The Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has undertaken a significant initiative to modernize the iconic Usmc Green Uniform, specifically the physical training (PT) uniform. Responding to feedback from Marines and incorporating the latest advancements in athletic wear, the Corps is refining its green-on-green PT gear to enhance form, fit, and function. This redesign prioritizes the comfort and performance of Marines during physical training activities.
Following an initial prototype release, the Marine Corps Uniform Board received valuable feedback indicating areas for improvement. While the first iteration included advanced features such as anti-microbial technology, moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics, and reflective elements, many Marines expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the design. This prompted MCSC’s Product Manager Clothing and Equipment team to revisit the drawing board and develop a new and improved PT uniform prototype, taking Marine voices into account.
Kristine Bealmear, the PT uniform project officer with MCSC’s clothing and equipment team, expressed confidence in the revised design. While acknowledging the absence of the beloved “silkies” in the new lineup, Bealmear believes the updated usmc green uniform will be much better received by Marines, particularly women. She emphasized that the creative process was heavily influenced by the input of approximately 350 Marines who participated in last year’s limited user evaluation.
Marines provided clear and direct feedback from the previous evaluation. The material was deemed too heavy, the shorts too long, and the reflective material too restrictive. Bealmear explained, “The results from last year’s [limited user evaluation] were clear. The material was heavy. The shorts were long. The reflective material was restrictive. And so, we just kind of took all of that information and we went from there. The Marines are the ones that have to wear this uniform so it’s in our best interest to listen to what they have to say.” This direct feedback loop is central to ensuring the final usmc green uniform meets the needs of the Marine Corps.
Several key improvements have been incorporated into the redesigned usmc green uniform. Addressing concerns about mobility and comfort, the shorts now feature a shorter, 5-inch inseam, aligning with modern industry standards for athletic wear. The shirt material has been lightened, and the reflective striping on the back has been thinned. These changes are designed to enhance breathability and flexibility, allowing Marines to stay cooler and move more freely during rigorous physical training.
Emily Madden, a clothing designer supporting MCSC from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, highlighted the balance between incorporating industry trends and meeting the specific needs of the Marine Corps. “If you look at the new PT uniform, it does have a shorter inseam, which is more in line with what we see in industry. Industry trends come and go, so we look at every design detail individually and decide what we should apply today that could still be relevant to the Corps years from now,” Madden stated. This forward-thinking approach ensures the usmc green uniform remains functional and relevant for years to come.
Perhaps one of the most significant changes is the move away from gender-neutral sizing. The previous prototype utilized gender-neutral sizing, which proved problematic for women Marines. Bealmear elaborated, “We found that gender-neutral sizing does not work well for our women Marines. With the last prototype, for example, we found that if the shirt fit them well across the bust line, it was too big in the neck. Same with the shorts – if they fit in the waist, they were probably tight across the hip line.” This issue has been rectified in the new design, with separate sizing considerations for men and women, ensuring a more tailored and comfortable fit for all Marines.
Madden emphasized the importance of proper uniform fit for all Marines, stating, “I think it’s really important to make sure that all Marines have the proper fitting uniform for what their mission may require, in regards to fit, form and function.” The design team’s commitment extends beyond user feedback, incorporating industry best practices in fabric technology and design innovation. They collaborated with service partners from the Air Force, Space Force, and Navy to gain insights into advanced fabrics and material weights. “We really leaned on industry to better understand manufacturing techniques and design details at a reasonable price point, but we also worked closely with our service partners from the Air Force, Space Force and Navy to better understand fabrics and material weights,” Madden explained.
The redesigned usmc green uniform is currently undergoing another user evaluation. Approximately 350 Marines are participating in a 30-day trial, wearing and evaluating the uniforms during their PT routines. This evaluation, running through October, will gather crucial data on the uniform’s form, fit, function, comfort, and durability. Participants will complete surveys and engage in group discussions to provide comprehensive feedback on their wear experience.
The data collected from this user evaluation will be instrumental in finalizing the usmc green uniform design. MCSC’s clothing and equipment team will analyze survey results, group discussion feedback, and initial fit assessments to determine if any further modifications are necessary before wider distribution. Bealmear encourages participants to rigorously test the uniform, saying, “I ask them to ‘use it and abuse it,’ as I like to say, because we really need that durability feedback from them.”
Looking ahead, Bealmear is optimistic about the direction of the usmc green uniform redesign. “We think the new PT uniform accommodates fit, form and function of both male and female Marines. There will always be tweaks that we can find or improve upon, but we think we’re headed in the right direction,” she concluded. This iterative process, driven by Marine feedback and industry advancements, underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to providing its personnel with the best possible usmc green uniform for physical training and performance.
