MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Commanders were recently upset by the unsatisfactory appearance of Marines wearing flight suits and cover-alls off the flight line. Not only were Marines wearing the uniforms in unauthorized places, but their uniforms were unsightly.

While it takes time and effort to prepare a spotless uniform, many Marines are preoccupied or aren’t willing to spend extra hours working on an immaculate uniform. So to ease the pains of preparation, experienced Marines have contributed simple techniques to cut back on time and still display a spotless appearance.

“This is a user-friendly uniform here,” said Master Gunnery Sgt.  John C. Hood, provost sergeant for the Miramar Provost Marshal’s Office. “I call it the lazy-man uniform.”

Hood was the former drill master at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego from 1981-1989, setting the example for future Marines. Hood respects the Marine Corps expectation of excellence in work and appearance and still applies some of the more time consuming procedures to his new digital camouflage utility uniform.

“I just wash it, pull it out of the dryer and then hang it up,” Hood said. “You don’t have to iron this uniform but I always do.”

Irish pennants are traditionally removed with scissors but a lighter is a more effective tool in some cases. Fire will singe the ends of a thread so it’s less likely to unravel, but be careful not to burn a hole through your uniform. While you can use a lighter for any of your uniforms, snipping might be more appropriate if you have an unsteady hand. Use scissors on more delicate fabrics – like your service uniform alpha blouse – so you can sew any unexpected snips.

To protect wedding bands from scratching or reflecting in the sun, wrap electric tape around them. When you remove the tape, use butter or cooking oil to get rid of the residue.

Dry cleaning is a hassle and unnecessary expense so save money by personally washing and pressing your service uniforms. Spot treat any stains and then toss your uniform in the washing machine on the delicate cycle, with cold water. Press them while damp and put your shirt in the dryer on low for 15 minutes while you iron your trousers. Flip your trousers inside out, spray starch on the crease area, reverse them and use a low heat setting to iron them according to the measurements required.

Your creases usually stay in place after one washing but to get that sharp Marine-Corps-crisp line, re-iron the old creases into place. Use a low heat and place a light towel over your shirt, to prevent burning and discoloration. You can use paper clips, bobby pins or tape to hold the fold in place while your ironing.

Hanging your service-uniform trousers the right way helps keep the crease fresh and wrinkle-free, but if you don’t have a pant-hanger then use two safety pins and a top hanger. Fold your pant legs by the crease; slip the two safety pins through opposite ends of the hem and over the bottom bar of the hanger. Slip the safety pins through the second hem, using the pins to balance the trousers over the hanger.

Tricks of the trade are learned through time and experience. There is always plenty of time to make a good impression, but “working smarter, not harder,” is the Marine Corps way.