Ask a Marine – History of the Dress Blue Uniform
The Marine Corps dress blue uniform is the most recognized military uniform of any branch of the service of any country. Marines take great pride in this uniform as we feel it sets us apart from anyone else around us not wearing the uniform. It’s dark blue form fitting coat and blue trousers exude strength, pride, and the core values of the Marine Corps.
The uniform has four variations, dress “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”. The following is from MCO P1020.34G, Marine Corps Uniform Regulations.
3. Blue dress uniforms are designated as follows:
a. The blue dress “A” uniform includes the blue dress coat with large medals. This uniform will not be worn for leave or liberty.
b. The blue dress “B” uniform consists of the same items as blue dress “A” except that ribbons are worn in lieu of medals. This uniform
is authorized for leave and liberty.c. The blue dress uniform with long sleeve khaki shirt (without coat), and tie for male Marines and tab for female Marines, is
designated as blue dress “C.” Commanders may prescribe blue dress “C” as the uniform of the day for specified occasions or duties.
Commanders may prescribe this uniform for honors, parades, and ceremonies on and off the military activity. This uniform is
authorized for leave and liberty. The blue dress sweater may be worn as part of the blue dress “C” uniform at the option of the individual except on those occasions when the wear of the blue coat would be more appropriate. The sweater may be worn as part of the duty uniform both on and off the military installation and for commuting to and from work.The sweater may be worn as the uniform of the day and on leave and liberty but will not be worn for inspections, ceremonial formations, or parades.
d. 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.
Marines.com gives more details on the dress blues.
The buttons featuring the eagle and anchor have been on the uniform since 1804, making them the oldest military insignia in continued use.
The scarlet “blood stripe” runs down each trouser leg of the dress blues worn by Noncommissioned Officers, Staff Noncommissioned Officers and officers. Originally it honored those Marines who fell in the Battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican War in 1847. Today, the blood stripe honors the memory of all our fallen comrades.
The collar of today’s dress blues reflects the original Marine uniform of the American Revolution, which had a high leather neck to help protect Marines from sword blows.
Officer.Marines.com tells us Marines didn’t always have a dark blue coat as an uniform item.
In 1776, Marines wore green jackets featuring a high leather collar to protect against close-combat attacks, but in 1798, the jacket changed to blue to represent the Corps’ naval tradition. In 1841, Marines began wearing a dark blue jacket and light blue trousers. The high collar remains intact on today’s uniform and is also preserved by the nickname “Leatherneck.”
Marines take a lot of pride in wearing the dress blue uniform. Many of it’s elements have a historic connection to remind us of what it means to have earned the title of Marine. The sacrifices of those before us will never be forgotten as long as Marines wear the dress blue uniform.
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Don Halbruner
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:09 pmMy father was a Marine. I remember as a child seeing his Dress Blues. Later in life I also saw numerous Marines in their Dress Blues. Exactly what year did they go from DARK BLUE JACKETS to BLACK “DRESS “BLUE” jackets ?