The Marine Corps has temporarily relaxed its uniform standards due to a prolonged shortage of the standard camouflage uniform. Leaders of the Marine units are now allowed to permit their service members to wear alternative uniform items, including the desert-colored camouflage combat utility uniform or flame-resistant gear. The shortage is expected to continue until at least the summer or fall of 2024, leading to this unprecedented move in a service branch known for its strict uniform regulations.
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Key Points:Â
- Due to a shortage of the woodland-pattern camouflage combat utility uniform, the Marine Corps has permitted the use of nonstandard uniform items.
- The alternative attire includes the desert-colored camouflage combat utility uniform and the flame-resistant organizational gear.
- Commandant Gen. Eric Smith emphasized the importance of Marines not wearing unserviceable uniforms and indicated that corrective measures are underway.
- The primary manufacturer, American Apparel Inc, has faced challenges producing the uniforms at fixed prices amid rising inflation and wage demands.
- While desert cammies were once the standard summer attire until 2016, the Marine Corps made woodland cammies the year-round standard, with some exceptions.
