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Contractors can no longer wear Marine cammies

Soon, it’ll be even easier to tell who is a Marine — and who isn’t. A new servicewide directive prohibits civilians from wearing the Corps’ standard-issue, camouflage uniform while deployed.

After several years of allowing contractors, technicians and some government civilians to suit up and blend in with Marines downrange, the Corps is drawing a line in the sand. And it comes as no surprise to uniform expert Owen Conner.

“You can’t have any slob wearing the uniform,” said Conner, curator of uniforms and heraldry at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. “If you have too many people wearing it, they start looking like park rangers or postal employees rather than military.”

Nobody will mistake a bearded contractor with a beer gut and unbuttoned blouse for a real Marine after the policy takes effect June 30.

“Leaders are directed to stress the importance of proper wear of the [Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform] by all personnel and enforce regulations,” said the Jan. 30 administrative message issued by Commandant Gen. James Conway.

Civilians will be permitted to wear the Defense Department-issue three-color desert utility uniform.

Troops used to spend hours ironing and starching uniforms, shining boots and polishing brass belt buckles. But much of that has changed. The new policy may mean a renewed focus on uniforms.

“Over the years, we’ve seen a devolution in the formality of the uniform. Uniforms are becoming less and less formal and more and more like sportswear or working clothes. It’s sort of been devalued to the point where other people will throw them on like coveralls,” Conner said. “Maybe the Marines have become concerned about the blurring and decided they still need a little control over that. A uniform is a badge of pride, and you want to show that.”

DISCUSS: Cammie on ... or off?