hats or "covers" are marked by a quatrefoil to symbolize a white cross used in the days of sailing ships to identify their Marine officers.
Every Marine is a rifleman - regardless of their chosen profession. Shooting proficiency is displayed by the Marksmanship Badge on the uniform: marksman, sharpshooter or expert. Marines carry an M-16A2 rifle, a second generation of the M-16. This rifle is a lighter, more accurate, easier to handle version than the original M-16 and has been used for more than 30 years.
Utility and specialist clothing has continued to evolve as new materials, color patterns, chemical and biological resistant capabilities and other features became available. In fact, the most modern utility uniform has been digitized through computer technology making the new Marine camouflage the most advanced yet. Utility clothing must always meet requirements for battlefield protection and comfort. Yet, every piece represents Marine Corps history and carries the Marine Corps emblem.
As part of the utility uniform, Marines wear Kevlar helmets. Kevlar is a high-composite fiberglass that is also used in bulletproof vests. It provides excellent protection and weighs a fraction of a steel helmet.
Up close, the new Marine combat utility uniform is comprised of computer-generated patterns of squares.
The latest Marine Corps uniform has a distinctive pattern that is unique to the Marine Corps. When viewed up close, the uniform is comprised of computer-generated patterns of squares. The uniform was designed by Marines to improve durability and comfort, as well as survivability. Distinctive to the Marines, the uniform is designed to inspire fear in the hearts and minds of all enemies.
The camouflage pattern is suitable for "every clime and place," and effective for blending into many environments. A woodland computer-generated pattern provides optimum cover for forest areas; the desert pattern works best in urban and arid or sandy environments. The camouflage pattern is more difficult for enemies to see or detect, wet or dry.
The new utility uniforms will have angled chest pockets, name and service tapes. Like previous combat utility uniforms, they will continue to have a sleeve roll and bloused trouser. Upper sleeve pockets have been added for quick access to gear, and elastic on the cargo pocket reduces gear falling out. The embroidered Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem will be on the blouse and covers.
Coordinating headgear and boots are also in production.
Home