Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform

It replaced the Battle Dress Uniform, which the Marine Corps had shared with the Navy, Army and Air Force.

However, both the MCCUU, and its distinctive camouflage pattern, MARPAT, are exclusive to the Marine Corps, which holds the patents to their design.

[15] Initially the variety worn depended on the environment and season: Deployed Marines wore whichever color is more appropriate to the climate and terrain, Marines in garrison wore the woodland MCCUU in winter months, and the desert MCCUU in summer months.

Dismounting for incidental stops en route off of a military installation is no longer permissible excepting legitimate emergencies only.

However, due to concerns that the shirts would melt to the skin in the event of a fire or explosion, they are banned when a Marine is deployed to a combat zone.

The MCCUU is worn with a webbed rigger's belt earned through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

The belts are tan, grey, green, brown, or up to six degrees of black, depending on the Marine's proficiency.

A U.S. Marine wearing the MCCUU in woodland MARPAT in 2001
Desert, Urban, Woodland MCCUU
Two U.S. Marines test out early predecessors to the MCCUU in 2001. The two prototypes feature removable sleeves, a feature that was later abandoned on the finished production version.
The collar of an MCCUU, being worn by a U.S. Marine sergeant in 2002
The rear of an MCCUU, being worn by a U.S. Marine in 2002