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New Marine Uniform Debuts on Okinawa
Friday, March 15, 2002
By Mark Oliva
Stars & Stripes

Sgt. Steve Muller checks the fit of the new Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform at Okinawa’s Camp Schwab on Wednesday. Infantry sergeants were among the first Marines overseas who were allowed to buy the new uniforms. More will follow, Marine officials say, but issue is focused on noncommissioned officers first.
Image Credit: Mark Oliva -- Stars and Stripes.

"I like it," said Sgt. Juan Barunda. "They set us aside. The Army has their berets; the Air Force has their own patches. Even the Navy sews their own things on the uniform. This is the only thing that distinguishes us from the other services."

CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa -- S&S
The new Marine camouflage uniform debuted on Okinawa on Wednesday, the first time it was made available overseas.

But don’t expect every Marine to get all-new uniforms just yet.

Officially called the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, only 250 arrived this week, Marine spokesman Maj. Douglas Powell said.

The Marine Corps eagle, globe and anchor is embroidered on the new uniform coats, as well as woven into the print.
Image Credit: Mark Oliva -- Stars and Stripes.
More uniform sales will be scheduled next week for Okinawa. Plans for distribution on mainland Japan haven’t been finalized, Powell said.

Uniform supplies are limited, and the Corps’ two recruit depots and Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Va., are receiving most shipments. Okinawa uniform sales are limited to noncommissioned officers for now. Similar restrictions were put in place at other Marine bases.
(More: Stars & Stripes News Source)
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Dan