This is what I was talking about when I said we should take our foot off the gas.

For the time being it seems the Marlow White jacket is a little too expensive (their might be International shipping/payment issues as well).

We need to hear some feedback from certain members before continuing.

_________________
I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

Wow... so much got posted when I was out to dinner!

Where to begin...

Regarding the USMC Dress Blue jacket: Personally, I'd much rather see these jackets bought by folks (such as everyone here) who understand what the jacket is and most certainly wouldn't do it an injustice. Adding rank, patches, Deltas, Screaming Eagles, and campaign ribbons would certainly be breathing life back into a proud uniform item that may otherwise sit in a closet or be discarded... or bought by someone who'll disgrace the entire thing.

There is a marked difference between wearing a full-blown, true-to-regulation dress blue uniform, looking like you just walked off of a Marine Corps drill field... having never been a Marine, versus a uniform which is (by the time we're done) altered enough with unique insignias, patches, etc., being worn by folks who are... in reality... honoring it.

For instance, if I saw someone wearing a true USMC dress uniform and I found out they never served in the USMC... I'd immediately be like, "Um, why are you wearing that?" Now, if I saw one which looked similar, but upon approach had the devices we're speaking of putting on... I'd be like, "That's badass!!!"

I hope I'm making sense.... please let me know if I am or not. It makes sense in my head.

I suppose I could summarize with: having served in the USMC, I wouldn't find it offensive for someone to use the jacket as a base for a uniform based on the dress blue uniform.

Also, with the increasing popularity of WWII re-enacting, there's sure to be someone wearing the actual uniform some time or another.

I would like to volunteer, as well, to advise anyone who needs assistance with how to properly wear it, or the dress cover, etc.

Having said all that, I'm still partial to the black/black setup.

Did we ever do a mockup with blue/black?

I vote for this: Screaming Eagle (SSgt Burton's eagle rocks, btw) on the cover and belt buckle; Delta device on the collars.

_________________
CPL Conley, D. A06/TQ2.0.72147E1



"To err is human; to forgive, divine... Neither of which is Marine Corps policy."
"In Onoraigh Ar Marbh" ~ We Honor Our Fallen

Thanks for your input Derek!

I did the blue/black a while back. Here it is again:



I made the blue verrrrry dark (nearly black). The first time the blue looked a little to bluish.



Anyway- Rex and I spoke on the phone as to what would need to be done in order to alter the jacket enough to no longer be official Dress Blues.

Basically we said switching out the buttons for plain buttons, and removing the distictive USMC cuff. The red piping would remain.

Having said that- I still had a look around for high collar honor guard still uniforms for a potentially cheaper uniform. No luck really, but I did come across this site:

http://www.canterburyclothing.com/police_marine.htm

This style of uniform is actually called the "Marine".

They even have a USMC cuff option:

http://www.canterburyclothing.com/Police_coat_cuffs.htm

Picture that with red piping.


So I'd like to open the option of purchasing Dress Blue tunics for the purpose of altering them to fit our needs to the floor.

What does everyone think?

It would be much more finacially viable. However it will not be black- and we have to make sure we make the necessary alterations.

_________________
I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

Honestly, a $50-75 US blue jacket would get my vote over a $350US black one. How close is the jacket's blue to the US Army rank blue? Do we know?

Well said Derek!! Awesome!!

Yup, what Kevin said!

WG, it looks really dark...in the pics it's so dark as to be nearly black. Derek could tell you best.

I do like the black/black combo best, if just the price was the same.

_________________


USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

For whatever bizarre reason, I've failed to mention that the USMC Officer "Dress Blue" jacket is... in reality... black, without piping.

As for the other question regarding how dark the regular jacket is... it's "midnight blue" so, at a glance, generally looks black.

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CPL Conley, D. A06/TQ2.0.72147E1



"To err is human; to forgive, divine... Neither of which is Marine Corps policy."
"In Onoraigh Ar Marbh" ~ We Honor Our Fallen

I strongly advise against using any white. It takes almost nothing to get it dirty.

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MSgt, USMC (ret.)

True enough.

I think earlier I suggested vinyl for the dress cover, versus that unholy cloth they issue (I'm sure you know what I'm talking about there)... I always found the vinyl tremendously easier to keep clean.

Of course, then we go back to the belt/gloves...

_________________
CPL Conley, D. A06/TQ2.0.72147E1



"To err is human; to forgive, divine... Neither of which is Marine Corps policy."
"In Onoraigh Ar Marbh" ~ We Honor Our Fallen

Well...

I used to wear white dress gloves on very special occasions with my Air Cadet uniform. We had the white PVC belt for our Colour Guard (though I personally was never in the Colour Guard).

We'll just have to be extremely careful when wearing the uniform. Treat it like your Sunday best. Especially if we go to dinner with it.

OK so to move forward with this:

-Tunic will now be a USMC Dress Blues tunic provided the alterations mentioned above are adhered to.

-White service cap

-Black dress pants with red blood stripe (1 inch wide)

-White belt with plain brass buckle

White gloves--- can be optional?

Shoes--- should we go with patent leather dress shoes or parade boots?

_________________
I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

If by "patent leather dress shoes" you mean the oxfords that are worn with the Service Charlies, I'd say go with that. To me dress uniforms should have shoes not boots.

I always picture "dress boots" as a SpecOps thing for some reason. I guess I associate them with Jump Boots.

Unless I'm reading these posts wrong... we're going back to using USMC Blues and altering them..? The inherent problem I see with this is that some of us with... imposing physiques (myself included) may find it incredibly difficult to find fitting tunics.

BTW, for those who requested them here are your ribbons...



Kevin Burton



Derek Smith



Rex Adams



Derek Conley

Roger that.

Perhaps we can come to a compromise of some kind? Those who wish to obtain a Dress Blues tunic can do so. Those who will need a large/tall size (Derek S for instance) can pursue the Marlow tunic (or a less expensive equivalent if found)? Just to keep things looking the same- the non Dress Blues tunic should be midnight blue?

Is that first ribbon of mine what I think it is?

_________________
I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

Hey, this is definately a cool idea.

I think the uniform still looks quite similar even with the changes (Inverted jacket and trousers), but any marine would obviously know the difference right off the bat. Can't say the same for any of the general public, but then again, we are portraying marines, just futuristic ones. Could always use some more knick-knacks on the uniform though, make it more USCMish.

Cpl. Beaudoin, I believe I can create a graphics generator for the ribbons when I get back home this weekend. I was just thinking that that would be less burden on you. I would just need the image files themselves and the proper order for them. Also, do you think there should be "Moderator" ribbons, veteran ribbons, etc? Just as long as there are no post whore ribbons. >_>

Ssgt Burton, once we have a clear understanding of how this uniform looks, do you think a uniform manual would be in order? While this might be a bit "rigid", I think that it might do the actual military service a disservice by appearing sloppy or not matching.

Ripper

So in case of, this one
http://www.canterburyclothing.com/image ... Marine.jpg
but with RED PIPPING right and be a USMC Dress Blues tunic cloth color?
46R, if not a real USMC one in my size

Dom, those ribbons are amazing! Thank you.

And, PM me with your size jacket, if you would. I have friends of mine getting ready to check... places.... for better pricing.

_________________
CPL Conley, D. A06/TQ2.0.72147E1



"To err is human; to forgive, divine... Neither of which is Marine Corps policy."
"In Onoraigh Ar Marbh" ~ We Honor Our Fallen

Cool! We have "Official USCM Dress Guidelines"!!

Thanks Kevin for all your efforts in spearheading this project!!

Dom! Awesome ribbons bro, awesome!!

Sounds like Derek has you covered on the tunic, but don't be surprised at the selection ebay has, they had a few "large guy" jackets yesterday!

_________________


USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

Yes it is... I didn't give it to myself yet as I may not be eligible for it... I took a 1 year leave of absence at one point so... we'll see.
This would be great... and perhaps we can get Tony to host it. I don't believe in a moderator ribbon but a 12-year service ribbon would be good. If one has sufficient proof to say they were at a con in armour some 12 years ago, they definitely deserve one. Precedence of ribbons will be based on the size of the con... the individual marine will be responsible for reporting how many con-goers were in attendance... Nothing can beat DCon I assume.

Pleasure... I'm having fun making them. My jacket size is no mystery... it's 46 ... yes, I am a disgusting fat-body, I've been spending too much time doing admin work for the Army and this is what happens. Finding a Charlie shirt to fit me was damn hard too.

USCM Grunt Derek, refresh your cache to see your new ribbon bar.

Rex- thanks for the kind words!

About the Canterbury Clothing link- you can go for that uniform if you want to, however it is quoted as a starting price of $450.00 (I had to do some digging for prices, but they are listed on the site).

The Marlow White high collar coat is $349.00 (third one down):

http://www.marlowwhite.com/dress-uniforms/coats.html

Seigel's Uniforms has a similar one for $295:

http://www.siegelsuniforms.com/?link=2&subcatid=315&catid=6&prevcat=

If you can find it cheaper (with the same quality/ style more or less) I say go for it. Do a search for Police or Honor Guard uniforms; it's how I came across these links.


Dom- love the ribbons man! Well Done!

Derek C- many thanks for all of your input, advice and help on this project!

Semper Fi!

_________________
I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

Why 12 years instead of 10 or some other standard multiple?

Maybe 12 is a standard (4 year based?) and I just don't realize it.

Do USMC tunics run small?

I've got a 39 inch chest and I wear a 40S jacket comfortably. I've seen Dress Blues that are size 37- would they be waaay too small?

I've got a bit of a problem in that my chest is about 9-10 inches larger than my waist (trying not to sound like a braggart here )- makes it difficult to find a well fitting jacket as the waist tends to look like a bell on me if the chest is the right size.

_________________
I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

Most people are cylinder shaped, sarge. Your own fault for looking like an upside-down triangle.

I based it on the Canadian Forces DecorationAwarded after 12 years of service with a bar awarded for each additional 10 years. Airborne Mike has one and I'm close to mine.

It's not set in stone, I just thought it would work. Any other opinions?
More than a pleasure. Just a thought... instead of having actual ribbons made out... which, let's face it, will probably be an expensive venture... could they be printed on something suitable to affix to our uniforms..? Anyone have ideas?

Ah, like that inkjet printer cotton, "print your own custom patches" product that has appeared over here perhaphs!?


The weave is fairly course on the stuff I bought from the UK supplier, similar to a denim weave in scale but obviously much leighter weight cotton. Not unlike my medal ribbons.

Strips of ribbon could be printed and hemmed and then attached to a suitable backing material.

Mine has a diagonal weave so for the really "accuracy conscious" type the designs could be rotated by say 18° (or whatever the angle is on your cotton-paper) so that the weave lays horizontal with the deisgn as per a real medal ribbon.[/url]

_________________
"The other Gareth"

So... we have a pretty good idea as to the uniform now:

- USMC white dress cover

- USMC Dress Blue jacket

- US Army Dress Blue rank insignia

- USMC white belt, plain brass buckle

- black trousers, red bloodstripe

- patent leather oxfords (was this agreed on?)

- ribbons are being worked on (this is so cool)

Okay, so... devices. What's your vote for the device on the cover? Collars? Belt buckle?

Then... patch placement. Where? Which? I know this was hit on a bit earlier but I'm not sure if anything concrete was concluded.

I vote for (I know I mentioned this before, but...) Screaming Eagle device on the cover and belt buckle (if these can be made). Delta device on the collars (also if these can be made).

Screaming Eagle patches on shoulders? My concern here is how far down the arm rank placement may be... that patch is pretty large. Perhaps a Screaming Eagle on one shoulder (say... right) and then rank on left? (I'm just brainstorming here... bear with me.)

OR... Delta patch device on both shoulders, with rank set underneath it. This may reduce overall "clutter" on the arm.

Or, well, nothing on the arm but the rank!

Ribbons/badges on left chest... country flag on right, over the pocket? I think it'd be cool to see Canadian, U.K., U.S., etc flags...

_________________
CPL Conley, D. A06/TQ2.0.72147E1



"To err is human; to forgive, divine... Neither of which is Marine Corps policy."
"In Onoraigh Ar Marbh" ~ We Honor Our Fallen

Well there's the photo printing fabric that Tarim-Rex found:

http://www.blumenthallansing.com/productdetails.asp?productName=010601016

Related to this thread:

Flag Patch



I've had some time to think about this. On the one hand, I really don't like ridged rules and regulations, dress codes, and codes of conduct when costuming. We are a pretty loose group and this has been part of the appeal of our community.

However in this case, because we will be wearing a costume that upon first glance will greatly resemble a USMC dress uniform, and to the general public will look like a military uniform regardless of how much it is a costume, the very nature of the role we will be playing in said costume begs a set of standards.

Firstly, in no way am I suggesting that failure to adhere to the standards will result in any kind of punishment. These are guidelines to look your best in your uniform. We want to look as sharp as possible while wearing our CM Dress Blues (and should we come up with a catchy name for them? CM Alphas? ).

This (like the UKCM code of conduct) will be a work in progress. I will also discuss very basic regulations about conducting yourself in public while in uniform. Don't worry- there will not be anything anal or feeling like you just got drafted. I'm talking basic stuff like keeping your hands out of your pockets. Not leaning against walls, etc.

Again- I'm not suggesting that this become a set of rules that are punishable offences if disobeyed. These are merely guidelines to look your best, and play the role as sharp as possible. It will be up to the individual as to how far they wish to carry the role so to speak.

I'll leave this for everyone to provide their thoughts on the subject before continuing.

_________________
I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!