Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

Marine Corps uniforms are known to reflect the Corps’ proud legacy. To wear these uniforms take thought and attention to detail.

Recruits of Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion received a Marine Corps uniform class aboard the depot, Oct. 2.

Marine Corps uniform class was given to the recruits after they were issued their uniforms to ensure that when they become Marines, every uniform is worn properly.

“This is where they get the basics of how to wear the uniform,” said Sgt. Carlos E. Arguello, Academics Instructor, Instructional Training Company. “I stress to them how improperly wearing the uniform could become a trend if they do not know how to properly wear it.”

According to Arguello, the class was broken down into the different types of uniforms such as combat utility uniforms, service uniforms, dress blue uniforms, and physical training uniforms. During this class, recruits learned everything from measurements to where and when they are allowed to wear different uniforms.

Recruits arrived at recruit training with very little knowledge on how to wear the Marine Corps uniforms. For some, this was an introduction.

“I didn’t know anything about uniforms before I had this class,” said recruit David A. Kubina, Platoon 2123.

Some recruits learned about the uniforms when they were in the Delayed Entry Program, others learned from taking Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps in high school, but nothing in depth until they received this class.

“This class taught me a lot of things I didn’t know,” said Kubina, a native of Chandler, AZ. “I have a better understanding on how to wear the different uniforms and the measurements of insignias that go on the uniform.”

For Arguello, the uniform is a lot more than just something Marines wear. It tells a story on where they have been and what they have done.

“When I’m teaching a class, I talk to the recruits about how every uniform tells a story,” said Arguello, a native of Stevens Point, Wis. “From the ribbons and medals a Marine wears to the service stripe on his sleeves, you can tell where a Marine has been and what he has done just from his uniform.”

Even after these recruits graduate recruit training and move on with their Marine Corps careers, keeping up and maintaining their uniforms is something that is expected of every Marine.

“I wrote down the Marine Corps order on uniforms and I am going to refer back to it when I forget something so my uniform is always up to par,” said Kubina.