There are different types of uniforms that are available to the Marines. They have an evening dress which was mostly worn by noncommissioned officers voluntarily. The other options for the Marines was the white-dress or blue-dress until the year 2000 when they invented the blue-white dress blue dress, (Those are their more formal wear that you would normally see in advertisements.) Then they have their service and utility uniforms. Before they came up with the blue and white-dress uniforms the uniform that would normally be seen is the service uniform. However, after October 1, 1994 all Marines were given one blue uniform and commanders were allowed to prescribe blue dress as the uniform of the day on certain occasions. Now-a-days the blue uniform is the most commonly seen uniform.

The most well-known uniform of the Marine Corps is the Blue Dress uniform. You often would see the Marines where these in advertisements for recruiters for the Marines. The uniform includes a long-sleeved dark blue coat (all enlisted members have red trim around the coat) with a standing collar and thick white belt (with a gold buckle depending on rank) Their navy blue pants may be decorated with a scarlet strip down the side but this is optional. They also where white gloves, and black dress shoes and socks. Medals must be worn on the left. Ribbon-only awards must be worn on the right. Badges that determine rank are not worn. Women wear pumps in place of shoes, and may wear a skirt instead of pants. The Marines traditional sword is still in use but is restricted to be only used at ceremonial occasions.

Some of the equipment and protection gear that the Marines wear are: Tactical Vests, they are the newest and most advanced vest in Marines with better protection than previous vests. One of the benefits of these vests is its quick-release. The Scalable Plate Carrier was invented for troops in Afghanistan due to concerns of issues for mobility due to heavy weight. The equipment for aviators and aircrew include body armor, a survival vest, and a flotation device. All Marines wear combat helmets, the Enhanced Combat Helmet is a new helmet made of high-strength polyethylene with amazing protection. Most pilots and aircrew will wear a flight helmet for protection from aviation-related hazards (such as an integrated oxygen mask)
Other armor includes Small Arms Protective Inserts which are used to provide protection beyond what the vest itself offers. Special evaporating cooling vests are given to the Marines stationed near deserts. The Joint Service General Purpose Mask is the standard gas mask worn for protection.

For each person that enlists in the Marines earns: the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The globe in the middle represents our known presence throughout the world. The eagle that sits proudly on top of the globe represents the country that our Marines bravely protect. The eagle stands in the middle with our coastlines in sight and the world within reach of its stretched wings. On the left there is an anchor that points both to the Marine Corps’ naval heritage and its ability to access anywhere in the world. All together, the eagle, globe and anchor symbolize the Marines’ unbreakable commitment to defend our country. The eagle, globe, and anchor emblem has been part of the Marine Uniform since 1868 and it became the official emblem of the Marine Corps in 1955. (Farragut)

The sword was first used in 1859 and is replicated after the US Army’s foot officers’ sword of 1850. The sword continues today as the Marine’s drill and ceremonial sword. In the Marines the sword’s use is restricted to only special occasions and is only used by the commanding officers. The slightly curved, false single edged, blade is about 28-30 inches long which is the most commonly used size blade in Marines Corp. The Marine Corp is the only organization in the armed forced to use a sword as part of their uniform and ceremonial occasions. Sometimes you may hear the marines be called “leathernecks” because in 1798, the Marine Corps began issuing “one stock of black leather and clasp" to Marines. The item was worn to protect their necks when fighting with swords. Today, the standing collar on the dress coat of the Marine Corps uniform is in memory of the leatherneck tradition.