Maintaining a sharp and professional appearance is a cornerstone of the Marine Corps. Adhering to the Marine Corps Service Uniform Regulations is not just about compliance; it’s about embodying the pride, discipline, and attention to detail that define every Marine. Staying up-to-date with these regulations can sometimes feel like navigating a complex landscape, as updates and clarifications are regularly issued to keep pace with evolving standards.
This guide breaks down recent announcements and amplifications concerning Marine Corps uniform policy, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the current guidelines. We’ll delve into hair regulations, tattoo policies, specific uniform component guidance, and more, drawing from official Marine Corps publications to provide you with accurate and helpful information.
Hair Regulations: Clarifications on Length and Styles
Recent updates have provided further clarity on hair regulations, particularly concerning hair length and authorized styles for female Marines. Building upon the existing Marine Corps Order (MCO) 1020.34H, MARADMIN 615/22 has emphasized that long hair must be secured up, meaning no loose ends or portions falling naturally, except during non-combat physical training (PT).
During non-combat PT, medium and long hair can be worn in an unsecured full ponytail or braid. For securing hair, inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins are authorized. Barrettes and combs are also permitted if they match the hair color and are concealed. Ponytail holders should be hair-colored and inconspicuous but do not need to be hidden. However, conspicuous hair securing devices such as headbands, scrunchies, alligator clips, and bows remain unauthorized. These clarifications will be formally incorporated into the updated MCO 1030.32H.
Image: Official document illustrating uniform regulation updates from the Marine Corps Uniform Board.
Tattoo Policy Amplification: Leg Tattoos and Dress Uniforms
The Marine Corps has also provided important updates regarding the tattoo policy. MCBul 1020, dated 29 Oct 2021 and extended until 29 Oct 2023, serves as the most current guidance on tattoos. Notably, the previous prohibition on wearing the blue dress “A/B” and blue-white “A/B” uniforms with a skirt if visible leg tattoos are present has been rescinded. This updated guidance will be included in Change 1 of the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations. Marines considering new tattoos are strongly advised to review MCBul 1020 before getting inked to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Belt Guidance for the Female Dress Blue Coat
Specific guidance has been issued for the wear of belts with the new Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC). As per MARADMIN 596/18, paragraph 3002 of the Uniform Regulations has been revised. For all uniforms, belts are to be worn at the natural waistline. For male officer dress and service coats, and enlisted male service coats, the right edge of the belt buckle aligns with the edge of the fly or coat front. However, due to the FDBC closing in the opposite direction to the male coat, the female belt is worn differently. For the new FDBC, the left edge of the buckle (wearer’s left) should align with the coat front edge, and the belt end will extend to the wearer’s left. This ensures uniformity and a smart appearance while accounting for the FDBC’s design.
Cold Weather Uniform Items: Field Gloves, Inserts, and Watchcaps
Guidance on cold weather uniform items, including black field gloves, inserts, and watchcaps, has been clarified in CMC Decision Memo dated 10 Jan 18 and MARADMIN 596/18. Coyote field glove liners (DSCP black liners meet the requirement) became mandatory possession items on 1 Oct 2019. The coyote watchcap followed on 1 Oct 2020, and black field gloves on 1 Oct 2021. DSCP field gloves and liners can be worn at the individual’s discretion in garrison or field environments with the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU). Liners can be worn as outer garments, except in formations. The DSCP issued coyote watchcap is authorized with PT uniforms and the MCCUU in garrison and field settings when weather appropriate. Saluting protocols remain the same as with garrison MCCUU caps in non-tactical or garrison environments, but saluting is not required when wearing the cold weather watchcap with the PT uniform.
Female Hair Fades: Authorized Styles for Short Hair
For female Marines with short hair, a “zero” fade is authorized at the hairline at the nape of the neck, graduating to a maximum length of one inch. The fade must start at zero and gradually increase, concluding within 2 inches of the hairline at the nape. Zero fades on the sides of the head are not permitted; the shortest authorized side length is 1/4 inch, allowing for a quarter-inch fade. Female Marines with long hair are permitted to shave hair below the hairline at the back of the neck that cannot be incorporated into a bun.
Fourragere: Wear Regulations and Obsolete Attachments
Clarifications have been issued regarding the French Fourragere. The black tip pencil attachment for the French Fourragere is now obsolete, having been so since 2001. Marines who were permanently awarded the black tip pencil attachment may continue to wear it. Permanent wear of the French Fourragere is only authorized for Marines personally awarded it for actions during WWII. Marines currently serving with the 5th and 6th Marines wear the award while attached to those units, using the polished brass tip pencil attachment. Paragraph 5302.4 of MCO 1020.34H will be updated to reflect these guidelines.
Hands in Pockets: Garrison and Field Environments
MCO 1020.34H has addressed the policy on hands in pockets. In a garrison environment, placing hands in pockets is prohibited except to retrieve items. However, in field environments, commanders are expected to use good judgment in applying this policy.
Hose Color in the Blue Dress Uniform: Formal vs. Informal Occasions
The appropriate hose color for the Blue Dress Uniform depends on the formality of the occasion. Smoke/off-black hose are reserved for formal events. Nude/flesh-tone harmonizing hose are the default for all other occasions. To determine formality, consider the civilian dress code. If civilians are expected to wear formal attire (ball gowns and tuxedos), then smoke hose are appropriate. For semi-formal or less formal events, nude hose should be worn. If no civilians are present, consider whether officers and SNCOs are wearing evening dress uniforms – if so, it’s a formal event. Most events, outside of the Birthday Ball, are semi-formal or less, requiring nude hose. Despite the Blue Dress Uniform often being associated with the formal Birthday Ball, nude hose are actually the default hose color.
HQMC Uniform of the Day: Pentagon Reservation
ALMAR 13/20 specifies the uniform of the day for all Marines and Sailors permanently stationed at or visiting the Pentagon Reservation. The prescribed uniform is the service “B”/”C” uniform, appropriate for the season.
Male Hair Fades: Defining Low Regulation Haircuts
Guidelines for male hair fades have been clarified. A zero fade must start at the nape of the neck and continue upwards to the top orifice of the ear. This provides specific direction for those preferring a low regulation haircut. Fades must graduate from zero up to the maximum hair length, with the maximum length not being reached before the top orifice of the ear. While starting at zero at the nape and maintaining zero beyond the top orifice is permitted, a fade to a high and tight is still necessary to blend into the longer hair on top. Clean-shaven heads remain authorized. Quick graduations to maximum hair length within an inch or less of the hairline are no longer permitted.
Manicures in Utilities: Natural Nail Mimicking Styles
Policy changes have been made regarding manicures in MCCUUs. Uniform Board 209 now permits female Marines to wear manicures that mimic the natural nail. This includes clear manicures and those that replicate the natural nail appearance, which features a beige-colored tip extending beyond the nail bed and a pale pink, nude, or peach-colored nail bed. French/American manicures and similar styles that mimic this natural look are authorized. However, fully painted nude, peach, or pink nails without the white, off-white, or beige tip are not authorized in utilities and are reserved for dress and service uniforms.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball Uniform Standardization for Officers and SNCOs
ALMAR 042/11 standardizes the Marine Corps Birthday Ball uniform for officers and SNCOs as the dress blue uniform (with blue trousers/skirt/slacks) or the evening dress uniform. This policy does not extend to Sergeants and below.
Marine Corps Boot Program: Minimum Requirements and Optional Boots
The minimum boot requirement is one pair of hot weather and one pair of temperate weather boots. Marines can wear either Marine Corps Combat Boots (MCCBs) or Rugged All Terrain (RAT) boots to meet this requirement. Optional boots are permitted if certified and must feature the Marine Corps emblem on the heel and a certification approval number tag, typically inside the upper portion of the boot. Boots lacking both the emblem and tag are not authorized, even if from an approved manufacturer. It is crucial to verify both are present when purchasing online or from retailers, as manufacturers often offer non-certified versions for civilian use.
MARPAT MCCUU Sleeve Rolling Guidance: Summer and Winter Seasons
PMCUB memo 1020 dated 12 Mar 2014 provides guidance on rolling MCCUU sleeves, as detailed in para 3038.3 of the MCUR. During summer, MARPAT coat sleeves are rolled inside out, creating a snug roll about three inches wide, with the bottom of the roll slightly above to no more than halfway between the shoulder top and elbow top. Local commanders may authorize sleeves down in combat and field environments. During winter, sleeves are worn down. Trousers are bloused neatly when combat boots are worn. When utility uniforms are prescribed for parades, reviews, and ceremonies, helmets with the appropriate MARPAT cover may be authorized (MARADMIN 078/14).
Maternity Uniform Development: T-shirts, Nursing Shirts, and Fit Adjustments
Maternity uniform options are expanding. The maternity t-shirt and nursing t-shirt have been certified as optional items and are being made available for purchase through Marine Corps Clothing Stores (MCCS), with online availability expected soon if not already in local PXs. Additionally, side tabs are being added to maternity khaki long and short-sleeve shirts and the maternity tunic to improve fit throughout pregnancy, with production underway. Development of blue dress maternity skirts and slacks is also in progress, with a fielding date to be determined, and these will be added to the maternity supplemental clothing allowance.
Naval Personnel Wearing Marine Corps Uniforms: Grooming Standards
Sailors assigned to Marine Corps units and wearing Marine Corps uniforms must adhere to Marine Corps grooming standards, with one exception: male Sailors are not required to maintain zero fade hairstyles (NAVADMIN 233/18).
New Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC): Availability and Wear Regulations
The FBDC is currently available for purchase and authorized for wear. The mandatory possession date is 1 Oct 2022. The older women’s blue dress coat is authorized until 30 September 2022, after which it becomes obsolete (with exceptions for Marines retiring before this date who may continue wearing the old coat into retirement, and former Marines per chapter 12 of MCO 1020.34H). Key points to note include: the male and FBDC are gender-specific and not interchangeable; enlisted female Marines continue to wear gender-specific chevrons on the FBDC; the white web belt, waistplate, and branch of service insignia are gender-neutral; female officers do not wear the male white dress shirt or white cuffs under their FBDC but wear the white strip collar, which is gender-neutral; and the belt and buckle are included with both the male dress coat and FBDC.
Ordering the 8th & I Blue Overcoat: Neptune Garment Company
Units requiring ceremonial blue overcoats (at command expense) for the 8th & I can now place orders with Neptune Garment Company at 1-800-320-3980 or [email protected].
Ponytails in Marine Corps Uniforms: PT Uniform Exception
Ponytails are generally not authorized in Marine Corps uniforms, except for female Sailors and Marines during PT while wearing PT uniforms.
Running Suit Wear Guidance: Authorized Combinations and Restrictions
Clarifications on running suit wear have been provided based on CMC decisions. Only the running suit jacket and sweatshirt can be worn as outer garments for non-PT leave and liberty. The full running suit or its components can be worn with any PT ensemble component (running suit, general purpose trunks, and green undershirt) for PT leave and liberty only. The olive green sweat suit should never be worn with running suit components. Reflective belt wear with the running suit is a commander’s discretion for safety. Commercial/”rainbow” clothing (non-issued PT shirts/shorts) is authorized with the running suit, sweats, and green shorts/undershirt for personal PT only. Uniform components can be mixed and matched, except sweatpants cannot be worn with running suit components. Examples of authorized combinations include running suit trousers with a green undershirt, sweatpants with a green undershirt, and a green undershirt with black shorts. The running suit jacket cannot be worn with the utility uniform. ALMAR 019/08 also prohibits non-PT leave and liberty wear of the green undershirt, general purpose trunks, and sweatpants.
Uniform of the Day Policy for the National Capital Region: ALMAR 54/06
Visitors to the Washington Metro Area and Marines permanently assigned to the area should review ALMAR 54/06 for the local Uniform of the Day policy, which is a regional regulation, not a Uniform Board policy.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Officer/Operator Insignia: MOS 7318 and 7316
Marine officers with MOS 7318 and enlisted Marines with MOS 7316 are authorized to wear the UAS officer and operator insignia, respectively, per DC Aviation Memo 1000 DCA dated 16 Oct 2020. Paragraph 40002 of the Uniform Regulations provides further details.
View All Uniform Plates: Limited Availability
Currently, only plate XIV (Combat Utility Uniform) is in print and available for order (PCN 100-103-622-00). Other uniform plates are out of print and circulation unless the Historical Division reprints them.
Waiver to the Mandatory Possession Date for the Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC)
ALMAR 007/20 provides a waiver to the FDBC mandatory possession date. Female Marines exiting service between 1 October 2022 and 1 January 2023 may continue wearing the old female blue dress uniform until their departure. The mandatory possession date of 1 October 2022 remains for all other female Marines.
White Crew-Neck Undershirts: Optional and Mandatory Wear
MARADMIN 143/16 authorizes female Marines to optionally wear white crew-neck, V-neck, or no undershirt under khaki service/dress shirts. Crew-neck undershirts are mandatory for all Marines with visible tattoos in the “V” area created by the open collar of khaki service/dress shirts.
Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance Rates: FY23 Update
Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance rates have been updated. For FY23, the rate is $391.32. Historical rates from FY12 to FY22 are also provided. All CCA requests must now include a screenshot from MCTFS (3270) D926 page. More information on the Civilian Clothing Allowance Program is available here.
Uniform Board Process and Recommendation Submission: How Changes Happen
The Uniform Board process begins with recommendations, which can originate from any source but require command endorsement if from an individual Marine. Compiled issues are briefed to the President, Marine Corps Uniform Board (PMCUB). PMCUB-approved issues proceed to the Working Group, composed of local Marines, subject matter experts, and issue advocates. The Working Group develops formal recommendations, which are then often put into survey format and sent to the Marine Corps for voting via Marines.mil. Survey results, along with Working Group findings, are forwarded to the formal Uniform Board (members appointed by CMC), which provides a final vote and recommendation to CMC. CMC’s staff reviews and comments before CMC makes final decisions. Board results are then published via ALMAR, press/social media, and the MCUB website. Marines with uniform recommendations are encouraged to contact the POC detailed on the website before investing significant time and resources to ensure their request is properly considered.
By staying informed and referring to official publications, Marines can confidently maintain uniform standards and uphold the distinguished appearance of the Marine Corps. This guide serves as a helpful overview of recent updates to marine corps service uniform regulations, but always consult official MARADMINs and MCOs for the most precise and current information.
