Tailors set Corps' image with each new Marine

Jack Morgenstern, tailor, marks a recruit's dress blue coat during Bravo Company's initial uniform issue, June 11. Recruits will return when the tailoring process is completed to ensure a correct fit. (Marine photo by Cpl. Tyler Viglione)

SAN DIEGO — The Marine Corps is known for looking a certain way, and when it comes to appearance, Marines are held to high expectations.

Recruits of Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, received their first uniform fitting aboard the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 11.

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“This is their initial fitting for every dress uniform they will receive,” said Sgt. Roberto F. Gonzalez, drill instructor, Platoon 1021.  “These will be the uniforms the recruits will wear once they become Marines.”

During their time at the recruit clothing facility, recruits turned in camouflage combat utility uniforms to have name tapes sewn on, something they are not allowed to have until week eight. 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 because they received their uniforms, but also because they reached another marker in their recruit training experience.

“This is another stepping stone in recruit training,” said Chase W. Swann, Plt. 1023. “This is the next step in our pursuit to becoming Marines.”

According to Swann, being able to put on the uniform and get it fit gave him a confidence and psychological boost to push on and complete the rest of recruit training.

“Putting on the uniform makes me proud that I have accomplished everything to make it to this point in training,” said Swann, a native of Scroggins, Texas. “Not everybody gets a chance to put these uniforms on.”

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The Marine Corps uniform dates back to the birthdate of the Marine Corps and distinguishes Marines 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.

“We all wear the uniforms while we are in the Marine Corps,” said Gonzalez, a native of Detroit. “What makes a difference is how they look. Since these recruits are receiving their initial issue, we want to make sure they are as squared away as possible.”

Although recruits were fitted for their dress uniforms, they are not allowed to wear them until family day and graduation, after they have earned the title “Marine. 

“We still have events to push through before we become Marines,” said Swann. “We are going to take this and let it motivate us to do the best as we can until the end.”

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