Editing UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform

{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
[[File:Marine Evolution.jpg|thumb|300px|Various iterations of the Marine BDU]]
'''Battle Dress Uniform''' ('''BDU''') is a broad term describing any of several standard-issue combat uniforms worn by members of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]].

==Overview==
Unlike the [[UNSC Marine Corps Dress Uniform|Marine Corps Dress Uniform]], which is worn at parades and functions, the BDU is intended for use in combat situations. Though the Marine Corps fields a great variety of BDU types, all models comprise armor plating over [[camouflage]]d [[Fatigues|combat utilities]], as well as a [[CH252 helmet]] and combat boots. Ammunition pockets, holsters, and [[rucksack]]s are commonly used in conjunction with the BDU.

Unlike the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] worn by the [[SPARTAN programs|Spartan supersoldiers]], the Marine BDU does not include a recharging [[Energy shielding|energy shield]], providing inferior protection against [[Directed energy weapon|directed energy]] and projectile weapons.

[[Ushuaia Armory]] performed a substantial amount of work on at least one version of the BDU.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'''</ref>

==Components==
===Fatigues===
[[File:MarineFatiguesUniform.jpg|thumb|right|Fatigues with a soft armor vest]]
{{Main|Fatigues}}
Camouflaged combat utilities are worn under the armor plating. Woodland, desert, and urban camouflage are the most common color patterns for Marine fatigues.

===Combat boots===
Combat boots such as the [[VZG7 armored boots]] are worn with the uniform. They are sometimes equipped with different types of additional armor to provide greater protection to the lower leg.

===Armor===
The Marine BDU is equipped with one of various models of ballistic armor at multiple points, including the torso, the shoulders, and the shins. Some versions incorporate armor for the forearms, thighs, and groin as well. The armor is resilient against traditional ballistic weaponry though it is easily damaged by [[plasma weaponry]]. While different iterations of the BDU feature different armor models, all possess roughly equivalent durability. Lighter body armor, such as the [[ballistic assault vest]], is used in lieu of standard-issue gear during some operations.

===Headgear===
{{Main|CH252 helmet}}
All iterations of the BDU feature one of several versions of the standard-issue CH252 helmet, which is painted to match the corresponding body armor. The helmet may be mounted with various accessories, such as a [[Holography|holographic]] [[UNSC tactical eyepiece|tactical eyepiece]], a [[helmet recorder]], a boom microphone, polarized tactical goggles, a flashlight, or a [[night vision device]]. Marines sometimes wear balaclavas with their helmets, both in frigid and temperate climates. In hazardous situations, gas masks such as the [[S90 gas mask]] are worn.

Marines on field operations in more humid locales sometimes choose to wear Boonie covers. Marine [[non-commissioned officer]]s are easily recognized by the cover that they wear, which features the UNSC insignia, although they often substitute this soft cover for a more protective helmet.

==Primary models==
Several versions of the Battle Dress Uniform are in service, one of which is shared with the [[UNSC Army|Army]] and the [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]].<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' (2011), ''pages 56 and 57''</ref> The issue of any given model depends on environmental conditions, combat type, and the wearer's role.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]'' - ''UNSC Marine and UNSC Armored Marine''</ref>

===BDU with M52B body armor===
[[File:M52Bmarinearmor.png|thumb|left|A Marine wearing the BDU with an M52B chestpiece]]
This version of the BDU had entered service by [[2531]]<ref name="Homecoming"/> and was used by Marines on [[Earth]], [[Kholo]],<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', ''The Return'' motion comic</ref> [[Algolis]],<ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Prototype''</ref> [[Sigma Octanus IV]],<ref>'''Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant'''</ref> [[Reach]],<ref name="Halo">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|Halo]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''' - [[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]</ref><ref>'''Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion'''</ref>, and numerous other planets. This model is based around the [[M52B body armor]], which can be outfitted with various accessories such as [[Wikipedia:Personal Load Carrying Equipment|utility webbing]] and ammunition pouches; the armor is supported by a black ballistic vest that extends to the arms. The armor and helmet used in conjunction with this model are almost universally painted olive drab, while the fatigues generally feature a woodland camouflage pattern.<ref group="note">The article describes this version of the BDU as it is seen in ''Halo 3'' and later media, as it is a visually updated version of the BDU seen in ''Halo 2''.</ref>

This version of the BDU lacks the prominent shin armor used with other models, with only the upper shin being armored. This version also lacks thigh armor, though some Marines wear lightly armored holsters on their thighs. The BDU has black knee and elbow pads, although they are only lightly armored. The uniform also includes armored pauldrons. The V7G7 boots worn with the system are covered in light armor plating. Marines often wear fingerless gloves with this model.

The armor used in training officer cadets at the [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] in [[2526]] appeared to be a smaller, lighter version of the standard M52B armor and bore the Academy's emblem on the chest plate. It shared the shoulder pauldrons of the full-sized model.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca3Y8Ws3plI '''Youtube''' ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Official Full-length Trailer'']</ref>
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[[File:Anniversary Marines.jpg|Marines wearing the cross-branch BDU.|thumb|left|200px|Several Marines wearing the cross-branch BDU]]
[[File:Reach UNSC Marine.png|thumb|right|200px|The A/X version of the cross-branch BDU]]

===Cross-branch BDU===
This version of the Battle Dress Uniform is [[UNSC Army Battle Dress Uniform|shared]] with the [[UNSC Army|Army]] and the [[UNSC Air Force|Air Force]].<ref name="ENC"/> It features gray fatigues with dust brown or gray-brown armor plating covering the head, torso, shoulders, thighs, and shins. At times Marines wear only their utilities and soft body armor, even forgoing helmets and body armor plating in hazardous combat operations, sometimes substituting their helmets for Boonie covers or bandannas. Some Marines have small medical packs built into their back armor plating. Many helmets worn with this system include a holographic tactical eyepiece.<ref group="note">The article describes this version of the BDU as it is seen in ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', as it is a visually updated version of the BDU seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.</ref>

This version's armor protects the front and back of the torso as well as the groin. The vest incorporates separate upper-arm components with clips which allow the attachment of various types of pauldrons. Marines equipped for combat in a normal atmosphere are typically equipped with a [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V (G)|GUNGNIR]] pauldron on the left shoulder and a larger universal pauldron on the right one; the pauldron displays the UNSC logo and lettering and sometimes displays a diagonally crossed hexagon, which is also present on the Army BDU.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'''</ref> Meanwhile, space-ready Marines use a configuration of a single universal pauldron on the left shoulder and a smaller [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/UA|UA/Base Security]] shoulder armor on the right shoulder, which displays the Marine's blood type under UNSC lettering.<ref name="tpoa">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref>

For leg protection wearers often utilize the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/UA|UA/NxRA]] utility armor, which cover both thighs. Wearers often use heavily armored knee guards distinct from those worn by the Army. Some Marines wear heavier shin armor along with GUNGNIR knee guards. Marines who wear the pressurized Atmospheric/Exoatmospheric (A/X)<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/forums/games/f/5/p/7250/70316.aspx#70316 '''Halo Waypoint Forums''': ''The UNSC Army discrepancy in CE can be fixed]''</ref> version of this BDU, such as to mitigate the atmospheric hazards caused by nearby [[glassing]],<ref name="tpoa"/> wear an enclosed [[CH252 helmet#ECH252|ECH252 helmet]] derived from the [[Beta-5 Division]] [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Military Police variant|MP helmet]], as well additional collar armor similar to that worn by Air Force pilots.<ref name="tpoa"/>

===Post-war BDU===
[[File:H4-Concept-Marines.jpg|thumb|250px|Several variations of the post-war BDU.]]
A new version of the BDU entered widespread use after the end of the Covenant War, having seen a perhaps limited degree of use during the war.<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''[[Prologue]]'' cutscene</ref> A similar model, though distinct iteration was in service as early as [[2526]].<ref name="fud">'''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn'''</ref> While the general arrangement of its armor sections remains largely similar to the prior variations, the ballistic vest underneath the armor is more prominent. As with the other versions of the suit there are a number of variations of the post-war BDU for different combatant roles, including several configurations for infantry, officers, communications specialists, and Corpsmen. While in most iterations of this model the helmet remains open in the front, one version used by infantry features a fully sealed face mask integrated to the standard helmet.<ref name="Halo 4">''Halo 4'' Marine NPC models</ref>

This version is characterized by its twin-tone coloration; in addition to the primary color, the uniform has red sections on the inner portion of the legs, the neck, the upper part of the sleeves, and the sides of the torso. The primary color of the uniform is most commonly olive drab, although this is replaced by gray in the variant used by corpsmen. The armor sections usually match the primary color of the suit but may also be white, dark gray, or tan.<ref name="Halo 4"/>

The most widely used variant of the post-war BDU aboard the UNSC ''Infinity'' includes a larger, bulkier helmet and a ballistic vest worn over the basic uniform, with some armor plating around the boots and limbs.<ref name="Halo 4"/> The standard issue armor across all UNSC Marines, however, is a variant which features heavy plating around the torso, thighs, shoulders, and forearms, worn with an "off-world helmet".<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'''</ref>

The uniforms worn by the cadets at [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] shared many features with this version of the BDU, namely a similar ballistic vest and most of the armor sections. The cadet uniform also featured the distinctive two-color motif in the trousers, with the insides being either black or khaki brown.<ref name="fud"/>
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==Variants==
===Pilot variant===
[[File:Halo 3 Pilot helmet.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A variant worn by Marine Hornet and Pelican pilots]]
[[File:TML_Corpsman_BDU.png|150px|thumb|right|The Corpsman variant of the BDU]]
Marine [[pilot]]s usually wear a modified version of the standard Marine uniform,<ref name="Covenant">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant]]''</ref> though they are known to utilize the BDU without modifications as well. Several helmet models are used by pilots, including one version with a fully covering flip-down visor, which likely provides a heads-up display;<ref name="Halo"/> a similar model features a larger, gold-polarized visor.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Metropolis]]''</ref> Other pilots wear more advanced equipment, including fully sealed helmets and an additional control panel on the standard chest armor piece. Each helmet bears a wing symbol, possibly denoting the wearer's MOS, though this may instead indicate unit affiliation.<ref name="Covenant"/>

===Corpsman variant===
While many [[UNSC Navy|Navy]] [[Hospital Corpsman|Corpsmen]] wear the standard BDU, some use a suit with charcoal fatigues and padding with white armor featuring red shoulder straps and caduceus symbols on the shoulder pauldrons for easy identification.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''The Mona Lisa'' motion comic</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Other suits==
While the standard BDU is most commonly seen in the field, there are multiple specialized combat suits worn by different branches of the UNSC Marine Corps. The [[ODST armor|armor system]] utilized by the [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] is the most notable example, being a sealed full-body combat suit instead of a more conventional armored uniform. During operations in vacuum, Marines wear [[vacuum suit]]s, often equipped with armor plating. One example of a vacuum-enabled suit is the [[black body suit]], which is a lightweight, form-fitting suit of polymer body armor. Other task-specific suits exists, such as the fire-resistant full-body combat suit worn by the [[Hellbringers]]. Heavier armored variants of the standard BDU were worn on counterinsurgency operations by [[2524]], including a suit with charcoal fatigues and matte-black [[heavy impact plating]] covering most of the body and a helmet that fully encases the head.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 9''</ref>
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==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of UNSC Marines}}
The Battle Dress Uniform as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was heavily inspired by the armor worn by the Colonial Marines in the film ''[[Wikipedia:Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'', which [[List of references to Aliens in Halo|greatly influenced the game]].

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:600px-Halo Wars Marine BR.jpg|Marines in the cold environment variant of the Insurrection-era BDU
File:Halo 3 Marine.jpg|A Marine wearing a BDU with an M52B chestpiece
File:Halo3-Marine.png|A Marine radio operator wearing the same BDU version
File:Bumblebee pilot - CEA.jpg|A [[Class-3 Enclosed Heavy Lifeboat|Bumblebee]] pilot wearing the M52B armor with a specialized helmet
File:HaloReach - MarineUniform.jpg|Marines wearing the A/X variant of the cross-branch BDU
File:Reach UNSC Marine - shin guards.png|Another view of the A/X cross-branch BDU
File:H4-UNSCMarine-Detail.png|A Marine wearing a version of post-war BDU
File:H4-UNSCMarine-ScanRender.png|Portrait of a standard Halo 4 UNSC Marine
File:H4-UNSCMarineVariants.jpg|BDU variants of other UNSC Marine classes, seen in Halo 4
File:Halo3-MarineConcept.png|Concept art of the armor for ''Halo 3''
File:MarineArmoredUniform.jpg|The uniform as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''
File:HCE-MarineAtArms.png|A Marine standing at arms in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''
File:Marine halo 2.png|The BDU as it appears in ''Halo 2'' 
File:UNSC_marine_BDU_(Halo_2_A)_6.png|The BDU as it appears in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' 
File:ReachBDU.png|A render of the BDU as it appears in ''Halo: Reach''
File:H4heads3.jpg|Models of the BDU helmet in ''Halo 4''.
File:HSS-Cinematic-Holdouts.jpg|UNSC Marines during the events of ''Halo: Spartan Strike''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
**''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Arms Race]]''
**''[[Halo: Combat]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian|''Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian'' motion comic]]
**''[[Palace Hotel (short story)|Palace Hotel]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
**[[The Return|''The Return'' motion comic]]
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
{{Col-end}}

==Notes==
<references group="note"/>

==Sources==
<references/>

{{Armor}}
[[Category:UNSC armor]]
[[Category:UNSC uniforms]]