New in 2018: ‘Fast drying’ and ‘lightweight’ tropical uniform and boots

The new year will bring new gear for Marines everywhere.

For starters, Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller wants Marines to have lighter gear, so the Corps expects to begin making a new tropical uniform and boots available in late 2018, said Lt. Col. Christopher Madeline of Marine Corps Systems Command.

The new boots and uniform will not be seabag items, meaning Marines will not be required to have them. Marines who know their units will be deployed to desert or jungle climes can get the uniform and boots at individual issue facilities or purchase them in exchanges.

A team in Hawaii with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines has been testing the new tropical uniforms.

17 things Marines need to know for 2018

Here’s a preview of what’s in store for the Marines in 2018.

By Marine Corps Times staff

“Midpoint review was very promising,” said Madeline, program manager for infantry combat equipment. “They used terms like: ‘fast drying,’ ‘lightweight,’ ‘felt like pajamas.’ Those are all good words to meet what we want with that tropical uniform.”

Meanwhile, Marines have been testing three types of boots made by Danner, Bates and Rocky Boots, said Madeline. “The decision may be that all three of them are acceptable.”

Also at the start of 2018, Marines will be issued reinforced backpack frames to replace the frames that were breaking in Norway and at the School of Infantry, officials said. Deliveries are scheduled to begin on Dec. 15, said Barbara Hamby, a spokeswoman for MARCORSYSCOM.

More In Your Military

‘It’s scary as hell’ — PFAS exposure a ‘widespread’ problem for troops, families nationwide

Some of the highest concentrations of PFAS chemicals in the country have been found at and around military bases.

Navy-Marine war game puts their climate action strategy to the test

The scenario involved a Navy amphibious ready group and an embarked Marine expeditionary group poised to conduct an exercise with a partner nation amid storms and a typhoon.

A wall of boots representing individuals affected by sexual misconduct is on display at a sexual assault awareness event at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 14, 2022. (Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro/Air Force)

New rules make it easier to kick out airmen, guardians guilty of sexual assault

“The prohibition of consideration of the members’ good military character or service record moves the ‘zero-tolerance’ culture forward, omitting opportunities for the ‘good dude’ defense,” said military personnel expert Kate Kuzminski.

Ohio Guard soldier charged with terroristic threats, making and selling ‘ghost guns’

One of two Ohio National Guardsmen arrested this spring for making terroristic threats has now been charged with illegally making and selling 3D-printed guns.

Oops! Navy helo ‘rigging failure’ sends five missiles into the Pacific

Efforts to recover the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles have begun.

In Other News

Made in China? More than half the products in military exchanges could be banned

A ban on Chinese-made products could affect sales of clothing, shoes, baby items, home appliances, electronics, computers, Apple phones and lots more.

The congressional fight to scrap littoral combat ships isn’t over

Congress appears poised to save five littoral combat ships from an early retirement, but the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee is saying that the fight to ditch the ships is not yet over.

He liked the pro-America, pro-constitution vibe. But he liked the rage, too.

Extremist groups are shifting toward a more militia-style environment, targeting veterans for recruitment, valuing their skills and preying on their patriotism.

President Biden honors Wounded Warriors at soldier ride

President Joe Biden welcomed members of the Wounded Warrior Project to the White House for the group's annual solider ride.

Black veteran groups seek policy agenda on racial inequities

Advocates say racial inequality in access to veterans benefits can upend the lives of Black people who proudly served their country.

House defense bill calls for US-built ships to modernize strategic sealift fleet

After neglecting strategic sealift for too long, some in Congress are trying a new approach to get the Navy and the Maritime Administration to invest in new US-made ships.

Okinawa wants US base reduced 77 years after battle’s end

The governor of Okinawa is calling for further reduction of the U.S. military presence there amid growing fear of regional military tension.

US to send Ukraine rocket systems, other aid in new package

The aid is part of the $40 billion in security and economic assistance passed last month by Congress.

Are overseas retirees about to lose military postal privileges?

One major concern is how military retirees overseas will get their mail-order medications through Tricare Express Scripts.

Historic bill will help military burn pit victims, families

A military widow and a veterans advocate explain why this legislation matters for families currently serving on this episode of The Spouse Angle podcast.