In January 2003, the Pentagon ordered units of the 45,000-member 1st Marine Expeditionary Force to deploy to the Persian Gulf region for the war with Iraq. The MEF had overall command of all Marine units in the Persian Gulf region and it included elements of the 1st Marine Division and the 1st Marine Regiment plus Marine aviation units. Their destination was Camp Commando in Kuwait, a desert base camp near Iraq.
Many but, not all the Marines deployed to Kuwait wore the new MARPAT uniform. The USMC officially began issuing its new Combat Utility Uniform or "MCUU" in early 2002, with plans to transition the entire Corps to this new uniform style by 2006. The most striking feature of the MCUU by far is its digitized hi-tech Marine Pattern or MARPAT camouflage pattern, which is composed of square "pixel" type shapes of varying size and color to help tomorrow's Marine blend in more effectively against a desert backdrop. The uniform also incorporates several design departures from its Army counterparts, including slanted breast and sleeve pockets for easier access, pocket flaps with Velcro closures, and made of a permanent press material to maintain a smart yet "iron-free" military appearance. The MCUU trousers have a permanent front pleat and crease for this same reason, as well as elastic collars on the cargo thigh pockets to keep their contents secure while "on the move". To ensure Marine Corps' uniqueness, the Marine Corps eagle, globe, and anchor has been discreetly worked into the fabric pattern. |
