The United States Marine Corps has unveiled its latest innovation in combat apparel: the Marine Corps Tropical Combat Uniform (MCTCU). Designed to enhance operational effectiveness in hot, humid, and wet climates, this new uniform is set to replace the existing Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) and combat boots in tropical environments. This development marks a significant step forward in providing Marines with gear optimized for diverse and challenging theaters of operation.
The MCTCU is engineered for rapid drying and breathability, crucial features for sustained performance in tropical conditions. According to Lou Curcio, the MCTCU project officer at Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), “This new tropical uniform allows Marines to be more comfortable and less fatigued while focusing on the mission at hand.” This sentiment underscores the core objective of the MCTCU: to minimize environmental discomfort and maximize warfighter readiness.
The uniform set includes trousers, a blouse, and specialized boots. The RFP primarily focuses on the trousers and blouse, constructed from a cotton-nylon blend similar to the MCCUU. However, the MCTCU distinguishes itself through a lighter weave and weight, resulting in significantly faster drying times. Crucially, the uniform retains the familiar camouflage pattern, ensuring operational camouflage effectiveness is maintained.
Insect protection is another key feature of the Marine Corps Combat Uniform. Both the blouse and trousers are treated with permethrin, an insecticide that provides vital defense against insect-borne diseases prevalent in tropical regions. This protective measure adds another layer of operational advantage, safeguarding Marine health and reducing mission impediments caused by insect bites.
The boots, procured under a separate contract, are also designed for tropical environments. Notably lighter than the standard-issue combat boot by over a pound, they feature self-cleaning soles, enhancing mobility and reducing the burden of mud and debris accumulation in wet terrains. This weight reduction and sole design directly contribute to improved agility and endurance in challenging tropical landscapes.
User feedback from extensive evaluations conducted between June and September 2017 played a pivotal role in refining the MCTCU design. Hundreds of Marines tested prototype tropical uniforms, assessing durability, fit, and functionality. The overwhelming consensus was positive, with Marines reporting that the MCTCU “feels like pajamas” due to its lightweight nature and expressing appreciation for its rapid drying capabilities. This direct user input highlights the Marine Corps’ commitment to incorporating field-level experience into gear development.
Beyond performance enhancements, the MCTCU also promises significant cost savings. Market research conducted in January 2020 indicated potential cost reductions ranging from 25 to 60 percent per uniform set. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with the uniform’s performance benefits, makes the MCTCU a fiscally responsible and operationally sound investment.
The Marine Corps Systems Command plans to acquire 70,000 sets of MCTCU trousers, blouses, and boots to support Fleet training and operations in tropical climates. Initial procurement efforts have already secured over 10,000 sets of blouses and trousers under a Manufacturing and Development initiative. Fielding of the marine corps combat uniform is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, marking the culmination of years of development and testing.
Curcio lauded the Clothing and Equipment Team at PM ICE for their dedication to delivering this essential uniform upgrade. “The team at PM ICE has worked many hours in testing, developing, and fielding the MCTCU,” he stated, recognizing their crucial role in equipping Marines with a uniform tailored for the rigors of tropical combat. The Marine Corps Tropical Combat Uniform represents a significant advancement in military apparel, designed to provide Marines with a tactical edge in demanding tropical environments.
