The Right Uniform
Marine uniforms are as legendary as the Marines who wear them, and often rich with symbolism. During the Revolutionary War, Continental Marines wore leather collars to protect their necks from enemy swords during ship boardings, giving rise to the term "leatherneck." The red "blood stripe" down the leg of our blue trousers memorializes those lost in the battle of Chapultapec during the Mexican American War. In Korea, the enemy referred to us as "Yellow Legs," because we wore khaki colored leg covers�it was an identifier used to help them stay clear of U.S. Marines.
Today, Marines wear a variety of uniforms, specially designed for "every clime and place." They range from rugged field uniforms to mountain over-whites to the highly recognizable "dress blues" and more. But no matter how they change, our uniforms still serve as a symbol of bravery and pride.
