You may recognize a Marine's blue dress uniform at a ceremony but see a very different uniform during training. The Marine Corps uses several uniforms, and the coat, shirt, and trousers help you tell them apart. This guide covers the main types and the occasions they are used for.
1. What Are the Main Marine Corps Uniforms?
Dress Uniforms
Dress uniforms include Blue Dress, Blue-White Dress, and Evening Dress. Blue Dress is the familiar ceremonial uniform. Blue-White Dress uses white lower garments, while Evening Dress is a separate uniform for formal evening occasions.
Service Uniforms
Service uniforms include the A, B, and C combinations. They use green service trousers or a skirt with a khaki shirt. Service A adds the green service coat.
Combat Utility Uniforms
Combat utility uniforms are working and field uniforms. They use MARPAT camouflage and are built for training and operational use.
Physical Training Uniforms
Physical training uniforms are for fitness activity and are separate from service or field wear.
2. When Are Different Marine Uniforms Worn?
At a ceremony, Marines wear the uniform prescribed for that event, which may be dress or service uniform. Service uniforms also cover office and other official duties. Utilities are used for working and field activities, while PT clothing is for exercise. Marines normally follow the uniform prescribed by their command for that day or event.
3. How Can You Tell Marine Uniforms Apart?
Blue Dress Uniform
Blue Dress A and B include a dark blue coat. A uses large medals; B uses ribbons instead. Blue Dress C and D do not use that coat: C uses a long-sleeve khaki shirt, and D uses a short-sleeve khaki shirt. Blue Dress is not the most formal option for every occasion; Evening Dress is prescribed for certain formal evening events.
Service Uniform
Look for green service trousers or a skirt. Service A includes the green coat, Service B uses a long-sleeve khaki shirt without the coat, and Service C uses a short-sleeve khaki shirt. This is more useful for identification than simply calling the uniform "green."
MARPAT Combat Utility Uniform
The Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform has a camouflage coat and trousers rather than a dress or service coat. MARPAT means Marine Pattern. The name describes the camouflage, not a separate dress-uniform category.
4. Why Current Uniform Guidance Matters
Use MCO 1020.34H, chapter 2 for the uniform categories and prescribed uses. Check the Marine Corps Uniform Board for later updates. If you need current guidance, follow the latest Marine Corps order or event instructions, rather than relying on old photos.
5. Conclusion
Marine uniforms have different jobs. The right way to identify one is to look at the setting, the colors, and whether it is dress, service, utility, or PT wear.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Marine Corps Blue Dress Uniform?
It is a dress-uniform family used for ceremonies and other prescribed occasions. Blue Dress A and B include the blue coat; C and D use khaki shirts without that coat.
What Is MARPAT?
MARPAT is the Marine Corps camouflage pattern used on combat utility uniforms.
Can a Marine Wear Their Uniform in Public?
It depends on the uniform and the circumstances. For example, the uniform order permits Blue Dress B for leave and liberty, but not Blue Dress A. Combat utilities have stricter rules for off-base wear, so Marines should follow the current order and command guidance.
