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Corps issues wear rules for new running suit

Zip your jacket.

That’s the latest word from Commandant Gen. James Conway, who outlined parameters for wearing the Corps’ new running suits and other physical-training gear while on leave or liberty.

In an all-Marine message — 019/08, released Monday — Conway says Marines can wear the new running suit jacket in a casual setting only if they zip it up at least halfway to the top of the zipper. Also, the running suit can only be worn as an outer garment, meaning Marines must wear something underneath it.

Additionally, Marines cannot mix and match running suit and sweat suit items. While the running suit is compatible with the green PT shorts and green undershirt in any combination, it’s not authorized for wear with the sweatpants or sweatshirt.

The new message also allows Marines to wear the sweatshirt for purposes other than physical training, only if it is worn as an outer garment or as a layering garment, such as underneath a jacket (but not a running suit jacket.)

The Corps has fielded limited numbers of the highly anticipated running suits for almost three months, beginning with Marines at military hospitals and the Wounded Warrior battalions. The rollout will continue throughout 2008 and 2009, flowing into recruiting commands and recruit depots before heading to the fleet, until every Marine has been issued a set.

Widespread distribution of the $112 running suits is scheduled to begin in October, with an anticipated mandatory possession date of October 2009.