Marine Corps veterans and U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO), Michael Grimm (R-NY), and Paul Broun (R-GA) on Thursday, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel expressing their opposition to the Administration’s proposal to introduce a new unisex-style cover for the Marine Corps.
“Spending $8 million dollars in an environment of fiscal austerity to make a cosmetic change to the Marine Corps uniform that negatively impacts the morale of America’s Marines is a bad idea.”
Read the entire letter below.
Dear Secretary Hagel:
As Members of Congress who are proud to have earned the title of United States Marine, we write to express our concern about the Administration’s proposal to introduce a new unisex-style cover for the Marine Corps. Apparently, the new design is based on the cover worn by Sergeant Dan Daly, who earned the Medal of Honor during World War I. While the intent may be to honor Sergeant Daly, whose selfless acts of bravery exemplify the illustrious history of the Marine Corps, such a move would be unwise for several reasons.
It is our understanding that the introduction of these new covers would carry a price tag of about $8 million. At a time when the defense budget is shrinking, when our ability to meet threats is being eroded, when we are reducing the size of our military, and when the Department of Defense civilian workforce is being furloughed, this is no time to be spending money to make cosmetic changes to military uniforms that have no bearing on functionality or mission accomplishment.
You surely remember General Shinseki’s ill-fated action a decade ago in which he, as Chief of Staff of the Army, directed all soldiers to wear the black beret, which until then had been a distinctive uniform item worn by the famed Army Rangers. Not only was this action a slap in the face to the Army Ranger community, the money used to purchase the new berets would have been better spent elsewhere. Several years later, the Army reversed General Shinseki’s directive after millions of dollars had been spent. This cautionary tale should give us pause before we undertake a similar decision in this case.
The current cover has been a part of the Marine Corps uniform for almost a century. Changing from the current design to the proposed design will have a negative impact on morale. According to several reports and an informal survey, Marines across the Corps are decrying the new look that the Administration has planned for their uniforms. They say it looks more French than American, and that it does not look “hard-charging.” That is not the image the United States Marine Corps should convey.
Spending $8 million dollars in an environment of fiscal austerity to make a cosmetic change to the Marine Corps uniform that negatively impacts the morale of America’s Marines is a bad idea. We respectfully request that this proposal be rescinded. We look forward to your prompt reply.
