The Marines are many things, so it’s no surprise they’re really particular about their uniforms. Of course, we all know they’re entirely reverent about their traditions and heritage. But it turns out that the uniforms they wear are actually rich in history! Ask any Marine and they’ll tell you that every stitch on every uniform symbolizes something. So let’s break down what kinds of uniforms Marines wear and their symbols. Just like every other DoD branch, the Marine Corps has several uniforms. Each is worn on specific occasions.
Cammies
The rest of the military calls this a “daily uniform,” but the Marines like to have their own words for things. The Combat Utility Uniform is what a Marine wears during training, while deployed, and while in garrison. The print Marines rock these days is called “Woodlands.” That changes to “Desert” when they’re in desert surroundings. In cold weather, they wear a white and gray pattern design. Each of these uses the Marine Pattern (MARPAT) design – that’s a small rectangular pixel pattern that helps them blend in better in natural settings.
Speaking of cammies, ever wonder why you always see Marines with their sleeves rolled up? That’s because a2014 decision by the Marine Corps Commandantbrought the rolled sleeves back in style. In 2011, the Corps returned to a sleeves-down policy to help promote uniformity and to help Marines train as they fight. The 2014 sleeves-up decision reflects one of the oldest Marine Corps traditions.
AMarine officer candidatehas you covered if you’re still learning the best way to roll your sleeves.
Related: The Marine Corps has a weapon maintenance problem
Dress Blues
The dress blue uniform is the only DoD-designated uniform that includes red, white, and blue – the colors of the American flag. The uniform is blue, and Marines wear white ceremonial gloves. So where’s the red come in? When a lance corporal is promoted to a corporal, not only is it a bump in rank and comes with more responsibility, but it means the newly designated corporal can add the legendary “Blood Stripe” to their Dress Blue uniforms. This scarlet red stripe commemorates the courage and tenacious fighting of the Marines who fought in the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847. Today, the Blood Stripe symbolizes honor and America’s eternal gratitude for fallen Marines. Traditionally, officers, staff noncommissioned officers, and noncommissioned officers of the Marine Corps all wear the Blood Stripe.
Early in their careers, Marines learn that this uniform represents the values by which they live. In fact, the Dress Blues have origins dating back to the American Revolution. Dress blues are worn at formal events, during ceremonies, and at social functions attended in an official capacity.
Related: The most useful of Robert Rogers’ 28 Rules of Ranging in 2022
Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
The prevailing symbol most widely associated with the United States Marine Corps is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. In fact, it’s the title every single Marine has earned since 1868. You’ll find the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on ceremonial Marine uniforms. The eagle represents the country Marines defend. The globe reflects the USMC’s worldwide presence and impact, not to mention their reputation for being badass. Finally, the anchor reminds all Marines of their naval heritage and the branch’s ability to access any battleground across all coasts worldwide.
Mameluke Swords
No Marine uniform is complete without a kickass sword. During ceremonial duty, officers carry the Mameluke Sword. This is the oldest type of weapon still in service today. The sword represents the USMC’s rich fighting heritage. It serves as a reminder of the Marines who have carried the sword before them. The first Mameluke Sword was given to Lt. Presley O’Bannon in 1805 by a Mameluke Chieftain in North Africa. Armed with his weapon, Lt. O’Bannon and his Marines marched 600 miles to rid Tripoli’s shores of pirates and rescue the USS Philadelphia’s kidnapped crew. Spoiler alert – the Marines won. Within a few years, all officers carried the sword to recognize the first battle American Marines fought on foreign soil.
NCO Sword
Officers aren’t the only ones to wear a sword on their Marine uniform. In fact, a few years after the Mameluke Sword debuted, the NCO Sword was added as a part of the official NCO ceremonial uniform. The M1859 NCO Sword was bestowed to NCOs and SNCOs by the 6th Commandant, Colonel John Harris, in recognition of their leadership in combat.
Feature Image: Two Marines (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Muriah King)
This article by Jessica Evans was originally published by We Are the Mighty.
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep knowledge of military history and traditions, particularly focusing on the United States Marine Corps. My expertise extends to the rich history and symbolism embedded in Marine Corps uniforms. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about Marine Corps uniforms.
1. Cammies (Combat Utility Uniform):
- The Marine Corps uses the Combat Utility Uniform for training, deployment, and garrison activities.
- The Woodlands pattern is worn for general use, changing to Desert pattern in desert environments, and a white and gray pattern in cold weather.
- The Marine Pattern (MARPAT) design, a pixel pattern, aids in better blending into natural settings.
2. Dress Blues:
- The dress blue uniform is distinct with red, white, and blue colors representing the American flag.
- A significant feature is the "Blood Stripe," a scarlet red stripe added to the uniform when a lance corporal is promoted to a corporal. It commemorates the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847 and symbolizes honor and gratitude for fallen Marines.
- Dress Blues have origins dating back to the American Revolution and are worn at formal events, ceremonies, and official social functions.
3. Eagle, Globe, and Anchor:
- The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is a symbol associated with the U.S. Marine Corps since 1868.
- The eagle represents the country defended, the globe signifies the global presence and impact of the USMC, and the anchor reflects the naval heritage and worldwide accessibility of the Marine Corps.
4. Mameluke Swords:
- Officers carry the Mameluke Sword during ceremonial duties, representing the USMC's rich fighting heritage.
- The sword dates back to 1805 when Lt. Presley O’Bannon received the first Mameluke Sword. It symbolizes the Marines' victory in the Battle of Derna during the Barbary Wars.
5. NCO Sword:
- The NCO Sword is part of the official NCO ceremonial uniform and was introduced a few years after the Mameluke Sword.
- The M1859 NCO Sword was bestowed upon NCOs and SNCOs by Colonel John Harris, recognizing their leadership in combat.
These elements showcase the meticulous attention to detail and symbolism in Marine Corps uniforms, reflecting the Corps' traditions, history, and values. If you have any specific questions or if there's another aspect you'd like to explore, feel free to ask.
