CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Gen. James F. Amos, the 35th commandant of the United States Marine Corps, has directed that service uniforms will be worn as the uniform of the day on Fridays starting Jan. 4.
All Marines and sailors attached to Marine units, both active-duty and reserve, are required to wear the proper seasonal service uniform unless otherwise directed by their commander on a case-by-case basis.
The service “B” uniform will be worn between the months of November and March. The service “C” uniform will be worn during daylight savings; however, the service “C” uniform will be worn year-round in Okinawa and Hawaii.
“We will be wearing the service “C” uniform all year because of the climate in Okinawa and Hawaii,” said Sgt. Maj. Patrick L. Kimble, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Base Camp Butler and Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “All other units will wear the proper seasonal service uniform as directed by the commandant of the Marine Corps.”
The wearing of service uniforms is designed to ensure Marines are adhering to uniform regulations as put forward in Marine Corps Order P1020.34G and also provides leaders a way to inspect their Marines for proper military appearance, grooming and weight standards.
“Leaders will be able to see that their Marines understand and follow their uniform regulations and correct any discrepancies the Marines have with their uniforms,” said Kimble. “It is a great way to take us back to the basics of attention to detail and self discipline.”
The utility uniforms have been worn more frequently, and the new policy will give the Marines a chance to maintain proficiency in all uniform regulations, according to 1st Lt. Dale V. Query, the training officer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“Many Marines do not wear service uniforms often,” said Query. “As a result, when it comes time to wear them, they tend to not remember the uniform regulations. This will allow Marines to show the pride they have for their uniforms by displaying their awards.”
Marines take a great deal of pride in all they do, and there should be no difference when it comes to wearing their uniforms.
“We are Marines, and we take pride in our uniforms,” said 1st Sgt. Jacob J. Whitley, the company first sergeant for Company B, Headquarters and Service Battalion, MCB Camp Butler, MCIPAC. “I am a fan of the policy. I think it is a good way to get Marines into the garrison mindset after we have been in a combat mindset for so long.”
Although Marines will be wearing service uniforms on Fridays, it will not affect operations, training events, or any Marines’ execution of their normal duties.
“There is no reason why this should affect any unit’s mission,” said Kimble. “For example, if a Marine works as a mechanic, that Marine would simply come to work in the service uniform and get looked at by the leadership (before) changing into the uniform they would normally wear to execute their duties. However, if a Marine was working on administrative paperwork or annual training, they would be in the service uniform.”
The Marine Corps has undergone many changes throughout its history, but one thing stays the same; Marines will adapt and overcome any change as they have always done, according to Kimble.