What Are Marine Nco Dress Blues? Uniform Guide

The Marine NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) dress blues uniform is a distinctive and iconic attire worn by enlisted leaders in the United States Marine Corps. This uniform is a symbol of pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps, representing the Marine Corps’ rich history and traditions. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, components, and regulations governing the Marine NCO dress blues uniform.

History of the Marine NCO Dress Blues

The Marine Corps has a long and storied history, dating back to 1775. The dress blues uniform, also known as the “Dress Blue Uniform” or “Blues,” has its roots in the early 19th century. Initially, the uniform was worn by officers, but over time, it evolved to include enlisted personnel as well. The NCO dress blues uniform, specifically, was introduced in the early 20th century as a distinctive attire for non-commissioned officers.

Components of the Marine NCO Dress Blues Uniform

The Marine NCO dress blues uniform consists of several key components, each with its own unique characteristics and significance:

1. Coat: The coat is a dark blue, single-breasted garment with a standing collar and gold buttons. It features a distinctive eagle, globe, and anchor (EGA) emblem on the sleeves, which represents the Marine Corps’ motto, “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).
2. Trousers: The trousers are dark blue, with a red stripe running down the outside of each leg. The stripe is made of a material called “blood stripe,” which commemorates the blood shed by Marines during the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847.
3. Shirt and Tie: The shirt is a white, collared dress shirt with a wing-tip collar. The tie is a black, four-in-hand style, made of silk or wool.
4. Belt and Buckle: The belt is a wide, black leather belt with a gold buckle featuring the EGA emblem.
5. Shoes: The shoes are black, highly polished dress shoes with a low heel and a rounded toe.
6. Cover: The cover, also known as a “hat,” is a white, eight-pointed hat with a gold chin strap and a EGA emblem on the front.
7. Ribbons and Medals: NCOs may wear ribbons and medals on their uniform, which represent their awards, decorations, and achievements.

Regulations and Wear

The Marine NCO dress blues uniform is worn on formal occasions, such as parades, ceremonies, and official events. The uniform is subject to strict regulations, which dictate the proper wear and appearance of each component. Some key regulations include:

• The uniform must be clean, pressed, and well-maintained at all times.
• The coat must be worn with the sleeves rolled down, unless specifically authorized to wear them rolled up.
• The trousers must be worn with the belt properly aligned and the shoes highly polished.
• The cover must be worn at a 45-degree angle, with the chin strap properly secured.
• Ribbons and medals must be worn in the correct order of precedence and properly secured to the uniform.

Tips for Wearing the Marine NCO Dress Blues

To ensure a proper and respectful wear of the Marine NCO dress blues uniform, follow these tips:

• Make sure the uniform is properly fitted and altered to ensure a crisp, professional appearance.
• Pay attention to the smallest details, such as the alignment of the belt and the polish on the shoes.
• Practice wearing the uniform to ensure comfort and confidence.
• Familiarize yourself with the regulations and guidelines for wear, to avoid any mistakes or infractions.

Conclusion

The Marine NCO dress blues uniform is a revered and iconic symbol of the Marine Corps’ rich history and traditions. By understanding the history, components, and regulations governing this uniform, NCOs can wear it with pride and confidence, representing the very best of the Marine Corps’ values and esprit de corps.