Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Two notable aspects of the Marine Corps are professionalism and appearance. Once recruits graduate and become Marines, they are held to the highest expectations when it comes to how they look.
Recruits of Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, took the first step when they conducted their first uniform fitting at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 1.
“This is the first fitting the recruits get for their uniforms while in recruit training,” said Sgt. Adrian Luminare, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2110. “They will wear these uniforms until they outgrow or wear them out.”
During their time at recruit clothing, recruits also turned in some of their Marine Corps Combat Utility uniforms to have name tapes applied. Additionally, each recruit also received a set of dress uniforms that were tailored to fit them.
Training day 43 was not only important for the recruits to receive nicely tailored uniforms, but it also gave them insight and motivation to feel what it’s like to wear the uniform.
“They get an image of what they’re going to look like in a few weeks,” said Luminare, a native of Bucharest, Romania. “The recruits getting fitted for their uniforms is one of the first steps in Phase III of recruit training.”
According to Recruit Victor J. Jenkins, Platoon 2111, being able have his uniform tailored gave him a confidence and psychological boost to push on and complete the rest of recruit training.
“We don’t all get to wear this uniform,” said Jenkins, a native of Cleveland, Texas. “It is motivating because of the pride of wearing the uniform and aspiring to be a Marine. I will push through training knowing that I will look like this if I succeed.”
The Marine Corps uniforms date back to the birth of the Corps and distinguish the it from the other branches of service. Some details in the uniforms reflect the proud legacy of Marines who have worn them for the more than two centuries.
“When I first saw Marines, I noticed how well they looked, it was a big reason why I joined,” said 18-year-old Jenkins. “I am going to do my best to uphold those traditions and standards for as long as I am in.”
The recruits will return the following week to ensure the correct fit and that no additional alterations need to be made.
Although recruits were fitted for their dress uniforms, they are not allowed to wear them until family day and graduation, which isn’t until they have earned the title Marine.
“We still have a lot to push through until graduation,” said Jenkins. “I know me and my fellow recruits will use this to help us until the end.”