Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

There were some wide smiles as recruits of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, received their name tapes and tried on their dress blue uniform for the first time at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 30.

Company M recruits turned in their camouflage utilities to have their name tapes sewn on and had their dress blue uniform tailored in preparation for graduation.

Platoon guides are the only recruits who will wear the dress blue uniform during graduation, but every Marine has it tailored and ready to wear after training.  

For many recruits, the uniform fitting signified progress and gave them an increased desire for the opportunity to finally wear the Marine dress uniform.

With less than five weeks of training until graduation, some recruits already have dates and events selected for wearing their uniform.

Recruit Kevin Galan-Perez, Platoon 3262, said he will be getting married a few days after graduation and will wear his dress blues for the wedding.

“It feels amazing to try the uniform on,” said Galan-Perez, a Aguadilla, Puerto Rico native. “After graduation I’m going to feel even more confident and pride filled. I want our families to see I’m with the world’s best fighting force.”

As recruits tried on the various parts of the uniform, it was clear there was a profound admiration for the dress uniform. Items such as shoes covers and buckles were handled with great care.
“I have a deep respect for the uniform because of all the Marines before us who have sacrificed their lives and fought for the freedom of America and the legacy of the Corps,” said Recruit Ramadan A. Nagok, Platoon 3262. “The uniform represents the best thing you could do in life. You’re fighting for freedom, and once you put this uniform on, it’s on forever.”

Nagok added he believed the Marine Corps is the most prestigious and combat ready among all branches of the United States military.

“You only see Marines in front of the white house and embassies because America wants to show their best product,” said Nagok, a Kansas City, Missouri native.