Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/uniforms

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/12/2007


Question
QUESTION: Jason,
I have a couple of question regarding pre-MARPAT uniforms.
First - Desert.
Which type of Desert BDU did the Marines wear such as in Desert Storm. 6 color or 3 color or both. Who was the manufacturer? How do you tell a fake? Also did they ever wear that weird looking Desert (Night) pattern BDU. It looks like grid paper with dots.
Second - Woodland.
Who was the manufacturer of the USMC woodland BDU? How do you tell a fake?

ANSWER: The Choclate Chip pattern (3 color) was used, as well as the "night desert" (dots).  It depended on where the unit was in the supply system, but either would be correct.

There are no 'fakes' of any of the above per-se, however, all unifoms that are issued will have a "mil-spec" tag on the inside, listing who made it, the contract number, size, etc.  At least, the modern uniforms will.

Marines don't call their cammies 'bdu's' , that's an army term, they just call em 'cammies'.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Did all USMC cammies come with the EGA printed on the front left pocket, pre MARPAT of course.

Answer
No.  It had to be ironed on by the individual Marine.  Thus, you will find subtle differences in placement of the emblem.

There are also 2 versions;  one with an Eagle Globe & Anchor and the letters USMC below it (pre-name tape days,) and one with just the EGA (after the nametapes).  

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.