need uniform advice/help

[Will]

I'm a proud father of a USMC recruit.

My kid is signed up for a deferred enlistment, and will go to MCRD in later this year.

Here's the question: what is permitted for an enlisted man as far as wristwatches?

I thought it might be cool to buy him a really nice wristwatch to celebrate his graduation from boot camp. I'm looking at a Tissout that has compass and altimeter among other features. Any thoughts and advice is appreciated.

[Sgt2844USMC]

It depends on his command and all. I have been in a unit where i could wear a really nice fossil watch that is all shiny and others where it can only be a black band.
"Articles that may be worn while in uniform include inconspicuous wrist watches and rings" That is from the USMC Uniform Manual. Im guessing that is saying that you can only have a neutral band (one that is not shiny) and a neutral face. The reasoning behind that is if you are in a forign land fighting you don't want to give your postion away because of your shiny watch. But in garrison (on CONUS) most commanders have more things to worry about than the watch on your wrist.

Hope this helps

[Toogr82h8]

I would say a nice black watch, I personally like G-shocks....dont give it to him before he graduate boot camp though as he wont be allowed to wear it in boot camp

[Deebelle369]

Welcome to the Semper Gumby Brigade Will!

Just a word about watches. My first Marine just graduated from Parris Island last September and they marched all of them over to the BX to purchase a watch during boot camp. They were only permitted to chose between certain types, so you might want to hold off on a grad gift of a watch. One of the grad gifts my Marine loved was a brand new pair of Danner boots bought on base after grad. Something to think about. :)

[THORSHAMMER69]

I think you can probably get him whatever watch you want. There are rare cases where he might be told to remove it if it's too flashy, such as during ceremonies or field training. But for everyday wear, anything is probably fine. Like toogr8 said though, you can't go wrong with a really nice black g-shock. Congratulations on adding another brave soul to America's ranks.

[JordanDay]

buy him a nice watch. he can always wear it after work and weekends if his command doesnt let him wear it in uniform.