Ep 42: USMC Marine Corps Dress Blues / Recon Jack

Semper Fi everyone. Welcome to the latest installment of Recon Jack. I’m your host, United States Marine Corps veteran and living-historian, Chuck Lynch. On today’s episode I’ll discuss the Marine Corps dress uniform, which is an elaborate uniform worn for formal or ceremonial occasions.
I’m always open to suggestions, and I will likely cover a few Marine family members of some of you subscribers in the near future. I really enjoy interacting with you folks and seeing the growth of this channel; so please do not hesitate to send an email to [e-mail] if you’d like for me to honor you or your Marine unit, or a Marine friend or family member.
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[@Fenril76]

Got to admit when I went pass the recruiting office, I knew nothing about the Marines in 1976. But those dress blues got me to sign up. Without a doubt the best 4 years of my life.

[@MPerski]

When I was in (mid-70’s) Marine pilots would wear their Dress WHITE uniform to the Marine Corps birthday ball (I played softball with many Officer pilots at Cherry Point). What I found interesting is, they told me as the night wore on at the Marine Corps ball, they would play “aircraft carrier” where they would clear a long banquet table, fly around the room with their arms wide, and fly across the banquet table as if they were landing on a carrier … after someone poured an entire pitcher of beer across the table. 🍺 😳 Then two other officers would raise a belt to catch their feet as if arresting gear catching their tail hook 😂 I’m sure the base dry cleaners loved them. p.s. I still have my dress blues. Last time I wore them was to my brother’s funeral in 1976. The Few, the Proud - Semper Fi 👊🏻

[@elaineen1]

Sorry for the loss of your brother. At my beloved wife's funeral our grandson wore dress blues. It added a touch of dignity to a sad occasion.

[@emmajmcmullen4387]

There are so many versions of the uniform. Every minute detail is thought out . And some of the variants are so tiny. I and most other civilians would not notice.

[@SemperFiGuy]

One of the things I enjoy most about the Marine Corps is the love for history and attention to detail.

[@kenrup]

Yes, I learned something new. Thanks again. I have to confess, this coming from an Army guy, the Marine uniforms were always the sharpest.

[@SemperFiGuy]

Your secret is safe with me, Ken. S/F

[@fordvg]

Very good video and I was wondering about the white pants for enlisted since I don’t remember seeing them when I was in back in the mid eighties

[@timalexander7758]

I never knew there were so many versions. This video will make me pay attention to uniforms more closely! Thank you!

[@SemperFiGuy]

You're absolutely welcome, Tim. I hadn't realized that there were more recent changes. I'm officially part of The Old Corps, lol

[@agneslynch7024]

I think it's very interesting the different sizes of the stripes

[@SemperFiGuy]

I'll later cover the enlisted chevron ranks in a future episode.

[@elaineen1]

At the funeral of my beloved wife, our Marine grandson wore his "Blue" uniform with blood stripe pants. He added dignity to a very sad occasion.

[@vickiosborne1402]

This by far has always been my most favorite of the dress blues.

[@SemperFiGuy]

Those Blues have trapped many a man and woman for more reasons than joining the Marine Corps.

[@semoneg2826]

​@@SemperFiGuyok???

[@lauriea2971]

Hi, I’m from Canada and an army(R), have u been thanked for ur service in the USMC. I want to say thank you so very much for your service. God bless u,ur family/friends and all the service personal of the U.S.A military. Lots a love from Canada. Semper fi my friend. Good luck and God bless u. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇺🇸🇺🇸🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@kj6446]

i never knew the officers dress uniform differed from the iconic uniform with the red piping and white belt.

[@2nickles647]

My late nephew that was killed in Iraq. Never got to wear anything. His body remains were brought back. Quinn Archie Keith was his name. His middle name was my father name.

[@Daskippa2024]

The reason I chose to join the Marines was because of the dress blues. Unfortunate I never owned a set. Semper fi!!!

[@SemperFiGuy]

Semper Fi, Brother.

[@poolchuck66]

My son became an embassy marine. Some times he wore a suit to work.

[@meanjune]

Great video! Much love from the ROKMC. SF

[@SemperFiGuy]

Mad respect for all you ROK Marines. S/F

[@RosettaArchie]

Best thing I had too do with my life! Semper Fi!

[@SemperFiGuy]

I couldn't agree more with you. Semper Fi

[@ViaAvione]

Very Informative! Thank you for sharing

[@rhett1029]

Dang you know some of these pictures are getting older because everyone had CARs 😂 enjoyed the video and to paraphrase the movie catch me if you can “why are the Marines the best fighting force” “because everyone’s always looking at the blues

[@SemperFiGuy]

I know that CARs were quickly becoming a rarity even during my service. I once heard a corporal tell another one, "I don't converse with other corporals without a CAR." Those Blues are pretty darn sharp--even on the least attractive Marine.

[@petesolo70]

Semper Fi.

[@SemperFiGuy]

Semper Fi, and thanks for the comment. Hopefully, you enjoyed this video and many of the others I have to offer for your viewing pleasure.

[@gravitypronepart2201]

I spotted R. Lee Ermey and Dale Dye.

[@SemperFiGuy]

I'm pleased that someone has a keen eye. S/F

[@agneslynch7024]

I hope u have fun this weekend and do t forget to make a video so we can enjoy it with you

[@SemperFiGuy]

I have a decent video to share with everyone.

[@billyboyle5965]

Recon Jack, Thank you for your great videos. These videos have been great for my extra studying sessions for boot camp. I am heading to Parris Island on 7 NOV week of the USMC Birthday! Wish me luck! Any suggestions for success at Boot camp? Semper Fi. Thank you, sir. Bill

[@SemperFiGuy]

Good morning, Billy. I am glad that you enjoy my videos, because it is my pleasure to create them. I hope that you enjoy Boot Camp as much as I did as a younger man. MCRD PI truly is the funniest place on Earth where you can neither laugh or even smile (at least not until your Senior Drill Instructor gives the final command of "dismissed" after graduation). You only are able to complete Boot Camp once--enjoy it while you're there. Hopefully, you will become a stronger version of yourself (physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually). Ensure that everything you do is done with speed and intensity (movement and speech). "Yes sir," "No sir," and "Aye sir" will help to keep out of trouble. I would not suggest volunteering for anything; however, the duties of Scribe, Squad Leader, and Platoon Guide have their benefits. Build strong bonds amongst your peers, and work together in every possible way. Integrity and comradery are very powerful throughout your entire enlistment. Most importantly, stat safe and keep in mind that everyone graduates so longer as they do not quit. Tell your buddies about my channel, and email me when you're finally off Paradise Island. [e-mail] Semper Fidelis --Charlie Lynch

[@marpfel]

But why are black garments called Blues? Does it have to do anything with the colour? Or does it maybe come from the word "Blouse"?

[@renegade2556]

In inclement weather it was authorized to wear an OD field jacket with dress uniform in the 1980's

[@SemperFiGuy]

I was coming across quite a few pictures with that uniform combo, and I was quite surprised. S/F

[@renegade2556]

@@SemperFiGuy We are all in short sleeves on I April! The Field Jacket was was authorized for Friday and Sunday

[@renegade2556]

Standing Post in short sleeves is an adventure , but only Friday and Sunday Rated a Field Jacket! MARINES IMPROVISE

[@renegade2556]

I KINDA CAUGHT BRONCHIAL PNEUMONIA STANDING POST IN SHORT SLEEVES,AND IT WAS NICE TO HAVE A WEEK OFF AND PUKE ALOT BUT I DIDN'T DIE!

[@renegade2556]

@@SemperFiGuy .I Come from an entire Family of Marines. I am Alarmed that you never heard of Bigfoot Brown!

[@tjpit]

Little known dress bles fact. The red piping on the seams comes from when British Royal Marines turned their red coats inside out “turncoats” and were then US Marines.

[@SemperFiGuy]

Thank you for sharing that lesser-known fact. S/F

[@renegade2556]

Sadlly,The Midnight Blue Funeral belt is also worn,and the often spoke of but rarely seen midnight blue "horse blanket"overcoat is standard issue.

[@SemperFiGuy]

I can't wait to mention the Inspector Gadget Jacket, ha! S/F

[@renegade2556]

@@SemperFiGuy I was not able to text you DirectlyAs I was involved in another situation.

[@renegade2556]

@@SemperFiGuy In the 1980's Juniour Officers suddenly had special overcoats!General Officers Wore the same Traditional Camouflage Utitilities as a Boot Private.

[@SemperFiGuy]

Yea, I always like how some uniforms ate so uniquely different, yet the dungarees have rarely ever differed.

[@renegade2556]

@@SemperFiGuy Since Ken Nolan went belly up it is really difficult to find the same USMC Utility Iron ons that were Standard since the 1950's. The Knock off PVC ones peel off. Obviously The asphalt ones we would redo when they faded , on our salty utilities. I Even remember some former Marine Seabees that had Phillipina wives that would embroider them for you but you could tell a Shitbird From the Cut here on Dotted Line Ironed on his Utilities.

[@TinklestheGoat]

I didnt hear anything about the cape in the last part

[@SemperFiGuy]

You're absolutely right. I'll have to provide a "Part 2" to this video for a brief explanation of the magnificent Boat Cloak. Semper Fi

[@ahwilson1744]

And don't try using the excuse of being a Japanese Prisoner of War as an excuse for not paying your uniform bill. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington

[@SemperFiGuy]

We all pay for it no matter what.

[@kuyaminimo905]

Are you a Recon Marine⁉