Bethesda, Md — The Marine Corps recently unveiled its new running suit to Marines assigned to the Wounded Warrior Regiment at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. The new running suit will become standard issue in addition to what is currently provided and does not replace the existing green physical training uniform. The new running suits are compatible with other physical training uniform items, according to Marine Corps officials.
Marines from the Wounded Warrior Regiment, including those at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, were the first to receive the new gear, according to guidance set by Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway.
“[The running suits are] the first ones off the sewing machines, and we gave them to you,” Col. Gregory Boyle, commanding officer of Wounded Warrior Regiment, said to the Wounded Warrior Regiment. “It demonstrates to the American people where the commandant's priority is.”
According to Boyle, the Wounded Warrior Battalions at Camp Lejeune, NC, and Camp Pendleton, CA, will receive the gear next. Following that, Marines assigned to recruiting commands and recruit depots will be issued the running suit, followed by the remainder of the Marine Forces, according to Marine Corps Systems Command.
“All Marines will be in the new running suit as soon as possible; widespread distribution is set to begin by October 2008 with a mandatory possession date of around October 2009,” says Lt. Col. A.J. Pasagian, program manager of Infantry Combat Equipment, Marine Corps Systems Command.
Retailed at $112, the running suit is the first newly released gear that Marines do not have to pay for out of pocket.