Marine Corps evaluates next-generation combat uniform design
Photo By Kristiana Gehly |
Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps’ (PAE MC) Program Manager for Combat......read moreread more
Photo By Kristiana Gehly | Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps’ (PAE MC) Program Manager for Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) is modernizing individual equipment through the development of the Next-Generation Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (NexGen MCCUU), an evolution of the current MCCUU that preserves its familiar character while providing the warfighter with increased comfort and mobility across demanding environments. (Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps photo by Todd Towles) see less
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Marine Corps evaluates next-generation combat uniform design
Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps’ (PAE MC) Program Manager for Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) is modernizing individual equipment through the development of the Next-Generation Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (NexGen MCCUU), an evolution of the current MCCUU that preserves its familiar character while providing the warfighter with increased comfort and mobility across demanding environments.
Designed with Marine feedback in mind, the NexGen MCCUU pairs lighter-weight material with an updated fit intended to better meet the needs of today’s force. New design features include a crotch gusset intended to improve comfort and durability, along with updated sizing and two uniform cuts to better accommodate different body types. Together, these updates are intended to improve mobility and better support Marines during training and operational missions.
“Equipment must evolve continuously to outpace near-peer technological advancements and deliver peak capabilities to the Fleet Marine Force,” said Todd Towles, Clothing and Equipment Team Lead.
"Just like a rifle or an armored vehicle, the combat uniform is a critical piece of tactical gear. Material advantages on the battlefield directly save lives and secure operational success.”
The initial production effort is providing NexGen uniforms for wear testing and user evaluation, with feedback informing future refinements and a path toward potential fielding across the Fleet Marine Force.
As part of an ongoing Limited User Evaluation (LUE), NexGen MCCUUs were issued on Aug. 4 and 5 to Command Staff, Drill Instructors, and recruits from three platoons in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Participants will continue wear testing and complete evaluations at the conclusion of the LUE.
“A Marine who is protected, agile, and unburdened is a faster, more lethal, and more effective kinetic asset. Plain and simple,” explained Towles.
“The next step for the team is a near term fielding to Fleet units for Marine feedback in the different environments and missions our units deploy to. We are also testing articles at Natick Army Lab to ensure we incorporate objective analysis on durability and performance.”
As the effort moves forward, Marine feedback will remain central to ensuring the NexGen MCCUU meets the demands of the Fleet while preserving the tradition and identity Marines associate with their uniform. By keeping the warfighter at the center of the process, PM CSS aims to deliver a uniform that feels familiar to Marines while embracing industry innovation to better support them in the environments where they train, fight, and win.
