The marines have had some history with frogs, it seems. While this pullover isn't their famous "frogskin" camo, it's something you'll probably end up using a whole lot more.
'FROG' in this case means Flame resistant organizational gear. During OIF/OEF, a lot of military garments ended up switching over to FR materials due to their wider availability and ease of integrating into combat uniforms. At first, there were layers that went underneath pre-existing combat uniforms, like masks, gloves, and undies. Eventually, it just made sense to make everything FR. And since the marines are special (interpret that how you want), they got a few special layering garments as well.
Enter FROG Fleecewear, made just for the USMC.
The thermal pullover designed for intermediate to cold weather climates is definitely one of our favorite surplus fleeces - giving the ECWCS fleeces a run for their money especially in the style department. Made with FR no melt/drip 'grid fleece', it's texture allows maximum moisture wicking surface area and keeps you as warm as many thicker fleeces (Patagonia does this with their 'R1' fleece, originally developed for the military).
Fit like an ultra-comfy hoodie, it features a huge front pocket, half zip with a mock-turtleneck, and a "monkey paw" sleeve end with finger holes.
If you're a PCU nerd, you can layer it underneath level 5 (a windproof jacket) or level 6 (a waterproof hardshell) for excellent performance in many climates, as it integrates into the system much like a level 3, except a bit lighter. It's also extremely packable, unlike many thicker fleece jackets.
ECWCS/PCU
The protective combat uniform or PCU is a prominent, versatile, and fantastic bang-for-buck US surplus goldmine of incredibly useful clothing. You can read more about the rest of the system in an article here, and see an excellent use guide here.
Specs
- Made in the USA
- Part of the USMC Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) Suite
- No drip no melt FR grid-pattern fleece
- Half-zip with mock-turtleneck
- GIANT (we cannot understate this) front pocket
- "Monkey Paw" style long sleeves
Sizing
The sizing follows the US Military's standardized sizing system, which will stay the same across all other uniform pieces you purchase. If you know your US shirt size, that will typically work for the main size. For the length portion, this is mostly determined by your height.
'Short' — 5'5" - 5'8"
'Regular' — 5'8" - 5'11"
'Long' — 5'11" - 6'2"
'Extra Long' — 6'3" - 6'6"
A vast majority of people will choose the "regular" length, which changes slightly across garments to keep desired proportions. Taller folks with shorter torsos may wish to stick with "regular" length as well.
Condition
All fleeces are in excellent condition with no holes, stains, or rips. Some of the thumb-holes may be worn out but should still be completely useable.