Marines at Port Gamble June 25, 2005
US Marine Corps
USS Tahoma Marine Guard
Uniform and Equipment Standards:
If you are new to re-enacting and you are interested in becoming a Marine, it has been our experience to contact one of the USS Tahoma Marine members, Civilian or Military, to discuss the appropriate uniform and equipment items before you make your uniform and equipment purchase. We have learned over the years that there are many sutlers to purchase from and only a handful that understand and carry appropriate uniform and equipment. We have a list of preferred sutlers that will provide period correct uniform and equipment.
We welcome women members to fall in the ranks with the Marines if they desire a military role over civilian.
If you are thinking about transferring to the Marines, please contact one of our military members to discuss using some or all of your existing uniform and equipment.
Military contacts: Loren Womack or Howard Struve
Civilian contacts: Cheryl Reams
Basic Uniform Standards:
1. Undress Marine frock coat, see Mercury Sutler or Quartermaster Shop.
1a. Marine pull over sack coat, see or Mercury Sutler or Quartermaster Shop
2. White Trousers, see Quartermaster Shop or contact Howard to obtain the ship’s seamstress contact information if you are a member of the U.S. Tahoma Marine Guard.
Note: White trousers, in general, will be for summer use from May 1 through September 30th..
The Marine commanding officer may elect to change this ruling based on weather conditions, special ceremonies, etc. Bring to each event one set each of the trousers if you have them.
3. Sky Blue Trousers, see Mercury Sutler or Quartermaster Shop.
Note: Sky Blue trousers, in general, will be for winter use from October 1 through April 30th.
4. Jefferson Bootee (Brogans), see C&D Jarnagin .
5. Wool Socks.
6. Marine Kepi, see Quartermaster Shop, or Dirty Bill’s.
Basic Equipment Standards:
USS Tahoma Marines in an effort to improve our impression prefer white leathers over black leathers as part of the marine's basic kit. Many of our existing members have both white and black leather sets. Individual re-enactor's are not required to have both.
1. Buff leather waist belt and rectangular plain brass buckle (Make sure buckle has the square corners type NOT CLIPPED CORNERS).
2. Buff leather Baldric.
3. Buff leather cartridge box sling. For all the items above see Mercury Sutler, Quartermaster Shop or
4. Black Leather cartridge box.
5. Cap pouch.
6. Bayonet scabbard. C&D Jarnagin
7. Canteen with Dark Blue wool skin.
8. Springfield Rifled Musket. Once again, there are many options available so please contact a Marine member for more information. The standard issue was a 1858 Springfield Rifle Musket. Some of our members carry Enfield's, and Zouave Rifle's (2 band rifles requires the owner to be located in the front ranks only per the WCWA Safety By-laws). C&D Jarangin, Fall Creek Sutlery, Milk Creek Sutlery, Dixie Gun Works, etc.
9. Bayonet appropriate for the rifle owner. Best to buy at the same time as your rifle.
10. Tent. Yakima Tent, Fall Creek Sutlery.