Marine Corps Uniform In The 21st Century :: essays research papers

The Marine Corps Commandant General James L. Jones wants to lead the Marines into the 21st century with a new camouflage utility uniform. You may ask, why do the Marines need to differentiate their uniform from other branches; or why do the Marines need a new utility uniform at all. The answer to these questions can be summed up in two words: Forward Movement. Some Marines are having difficulties with the changes that have occurred as well as the changes that are coming. On 1 May 2000 General Jones began to start the transition from the old uniform to the new uniform. Three steps have been taken to change the way Marines look while in their uniform. First, Marines were no longer authorized to wear the brown undershirt. This movement came about to distinguish the corps">Marine Corps as an amphibious branch. The Army Soldier is authorized to wear the brown undershirt, and the Air Force Airman wears a black undershirt. Secondly, a new belt for the utility uniform is currently being implemented. The belts represent the individual Marine’s status in Martial Arts training. The â€Å"rigger’s belt† will be worn in five different colors: Tan, Grey, Green, Brown, and Black. The Marine has an option to don a new color once training for that level has been completed. Finally, the third change involves the utility uniform itself, also known as â€Å"cammies†, giving it a complete makeover. The current cammie design for all branches of the Armed Forces is over twenty years old. The textile industry has made many advances in the production of clothing providing more comfort and durability. Revolutionary advances within the clothing industry, Velcro and zippers, are being tested on the new cammie uniform. Velcro could be used instead of buttons on the pockets, and zippers may replace the buttons on the fly of the trousers. While on garrison duty, zippers may also be used on the blouse, to unzip the arm portion of the sleeve, to avoid rolling up the sleeves in garrison duty during hotter climates. The basic pattern of the cammie uniform will have a face-lift as well. With the exception of angled chest pockets for easier accessibility, the new utilities will have the same design appearance as the today’s cammie uniform. New material that requires no ironing will increase the durability of the cammie material. The material will last longer than that of the current cammie material, which will normally fade in six months.