Free Republic

Link Only. A fine Marine story.

After a century of green uniforms, the last one is being retired from the U.S. Army. The new "Class A" uniform, as of August 21st, 2008, will be the current blue "Dress Uniform.". By 2010, troops graduating from basic training will be issued the "dress blues" as their "Class A" uniform. The "Class B" uniform will be the dress blue trousers and a white shirt with decorations (ribbons, combat badge and so on). For both enlisted and officers, rank will be worn on epaulets. The new uniform "system" is similar to the one the U.S. Marine Corps has been wearing...

I grew up land-locked and developed an intense interest in reading sea stories from an early age. Prior to my coming along, everyone in my family who served, did so in the Army. I enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1968 at the age of 18.One thing about serving in the military, one's wardrobe undergoes a complete overhaul, right down to the skivvies.I remember that first day at bootcamp where I stood outside with my Company, a big pile of new clothing at my feet and a new seabag to put it in after every piece of it was...

Green now will be worn for notifying relatives of the dead. Some say the move is disrespectful. With the toll of Marines killed in Iraq mounting, the Marine Corps is no longer requiring the Marines notifying families of such deaths to wear the Corps' distinctive dress blue uniform.