San Diego -- Throughout recruit training, there are milestones recruits look forward to that help motivate them to keep working toward earning the title “Marine”. Some are physical, like passing a final Physical Fitness Test while others are mental like passing the Comprehensive Test. There is also one that appeals to the emotional sense; the uniform fitting.
“When we get to try on our uniforms there is a sense of pride and a greater sense of purpose,” said Recruit Aaron George, Platoon 3222, Company K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. “It also make us feel like we’ve made progress, we’re one step closer to becoming Marines.”
Recruits from Co. K, 3rd RTBn., spent the morning trying on their dress uniforms aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 7.
“Today we’re doing the second fitting,” said Gunnery Sgt. Craig Ranney, recruit uniform issue staff non commissioned officer in charge, Service Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion. “They’re here to get name tapes sewn on to their cammies and check that all their uniforms fit properly. Anything that doesn’t fit properly will be marked and re-tailored to make sure the uniforms look as good as possible.”
Ranney’s team works with the recruits up to four times throughout the training cycle.
“The first time we see them is the week that they get here. That’s when they get their cammies, boots, socks and basic things,” said Ranney. “The second time we see them is on Training Day 43 for the initial fitting of all their dress uniforms. Then around Training Day 52, we see them for their final fitting. If needed, they can be seen a fourth time for last minute fixes.”
Although this was the second time the recruits had the chance to wear their dress uniforms, it still held significance.
“It was really exciting to put on my blue dress coat,” said George. “I felt fulfilled thinking back to all the struggles and trials I’ve overcome throughout recruit training. I also felt pride putting on the uniform we’ve learned so much about through Marine Corps history (classes).”
Throughout training, recruits are taught about the different uniforms, the history behind them and regulations as described in Marine Corps Order P1020.34G.
According to George, the Marine Corps uniform is much more than an outfit you wear to work daily, there’s a lot of symbolism behind it. From the blood strip to the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, there’s a great sense of honor in the uniform.
“The uniform represents the passing on of a long legacy,” said Recruit Garold Lewis, Plt. 3222, Co. K, 3rd RTBn. “A lot of people don’t get to wear our uniform, only a select few get to and that instills pride in us. We hope that we will be the next generation to wear the uniform.”
Drill instructors also teach the recruits about the importance of taking pride in their uniform and appearance. They learn how to properly wear each uniform and how to pay attention to small details such as loose threads.
“In the Marine Corps, people can tell a lot by looking at your uniform,” said Lewis. “If your uniform is not up to standards or well kept, it can be an indication that you’re a lazy Marine with a low work ethic. If your uniform is up to standard that is an indication that you’re a good Marine with a good work ethic.”
Although the recruits of Co. K still have a few weeks left on the Depot, they left their second uniform fitting with a reinforced sense of pride.
“When I earn the title Marine and the right to wear the uniform, it’s going to feel like ‘Wow, I’ve done it,’” said George. “I will carry a new responsibility, I have to live up to and keep up the honor of being a Marine.”