"Dress Blue's" now standard issue .....

[Dan Berkery]

I read somewhere that the Dress Blue uniform would now be issued to all Marines at boot camp .... did this really take place ??

Sounds like a great idea.

[semperfi170]

JimmehT -- thanks for the info!

HOWEVER I DIDN'T REALIZE POOLEES QUALIFY AS USMC VETERAN!!!:evilgrin:

[davblay]

There are always questions regarding Dress Blues well here you guys go according to MARADMIN 504/07, this states that all recruits will be issued Dress Blues while in Boot Camp! :marine:


Semper Fi,

Dave

[testforecho2112]

They were standard issue back in my day...I graduated 05FEB1993. I wonder, is it due to budgets that makes the Corps decide to issue them or not?

[ZSKI]

That is what my Recruiter told me today.

I was pretty psyched to hear that, but I would have bought them either way after I complete Boot Camp.

How much were/are they?

from the uniform store? 250 for the jacket, 30 for the pants, 20 for the cover, 10 for the emblems, like 20-25 for the belt, rank patches 5 bucks plus sowing them on, gloves are like 15, then there is tailoring, dry cleaning.

[egbutler1]

I didn't get them issued to me in Boot, we had the chance to buy them there but i was issued 3 pairs for Security Forces turned out that i didn't need them because i went to FAST Co so i only wore them at the Balls. Speaking of the Marine Corps Birthday Balls man I wish i could still attend those things what an awesome time getting ****ty ass drunk with a bunch of SNCO and Officers LOL man my hard ass Gunny told us things one night that just made us laugh every time he tried to pull the 'kill hat' routine on us.

I hung up my blues when i got out and tried to put my jacket on the other day, HAHAHAHA!!! How did i ever fit into that thing, and im even fat i just must have been that skinny in the Corps.

[Twitchell]

I can't even button mine up anymore. But since ours were'nt issued, I needed mine in a pinch for a family funeral. I bought a pair off of a Marine that ended up not going into Security Forces. So they did'nt fit me to begin with. I was about 155 then when I was 17-18. Now I'm 195-200 at 27. Looks like I need to do some shoping.

[Jonny Destroyer]

From what I heard, the reason they are standard issue now is because so many Marines are dying overseas, and they didnt have blues to be buried in. A lot of their buddies would just give theirs away and say "bury him in mine"

so now they're issued in boot camp to everyone.
I dont know if thats the exact reason for sure, but I definately know they're standard issue now.


-CPL Maines:usmc:

[Wyoming]

Standard issue.

Boots go home on leave.

RSS duty.

It's a PR thingy.

[bgsuwoody]

When I was at the island this began, however I was not issued them in Bravo Co. Charlie Co. was the first recruits to be issued dress blues. I am pretty sure they are all graduating in them as well.

[Danman]

Well I just Graduated on the 4th we got issued Blues. but graduated in service C's .. so there not graduating in them yet

[USMC13]

My company graduated in C's. That was last year though.

[Merc6432]

I graduated boot August '96 and we graduated in blue deltas. Jacket was not standard issue. Is was issued to honor grads only.

[testforecho2112]

in '93 our entire Co graduated in Blues...I dont know why they choose when and why...but obviously they do.

[Petz]

they won't be graduating in blues if it's gonna 'cause heat casualties... so don't get your hopes up guys.

I think they are issueing them because marines take payday loans out to get uniforms and what not...... no I'm JK.

it's a PR thing to say you'll get your blues in boot camp... however you still are paying for them!!!! hahahaa, you guys must not remember signing the little sheet saying take my money..... well you pay for your initial issue and everything else you get.

[CplKJSpevak]

FEB of '93 we graduated in them...only time I ever wore em!

[jrhd97]

Graduated in Oct '93. We were issued them, but graduated in service c's. Only wore them a couple times.

[jerryk]

none got them in boot camp in 1963 but the company hornor recut only ones then whou even had the corps pay for a set was the people whe got seas duty school out of boot camp after sea school

[AL49BGN]

i got dress blues issued to me when i graduated but it was because i had security forces and that was back in 1986.i think shortly after that they started issueing them after basics.must be a budget issue so if they are issueing them again great.however i agree that they will not be graduating in them.

[kentmitchell]

We weren't issued blues in '56.
We got one regular green blouse, two pair of trousers and a battle jacket.
Also got three sets of khakis, one set of tropicals, three sets of hbt utilities, one pair boondockers, one pair boots--both rough side out like today's issue-- and BROWN dress shoes--which we had to dye brown and work on for the entire three months before they finallly took a spit shine. They were a natural leather color when issued.
Oh, and an M1 rifle.
And, Jonny Destroyer, our weapons company (2-9) machine gun platoon had the old water cooled .30s. Shoot 'em all day.
Other tidbits:
We wore emblems on the collars of our khaki shirts.
Our tie clasp was bronze. They were replaced by gold ones later.
I was a corporal as an E-3. Then when I made E-4 in '59 I was a corporal again.
Belts and buckles were about 1/8 inch larger until about 1959 when they were knocked down tot he current size. I still have my old, larger buckles.
I really miss my old m44 "raider" utility cover.

[malicenfz]

I had to buy mine, and I graduated in 2006

[dmellow45]

so do we get reimbursement for those of us who had to pay for the blues?
seems fair

[Sgt Jim]

Only the top Marine in our platoon got dress blues,the rest of the platoon wore dress greens. Plus they don,t make them in my size,the six pack turned into a keg at 56.

[Artemis]

so do we get reimbursement for those of us who had to pay for the blues?
seems fair


Ok even if they are issued in Boot Camp you still pay for them. They would not reimburse you for buying your blues since you get a clothing allowance.

[wargrudge]

My company was the first to get them issued this most recent turn of standard issuing. It went into effect Oct 1st of last year that new recruits would be issued full dress blues, and it just so happens that my company went to clothing to get all our dress items and such issued on that day.

[Jeep92yj]

I graduated 20081105. I was 'issued' dress blues without the belt buckle. I say 'issued' because I had to pay for them. The clothing allowance was $800 at the most and all my uniform expenses were over $1000.

[mgkusmc]

Haha my first set of Dress Blues came from an Army Surplus store, I had walked in at the right time while on Boot Leave walked in to find the jacket and tried it on and it fit like a glove it even had the PFC striped on it and all the emblems. I then found me a pair of trousers and a brand new cover and belt buckle and belt. Bought it all for 250 dollars, had them dry cleaned at a quick dry cleaning place and shocked my parents on Sunday when I came down the stairs in full dress blues for church lol.

[Bonzack]

All the uniforms are issued...but...you end up paying for all of them as soon as you graduate...hence why I'm broke. :banana: lol

[Sgt Leprechaun]

LOL. Yep. Platoon and Company honorman got em when I graduated in 1982.

I ended up getting issued 2 complete sets at Marine Barracks Annapolis tho.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

BTW, latest word is that wintertime at PI, new Marines graduate in Alphas.

[mgkusmc]

BTW, latest word is that wintertime at PI, new Marines graduate in Alphas.

They graduate in either the Bravos with the Wooly Pully or the Alphas during the Cold SOP season, which is unfortunate because sometimes during the winter season it can still get very warm down there. My Parents said they were on the Island a week ago and saw the graduation was in Bravos with the Wooly Pullys and they said it was pushing 80 degrees that day.

[JimEnglish]

I graduated in January 1977. Only the platoon honorman got'em for free. I did get mine issued after I completed school and got assigned I&I duty. There are other assignments where they'll issue them as well.

[Wigglesdabum]

Graduated yesterday in Service Alphas. We were issued Dress Blues but only the Guide/ Honor Grad got to wear them.

[usmc0331]

the last year the corps issued blues upon graduation was 1995

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Incorrect. They have began to issue blues to every Marine upon graduation.

[slider1578]

Back in 2005 they didn't issue them, only the honor grads got them, still had to pay for them. I got three for free because of Security Forces Duty. Thank god, them damn things are expensive.

[jmann12180]

1984 no blues issued, you paided for them.

[dmellow45]

i never got them... only my plt's honor graduate were issued them, i paid full price, however they did issue us the blue pants.
but then again they didnt take it out of my pay...

[Sergeant Hoople]

I graduated in 2001, and had to buy mine before my first mess night in 2002. Honor grad was the only one wearing them on grad day. Which by the way was stupid, because that killed the whole uniformity idea. Here you have 60-90 of your brothers wearing Alpha's, and your guide is wearing Blues. What a butt kisser.

[mcvet57103]

I graduated in 2001, and had to buy mine before my first mess night in 2002. Honor grad was the only one wearing them on grad day. Which by the way was stupid, because that killed the whole uniformity idea. Here you have 60-90 of your brothers wearing Alpha's, and your guide is wearing Blues. What a butt kisser.When I graduated (Feb 1975) only the Guidon Bearer/Honor Grad got a set of Blues. He was the most fag looking guy on the bus recieving night. Had Hair down to the midle of his back, and rosy red cheeks like he had makeup on. Still had the rosy red cheeks at Grad. If anyone else wanted Blues you had to purchase your own once you got to your first Unit post MOS training. I could never afford a set.

[82Marine]

LOL. Yep. Platoon and Company honorman got em when I graduated in 1982.

I ended up getting issued 2 complete sets at Marine Barracks Annapolis tho.

You must have graduated just after me since I graduated from P.I in Sept of 82 plt 3063 and yea back then only honor man got the dress blues the rest of us were sol, looks like I will be going back in to MCRD in March to see my cousin graduate

[MT3533]

Graduated Dec 97 and only Honor man was issued blues, the rest of us were in Alphas.

[usmc0331]

Incorrect. They have began to issue blues to every Marine upon graduation.

negative ghostrider lol

they stopped in 1995 due to budget issues.

the dress blues , as in less than a year ago are being issued upon graduation again.

prior to that depending on the season you graduated in your alphas or you dress blue deltas :beer:

[82Marine]

A lot of good info on this thread and I would just like to confirm that dress blues if they were being handed out prior to this period is no longer the case. I watched my cousin carry on the tradition yesterday as he marched across the parade deck here at Parris Islalnd S.C. As it was for me 27 years ago (1982) only Honor men and women are awarded dress blues. Also I was surprised to see that they now graduate male and females together at the same time. Currently I am in my hotel and getting ready to leave to go back home to Wisconsin and when I have time I will try to start a new thread with some thoughts of my visit and pictures. Until then heres a picture I snapped yesterday during graduation showing the uniforms what they graduated in. Semper FI.

[82Marine]

Old Corps / New Corps rest assured these men and women are ready to carry on the esprit de corps (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/esprit+de+corps)

[390 Mach I]

Graduated July '86.
If we wanted Blues, we bought them.
I never got a set.
I never had the need or the chance to wear them.
I was a grunt.
I gots lotsa Alphas and Charlies and a ****-ton of Cammies (woodland, some poplin most not) though...

[sadibenz]

In 83 Dress Blues were only issued to the platoon Guides and and Honor Grad. We graduated in Alphas. Yes, back then, a P**s Cover too.
MCRD San Diego Plt. 2086 Oooooh Raaaaw

[redman1]

In 68 we didn't get them. I didn't get my first set until about one year later at my first duty station my SSgt gave me one of his sets. I returned the favor and passed on my first set to someone and I had two sets while I was on active duty. After getting out someone broke into my home and stole my uniforms so I don't have any these days. I think it is good because as young Marines we didn't have the money. At the same time they just don't look the same until you earn the Red Stripe.
Semper Fi Redman1

[onux16]

I think I quickly glanced somewhere this evening that current active duty Marines who went through boot camp without being issued a pair will eventually be issued them by Oct 2011. Don't quote me on this, though

[DataRetread]

I think I quickly glanced somewhere this evening that current active duty Marines who went through boot camp without being issued a pair will eventually be issued them by Oct 2011. Don't quote me on this, though

Hopefully I'll get a set when I get back in, I never got around to buying them while I was in the first time.

[Petz]

DRESS BLUE UNIFORM ISSUE (MARADMIN 504/07 (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/mcub/PAGES/07%20MARADMINS.htm)). Per CMC Decision, recruits started receiving the dress blue uniform via initial issue in the first quarter of FY08. Those individuals are required to maintain the uniform and may be mandated to wear it. Those enlisted Marine who entered the Corps prior to the issue began receiving additional money via their annual clothing replacement allowance on 1 Oct 2007, but will not accrue enough to purchase the full uniform four years. Prior to that only officers and those enlisted Marines who received the uniform via initial issue may be mandated to wear the uniform. The mandatory possession date is 1 Oct 2011.

[nvusmcsgt]

I graduated October of 1995 and we also did not have blues issued. Owell at least they could not make us buy them once we got in the fleet.

[samthomas]

June of 1997 - We didn't have them issued, other than the honor men. I bought them in '99, and wore them all of 2 times (once for a wedding). If they are going to be used, it is worthwhile, otherwise it seems like a big waste of money.

[Supersquishy]

Sweet! I always wondered why the Marines best uniform was never inspected.

[SgtThrasher]

I graduated @Parris Island 1965 and no Marine had dress blues!Are they still made out of gabardine wool?

[Petz]

yes, just more finely woven.

[SSgt Ramsey]

I graduated Bootcamp in September of 93' and we were issued the full Dress Uniform(s)....

Then, in 2000, when I became a Career Planner, I got another full issue and other uniform stuff for the job also....think it was a 604 Form??

I love the Blue Dress "A" and "B", but even with the monthly stipend we got for Career Planners for dry cleaning etc. it's still expensive...I was in Dress "C" and "D" all the damn time. I'd have my ribbons done every 3 or 4 months as they get "dingy" and belts etc., shoes, covers.....loved it but it got expensive quick.

MC Balls were also expensive for medal-mounting etc. if you have a bunch...think that was between $80-$100 a pop for medals to be mounted professionally....

[Petz]

it still is 80 - 100

[SSgt Ramsey]

I have to order another set of large medals, finally going to get a set of the mini-medals for myself, and probalby 2 sets of my ribbon's done for the last time...I'm sending one to my Dad.

This venture is gonna be spensive lol....I have to add the Navy/MC Commendation Medal to my Large medals.....it was awarded like days before I left Lejeune for the last time.

I'm still waiting for my CAR to be submitted for retroactive approval from Silver Wake. My former Platoon Commander is a LtCol Reserve Officer and will imput it in early September during his next drill weekend.

I've talked to 26th MEU's Adjutant who's waiting for it and they are sending it "forwarded, recommending approval" for the CAR...then ultimately it goes to MarCentCom for final adjudication. Hopefully it takes less than 30 days for approval.

[Petz]

hopefully... but I've never paid to have the ribbons mounted unless you're doing a flat mount.... but I'm sure you are doing that.

[SSgt Ramsey]

Yeah, I like the flat-mount ribbons...they just look "better" to me, and I wore them so much as a CarPlan, I kinda got used to their look.

I talked to MarCentCom about the process, they said it doesn't take too long once they receive it. I guess there's a "board" and the members vote on the award in question.

The MSgt I spoke to said that since it's being submitted by a LtCol, then recommended approved by the 26th MEU and that I meet the criteria set forth in the MarAdmin's, it's almost rubber stamped "approved and awarded".

I hope it's done quickly as I have a hearing at the VARO in Roanoke on 21 October and I can submit that as evidence to them, and the new rules and guidelines for PTSD compensation mentioned by Secretary Shinseki recently.

[GIrene]

I graduated in Dec '05.

We weren't supposed to get Blue Trousers as the MC just cut a policy to save money by not issuing them.

We got them anyways because we were the 2nd to last company to graduate before the big ol' holiday break and most of us would probably gobble up that 21 days of PTAD with the recruiters.

We were given a chance to buy blues coats if we wanted them, I decided if I was issued the pants then why not.

I heard they changed up the policy and are re-issuing blue trousers again, never heard about issuing coats though.

[Supersquishy]

Wow, didn't know they stopped issuing the Blues Trousers.

[Lisa 23]

My nephew, who just graduated from boot camp yesterday, Aug 28th, was issued the complete dress blue uniform, as well as everyone else.

[PaidinBlood]

I think I quickly glanced somewhere this evening that current active duty Marines who went through boot camp without being issued a pair will eventually be issued them by Oct 2011. Don't quote me on this, though

We weren't issued them, we were just allotted a little extra on the clothing allowances to buy them. I think that Oct/11 date you're thinking of is the mand. possession date. I had to buy mine before my first Ball in '05...

[Petz]

yeah, but you aren't required to be inspected in them until that mandatory date either... but the boots who were issued them are/can

[PaidinBlood]

Exactly....

[Garyius]

I went through Boot Camp in 87, and only the honormen got Blues. I seem to recall that in the 91/92 time frame the Blues were getting issued in boot camp and we got an extra uniform allowance to let us purchase Blues, but I never did.

[USCFIGHTONUSC]

In 91-93 time frame everyone graduated in dress blues at MCRD SD. Then they stopped that for a few years and brought it back for a year or so and stopped again and now they issue blues to all graduates today.