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Introduction to MCJROTC Uniforms

|Purpose |

|THIS LESSON PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF THE VARIOUS MARINE CORPS |

|UNIFORMS FROM THE COLONIAL TIMES THROUGH TODAY’S MCJROTC UNIFORM.|

|ALSO PRESENTED IS AN OVERVIEW OF INSIGNIA, DEVICES AND AWARDS |

|WORN ON THE MCJROTC UNIFORM. |

Introduction

The word uniform comes from two Latin words, unus and forma, which mean “one form”. From the earliest times, soldiers in battle have needed a way to distinguish friend from foe. When the battles involved people from different cultures; for example, Romans and Gauls or Crusaders and Moslems, it was fairly easy to tell who was on the opposing side. However, identification became a problem for early European armies. Many of the soldiers were mercenaries who would fight in any army that could pay them. Usually, each soldier was responsible for providing his own clothing and equipment. The result was that on the battlefield many armies looked very much alike.

The development of uniforms eliminated the problem of distinguishing armies. It also served to identify ranks and arms of service in each army. In modern times, the origins of uniforms stem from the late 1660s. The King of France, Louis XIV, introduced uniforms to distinguish the various regiments of the French army. These early uniforms were very colorful, more suited for parade field than the battlefield. Images of the British “Redcoats” and Napoleon’s “Grande Armee” come to mind.

By the end of the nineteenth century, however, the realities of war drove home the need for functional uniforms that could help conceal the wearer. World War I saw the bright reds and blues disappear to be replaced by green, grays, and khakis. Today, this trend continues with camouflage uniforms, some of which are specially designed to reduce unwanted reflection (an example of this is subdued rank and insignia).

The Marines have worn a variety of uniforms throughout their long and glorious history. The uniforms of the United States Marine Corps are unique, displaying the pride and history of the Corps itself.

History of the Marine Corps Uniform

The uniforms worn by the United States Marine Corps have changed with the passage of time. When the Continental Marines were organized in 1775, their uniform consisted of green coats with white facings, white waistcoats, white breeches, short black spats (called “spatterdashes”), and round felt hats. Every Marine, officer and enlisted, wore a leather neckpiece from which we get the name “leatherneck.” The neckpiece was designed to keep the head erect to maintain a constant military appearance. It is also said that this leather neckpiece protected the throat from saber slashes. In 1798, the Corps was reformed and the Marines wore surplus Army clothing. This consisted of a blue coat, scarlet vest, and tight blue trousers with thin scarlet stripes.

In 1804, the first Uniform Regulations were issued, again providing for white trousers. The felt hat was also changed to a shako with pompon that was worn during the War of 1812. Another traditional part of the uniform that dates from this period is the Mameluke sword. It gets its name from the style of its cross-hilt and ivory grip, derived from Moslem swords. Marine officers began to carry swords of this pattern following the campaign against the Barbary pirates in North Africa (1801-1805).

It was not until 1822 that NCO chevrons were introduced. Captains and lieutenants also wore chevrons until 1830. Four years later, the handsome blue, white, and scarlet uniforms were shelved for green coatees with buff facings and for gray trousers with buff stripes for officers and NCOs. This color combination, however, was not popular and lasted only a few years.

In 1839, the traditional Marine Corps colors of blue, white, and scarlet were restored. The 1839 uniform was a blue coat with red piping, standing collar and leather neckpiece, and white crossbelt. In summer, troops wore white trousers. In winter, these were changed to sky-blue trousers (with scarlet stripes for officers and NCOs). In 1839, the Marine Corps Band wore red coats, as did all field musicians, which are still worn today. Except for changes in cut, headgear, and accessories, the 1839 uniforms are the blues of today.

At the time of the Civil War, the service uniform was virtually a copy of the Army uniform. The dress uniform, however, was an eye-catcher. Even privates wore gold epaulettes, white crossbelts, and high-crowned hats with scarlet pompons. This uniform lasted until 1875 when the headgear was replaced with a blue or white spiked helmet. An all white tropical uniform with standing collar and the first field uniform (composed of coarse gray “cheesecloth” material and Army pattern blue flannel shirts) was also issued. At this time, a part of Marine Corps tradition ended when the leather neckpiece was abolished after exactly 100 years as part of the uniform.

The war with Spain in 1898 brought the need for new types of uniforms. The blue blouses and spiked helmets were unsuitable for field service in Cuba and the Philippines. A new khaki linen uniform with a brown felt campaign hat was issued. This uniform with a standing collar became the standard field uniform of the Marine Corps. In 1912, a forest green uniform was adopted for winter field service. With a few minor differences, the dress uniforms of this period are still in use today.

During World War I, the Marines in France wore Army olive drab uniforms with wrapped cloth spiral puttees. After the war, the Marines went back to standard combinations of blues, khakis, and greens. The khaki uniform was the standard field uniform when the Corps campaigned in Haiti, Nicaragua, and Santo Domingo. In fact, khaki was the first field uniform for most of the Marine Corps units that fought in the Pacific in the early months of World War II. By the end of 1942, the green utility uniform and field shoes had been adopted, replacing both the khaki uniform and felt field hat.

With the arrival of utilities, the basic field outfit of the Marine Corps uniforms had reached virtually what it is today. Camouflage clothing was first issued in Vietnam as a special item. In the late 1970s, however, it was adopted as the standard utility uniform and remains so today

Marine Corps Uniforms of Today

Presently, Marine Corps uniforms are divided into three categories: dress, service, and utility. Each type, for both male and female personnel, is described in the following sections.

Dress Uniforms

For parades, ceremonies, reviews, and official social occasions, Marines wear what are termed dress uniforms. Marine Corps personnel wear two forms of dress uniforms. These are the Blue-White Dress and Blue Dress uniforms. Some forms of dress uniforms may also be worn on leave or liberty. There are two combinations of dress uniforms that are of interest to MCJROTC personnel. These are designated dress B and C. There are significant differences between the dress uniforms for male and female personnel.

Blue-White Dress A Uniform: The blue-white dress A uniform consists of the same items as the blue dress A except the trousers/skirt/ slacks will be white. This uniform may only be prescribed for official parades, ceremonies, reviews, and formal/ semiformal social occasions and will not be worn on leave or liberty. 

The blue-white dress B uniform consists of the same items as the blue-white dress A uniform, except that ribbons are worn in lieu of medals (shooting badges may be prescribed). This uniform will be worn under the same conditions as the blue dress B uniform. This uniform can be worn on leave and liberty.

Blue Dress A Uniform: Marines wear this uniform when reporting for sea duty, parades, ceremonies, reviews, and other occasions as determined by the commander. It may also be worn for leave or liberty. It should be noted that the blue dress B uniform is identical to the blue dress A uniform except that ribbons are worn in place of medals.

Blue dress C Uniform: This uniform consists of the blue dress uniform with the long sleeve khaki shirt. The khaki shirt, insignia of grade, and (for male personnel) service necktie with necktie clasp may be prescribed instead of the blue coat. For female personnel the khaki shirt and black neck tab may be prescribed instead of the blue coat. The blue dress C uniform may be worn as the uniform of the day. However, it will not be worn at ceremonies, parades, liberty, leave, or other functions where the wearing of the blue coat would be more appropriate.

Blue dress D Uniform: The blue dress uniform with short sleeve khaki shirt (without coat) is designated as blue dress D. Commanders may prescribe blue dress D as the uniform of the day for specified occasions or duties. During the winter uniform period, commanders may, at their discretion when the weather requires, authorize blue dress D as the uniform of the day. Commanders may prescribe this uniform for honors, parades, and ceremonies where climatic conditions preclude the comfortable wear of the blue dress A or B uniforms. This uniform is authorized for leave or liberty.

Service Uniforms

For most day-to-day activities, Marine personnel wear what are termed service uniforms. There are three forms of service uniforms, designated A, B, and C. Although both male and female personnel use the same designations for service uniforms, there are naturally differences between them. There are also set service uniform guidelines.

Service A Uniform: Marines wear this uniform combination when they report for duty on shore or are assigned duty as members of a court-martial. Women may wear either the long or short sleeve khaki shirt and green neck tab with this uniform. The service A uniform includes the appropriate service coat. However, when it is prescribed as the uniform of the day, it is considered appropriate to remove the coat when inside office buildings of a military establishment.

Service B Uniform: (with long sleeve shirt and tie) is the same as the service A uniform except that the service coat is not worn. For women this uniform consists of the long sleeve khaki shirt and green neck tab with appropriate green skirt. This uniform may be worn as the uniform of the day and for leave and liberty, unless otherwise prescribed by the commander, and may be prescribed for formations at parades or ceremonies on and off the military activity. This uniform will not be worn for formal or semi-formal social events.

Service C Uniform: This uniform consists of the quarter-length sleeve shirt with appropriate service trousers. Women may wear the green skirt. No neck tab is worn with this uniform. During the winter season, commanders may, at their discretion, authorize the wearing of the service C uniform if the weather is appropriate. This uniform may be worn as the uniform of the day, for leave and liberty (unless the commander prescribes otherwise), and in formation at ceremonies both on and off the military activity. It shall not be worn for formal or semiformal social events.

Wearing of Slacks: Commanders may authorize female personnel to wear slacks with the service A, B, or C uniforms under the following conditions:

1. For performance of duties that require the individual to run, climb, or perform activities wherein the wearing of the skirt would be impractical or immodest.

2. When riding in a government airplane configured for cargo or driving government vehicles, such as trucks.

3. When specifically prescribed for ceremonial formations, inspections, parades, or other ceremonies.

4. Slacks may also be authorized for all women Marines under extreme weather conditions.

Utility Uniforms

The camouflage utility uniform is not authorized for wear except when in the field for field-type exercises or for those work conditions wherein it is not practical to wear the service uniform. An exception to this is in the Fleet Marine Forces wherein the wear of the utility uniform by designated units is an enhancement of readiness. (Note that a green T-shirt is to be worn with the utility uniform.)

Physical Training Uniform

The required physical training (PT) uniform consists of the green general purpose trunks and the standard brown or green undershirt. The wear of footwear or headgear with this uniform will be as prescribed by the commander. No unit distinguishing marks or other ornamentation will be placed on the uniform. This uniform will be prescribed for all command PT activities except on those specific occasions when the commander determines that the wear of another uniform or other clothing is more appropriate.

Undergarments

Male personnel are required by regulations to wear standard underwear, either boxer or jockey style, white in color. There are no regulations regarding the style or color of undergarments for female personnel.

Being “Out of Uniform”

The wearing of the uniform should be a matter of personal pride to all Marine Corps personnel. Officers and enlisted Marines are required to maintain their uniforms and equipment in a neat and serviceable condition. By their appearance, they set an example of orderliness and conformity to uniform regulations. For these reasons, it is important that all Marines avoid being out of uniform. Primarily, this refers to unauthorized mixing of uniform combinations. For example, male personnel are not permitted to wear the blue trousers of the blue dress B uniform with a short sleeve khaki shirt from the service C uniform. Refer to Table 1 at the end of this chapter for an explanation of uniform combinations.

In addition, elements of civilian clothing are not to be mixed with parts of the uniform. On the uniform itself, care must be taken to ensure that all insignia, indications of grade, and medals/ribbons are correctly positioned and aligned. Lastly, uniform components such as footwear, panty hose, laces, and other elements must conform to regulation standards. Attention to the care and proper wearing of the uniform reflects the pride of individuals in the Marine Corps and themselves.

According to Marine Corps Regulations on the wear and appearance of uniforms, “all personnel will maintain a high standard of dress and appearance.” This regulation means that your personal appearance in uniform should project the image to others that you are a part of one of the finest groups in the world.

Learning how to look your best in uniform takes time and effort. Your uniform must be sized and fitted to give you comfort and a good appearance. There is nothing worse than pants, shirts, or coats that do not fit. Your pants should be hemmed to the required length and your shirt and coat, issued by size, should also fit well.

The MCJROTC Uniform

Members of the MCJROTC will wear the uniform and insignia in accordance with MCO P1020.34F, and as amplified by MCO P1533.6.

The district headquarters will provide specific instructions relating to the procedures of requisitioning, control, issuing, maintenance, recovery, and replacement of MCJROTC uniforms.

A JROTC Memorandum Receipt for Uniform Issue (4430) will be filled out for each cadet of the unit.

The SMI will determine which uniform items will be issued and the uniform of the day worn by the cadets so long as that issue does not exceed allowances listed in Appendix N (male) and Appendix O (female) of MCO P 1533.6. This local SMI discretion will comply with established Marine Corps uniform regulations. At no time is the wearing of civilian attire with the MCJROTC uniform authorized (i.e., red windbreakers, baseball cap styled covers, etc.). The MCJROTC uniform will be worn at least once weekly by all cadets of the unit.

Marine Corps Junior ROTC Cadet Officer Insignia

The description for cadet company and field grade officer insignia is set forth below:

a. The cadet company grade officer insignia consists of a flat disk, ¾ of an inch in diameter (large size) and ½ an inch wide in diameter (small size).

b. The Cadet field grade officer insignia consists of flat lozenges, ¾ of an inch wide by 1 ¼ inches long (large size) and ½ an inch wide by ¾ of an inch long (small size).

c. All cadet officer insignia will be of silver metal.

Placement of MCJROTC officer disks and lozenges on the uniform will be in the manner prescribed for the Marine Corps general officer insignia. The lozenge will be worn as follows:

• Coat -- the long axis will point fore and aft.

• Shirt (including shirt w/quarter length sleeves) -- one long axis point of each lozenge will point toward the top edge of the collar.

• Garrison cover -- right front and centered.

Only the grade insignia set forth in Appendix R of MCO P1533.6 is authorized for cadet officers and will be furnished at Government expense.

Marine Corps Junior ROTC Cadet Enlisted Insignia

The cadet enlisted gold on scarlet MCJROTC insignia will not be sewn on the blue coat, instead, the gold metal cadet rank insignia will be placed on the coat epaulette, and the plastic grade insignia will be worn on the collar of the utility coat and khaki shirts as set forth in MCO P1020.34. Scarlet on green MCJROTC insignia will be worn on the green coat. No other style of enlisted grade insignia will be authorized for wear on the MCJROTC uniform.

The MCJROTC enlisted grade insignia contains a Lamp of Learning device in lieu of crossed rifles used in the Marine Corps. The Lamp of Learning signifies intensive study, a source of intellect, and moral and spiritual illumination. The Lamp of Learning is the heraldic device associated with Junior ROTC.

Distinguishing Devices

School patches and the MCJROTC distinctive patch are the only distinguishing devices authorized for wear on the MCJROTC uniform.

A distinctive MCJROTC round patch will be worn on the left sleeve of all outer clothing except the service sweater and AWC. It will be centered on the outer half of the sleeve, ½ inch below the shoulder seam as set forth in MCO P1020.34F for all uniform clothing. The patch will be three inches in diameter and contain a gold Marine Corps emblem centered on a scarlet field that is surrounded with a blue border containing the words “US Marine Corps Junior ROTC” in white lettering. A gold border surrounds the blue field. Distinctive MCJROTC patches, including the cost of sewing on and removal of the patches from uniform clothing, will be furnished at Marine Corps expense.

In addition to the required distinctive patch, one school patch may be worn on the right sleeve of all outer clothing, except the service sweater and AWC, centered on the outer half of the sleeve, ½ inch below the shoulder seam. Patches will be from two inches to 2-1/2 inches in length or diameter.

A 9/16 of an inch wide red stripe for blue uniform trousers will be worn by all MCJROTC cadets.

Awards

Awards are for the purpose of publicly recognizing meritorious service and outstanding achievement that distinguishes an individual or unit from others.

They provide a means of recognizing individual cadets for their performance and participation in the MCJROTC Program. The proper use of awards can improve morale and provide an incentive for greater efforts and achievement. However, the indiscriminate employment and proliferation of awards can destroy their intended purpose.

Only those awards, decorations, and badges prescribed in MCO P1533.6 will be worn by cadets on the MCJROTC uniform, per MCO P1020.34. Other service JROTC medals and ribbons can be worn as set forth in MCO P1020.34.

MCJROTC Ribbon Awards

The CG, MCCDC (C 462R) authorizes ribbon awards to recognize superior performance by units or individual cadets. These awards are designated to recognize participation in MCJROTC activities and certain extracurricular school activities that require special dedication and effort beyond the normal MCJROTC course requirements.

Seniority of Ribbon Awards

The MCJROTC ribbon awards are listed in order of seniority:

• Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement

• MCROA Outstanding Unit Award

• American Legion Bronze Medal for Scholastic Excellence

• American Legion Bronze Medal for Military Excellence

• Sons of American Revolution JROTC Bronze Medal

• Daughters of the American Revolution JROTC Bronze Medal

• Military Order of the World Wars Bronze Medal

• The Retired Officer Association ROTC Award

• Veterans of Foreign Wars JROTC Bronze Medal

• Daedalian JROTC Achievement Award

• Outstanding Cadet Award

• Women Marine Association Award

• National Sojourners Award

• Noncommissioned Officer Association Award

• Student Leadership Award

• Officer Leadership Award

• Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Award

• Civic Service Award

• Best Drill Cadet Award

• Distinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

• Arts and Academic Award

• Distinguished Military Training Award

• Physical Achievement Award

• Superior Marksman Award

• Athletic Participation Award

• Longevity and Fidelity Award

• Distinguished Conduct Award

• Best Drill Squad Award

• Color Guard Award

• Drill Team Award

• Band/Drum and Bugle Team Award

• Rifle Team Award

Local awards, which are personal in nature, will be junior to the Longevity and Fidelity Award. Local awards recognizing members of a group or unit will be junior to the Rifle Team Award. Seniority of local awards in either of these categories will be in the order in which they were received by the individual or unit.

Shooting Badges

Marksmanship qualification badges will be awarded annually following qualification firing. Cadets are authorized to wear the qualification badge that reflects the score received during the most recent annual qualification firing. They will retain qualification until the annual qualification firing the next academic year.

Care of Uniforms and Accessories

The distinctive uniforms cadets wear reflect the justifiable pride felt by members of the Marine Corps JROTC. Keeping these uniforms looking sharp on the parade field and in everyday activities, means spending time in their upkeep. The uniform cannot simply be worn, put away, and forgotten until the next time it is needed. Like any other item of clothing you want to preserve, the uniform requires special care in wearing, storing, and cleaning. The following procedures are outlined to help you maintain your cadet uniform in the proper way. Following these guidelines will ensure that your cadet uniform will always look clean and neat. It will also prolong its life.

General Guidelines for Uniform Wear

No matter how well-fitting a uniform is when new, it will not continue to look its best unless it is well-cared for both during wear and when not in use. A uniform should be carefully put on and kept buttoned. When not in use, uniforms should be carefully placed on hangers. They should be kept in a well-ventilated storage space. Well-constructed wooden hangers shaped to fit the shoulder contour with locking trouser bars are recommended. When uniforms are folded in duffel bags or other containers for storage or shipment, they should be carefully folded. This will preserve their original shape.

Conclusion

The Marine Corps uniform has a proud and distinctive history of identifying its wearer as a member of the finest military organization in the world. The proper wearing of the uniform should be a matter of personal pride to all cadets. Knowing that one’s uniform is clean, neat, and conforming to regulations gives confidence and improves self-esteem. Achieving this, however, does require careful cleaning and storing. By following the provided guidelines, you will be rewarded by a uniform that projects the pride you experience as a member of the MCJROTC.(

|UNIFORM COMBINATION |DESCRIPTION |OCCASIONS FOR WEAR |

|Blue Dress A |Blue coat and trousers/skirt/slacks w/medals |Parades, ceremonies, formal or semiformal |

| | |social functions |

|Blue Dress B |Same as A but w/ribbons in lieu of medals |Parades, ceremonies, formal or semiformal |

| | |social functions |

|Blue-White Dress A or B |Blue coat w/white trousers/skirt/slacks and medals |Parades and ceremonies (summer only) |

| |(A or B) | |

|Blue Dress C |Long-sleeve shirt and tie w/blue |Parades, ceremonies, and uniform of the day |

| |trousers/skirt/slacks | |

|Blue Dress D |Short-sleeve shirt w/blue trousers/skirt/slacks |Parades, ceremonies, and uniform of the day |

|Service A |Green coat and trousers/skirt/slacks w/ribbons |Parades, ceremonies, social events and uniform|

| | |of the day |

|Service B |Long-sleeve shirt w/green trousers/skirt/slacks |Parades, ceremonies, and uniform of the day |

|Service C |Short-sleeve shirt w/green trousers/skirt/slacks |Parades, ceremonies, and uniform of the day |

|Utility Uniform |Camouflage coat and trousers (sweater may be worn |Working uniform only |

| |underneath) | |

Table 1: Uniform Chart

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