Sorry I am so late in responding. I just took a regular back pack pattern and then took the side seams apart on the uniform. I did have to make some adjustments to the pattern so it would work out. That is why one of the back pack is smaller, I thought it would work for the youngest grandson. I agree with you it IS a special person who can be a Marine. My husband's family go back 5 generations as Marines (as well as Army)