I was issued one in the Coast Guard (except it is blue). It wears great, is very comfortable and lasts forever.

Speak of the devil. I'm wearing mine right now (I like window open for fresh air but the temp is 25). It's great. I only wish that for "civilian and/or outdoors" wear that it had a crew neck, no epaulets, and those reinforced shoulder patches (essentially like the one pictured). My issued one's got a v neck, has the epaulets, and lacks the shoulder patches. I wonder why the difference in style between the services? I assume the epaulets are for our rank shoulderboards, but I don't know a good reason for a v neck and no shoulder patches. Seems like a crew neck would keep you warmer and a shoulder patch would reduce wear and tear...

The USMC version is green (of course), with a crew neck. Not sure if it has epaulets or not, but I don't think so...

You are right about this sweater not having epaulets. Also, the sweater is made for "lean and mean" . I suggest size up if you are not.

Is the USMC sweater manufacturer Rothco? They have this brand at Sail here but it's rather expensive. I'm not sure if I will waist my time shopping in the stores in Montréal because most of it is just mallwear.

Frankie

I bought a couple MC sweaters a few years ago on ebay. They are the real deal, 100% wool. I wear one hunting and the other is in a BOB. I also scored another military style sweater from ebay that was advertised as being a British SAS sweater. I don't know if that is true or not, but I like it better than the MC versions. The "SAS" sweater has extra long sleaves for rolling up and a diagonal zipped turtle neck that goes down to the center of my chest. The zipper is great for climate control and when it gets cold, up it goes to my chin. The sweater is a wool blend, and is a woodland camo pattern - I love it! I bet I don't have $30 in all three sweaters. I know I bought the two surplus Marine Corp sweaters for $7 and $9. You can't beat surplus wool!

Tom