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Question
Dear Mr. Grabill,
My name is Matthew. I'm nine years old and I live in New Jersey. I am doing a project on the life of a marine during World War II and present time. I have already learned a little bit of information but could you help me find out what the unifrms wer like back then and what the uniforms are like now? Also, what was the main weapon for a marine in World War II and what is the main weapon for a marine today?
Thank you for your time,
Matt
Matt:
Interesting question! Marine Combat uniforms during WWII were made of 'herringbone twill', sort of a green cotton like material, green in color. They were a two piece uniform, top and bottom. They were not, for the most part, the 'cammies' like are worn today. They were also not as durable as today's uniforms, esp on island fighting on rough coral, where at the end of many days, the uniforms were almost rags.
The dress uniforms of the time are little changed from today, with the exception of the shoulder rank insignia, which now has crossed rifles underneath of enlisted stripes.
Try using a search engine and typing in 'marine corps uniforms' or 'wwII marine corps uniforms' and see what sort of pictures you can get.
The main weapon for Marines in WWII started out as the Springfield 1903 rifle, and transistioned to the M-1 Garand. Today's main weapon is the M16A2 or M4 Colt.
Feel free to ask any more questions!
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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