COSTS AND BENEFITS OF UNIFORM COMMONALITY FOR THE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS

Abstract

This research used uniforms of the United States Navy and Marine Corps to explain the costs and benefits of the services consolidating uniforms and wearing a single functional uniform. This study examined the history of Navy and Marine Corps uniforms. It analyzed benefits and costs, as well as identified impediments to implementing a single functional uniform for use at Contiguous United States (CONUS) and Outside Continental United States (OCONUS) duty stations. The research team concluded that there are many possible benefits to consolidation such as increased concealment, safety, and functionality. After analyzing eight possible courses of action (COA), the research team concluded that COA 4, both the Navy and Marine Corps utilizing the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) Flame Resistant (FR) variant, resulted in the greatest number of benefits and the highest weight of perceived benefits to the warfighter.