Serving in the Marine Corps comes with a rich tradition and a steadfast commitment to standards, and uniform regulations are a cornerstone of this discipline. Staying informed about the latest guidelines ensures every Marine presents a sharp, professional image, upholding the esteemed reputation of the Corps. This guide consolidates crucial updates and clarifications to help you confidently Service A Marine Corps Uniform according to current standards.
Grooming and Appearance Standards
Maintaining a neat and professional appearance is paramount. Recent updates provide specific guidance on hair, tattoos, and manicures.
Hair Regulations: Clarity on Length and Style
Recent MARADMIN clarifications address hair regulations, particularly for female Marines. For all Marines, long hair must be secured up, meaning no loose ends, except during non-combat physical training where unsecured ponytails or braids are permitted for medium and long hair. Inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins are authorized, as are barrettes and combs that match hair color and are concealed. Ponytail holders should also match hair color and be inconspicuous. Conspicuous hair accessories like headbands, scrunchies, alligator clips, and bows remain unauthorized. These points will be officially included in the updated MCO 1030.32H.
For male Marines, the zero fade haircut remains a point of attention. The zero fade must start at the nape and extend up to the top of the ear opening. Fades should graduate from zero up to the maximum hair length, ensuring a neat and professional look. Clean-shaven heads are also permissible.
Female Marines with short hair may have a “zero” fade at the nape hairline, up to one inch in length, graduating within two inches of the hairline. Side fades should be no shorter than 1/4 inch. For long hair, shaving hair below the natural hairline at the nape is allowed if it cannot be pulled into a bun.
Tattoo Policy Amplification
The Marine Corps Tattoo Policy, detailed in MCBul 1020, provides comprehensive guidance. Notably, the previous prohibition on wearing blue dress “A/B” and blue-white “A/B” uniforms with skirts for Marines with visible leg tattoos has been rescinded. Always consult the MCBul before getting any tattoos to ensure compliance with regulations, which are continuously incorporated into the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations.
Manicures in Utility Uniforms
Policy changes now permit female Marines to wear manicures in MCCUUs that mimic the natural nail. This includes clear polish or manicures that resemble the natural nail, such as French or American manicures with a white, off-white, or beige tip. The nail bed portion should be pale pink, nude, or peach-like. Solid nude, peach, or pink nails without the natural tip are reserved for dress and service uniforms, not utility uniforms.
Uniform Specific Guidance
Specific uniform components have also received updated guidance, ensuring proper wear and standardization.
Belt Guidance for the Female Dress Blue Coat
The new Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC) necessitates specific belt wear. Belts for all uniforms are worn at the natural waistline. For the FDBC, the left edge of the belt buckle (wearer’s left) should align with the coat front edge, with the belt end extending to the wearer’s left. This contrasts with male uniforms where the right edge of the buckle aligns with the coat front. This adjustment accommodates the FDBC’s opposite closure compared to the male coat.
Cold Weather Accessories: Field Gloves and Watchcaps
Recent CMC decisions have standardized cold weather accessories. Coyote field glove liners (DSCP black liners meet requirements) are mandatory possessions. The DSCP field gloves and liners can be worn in garrison or field with the MCCUU at individual discretion. The coyote watchcap, also DSCP issued, is authorized with PT uniforms and MCCUU in garrison and field in appropriate weather. Saluting is required with the watchcap in garrison MCCUU environments but not with PT uniforms.
Female Dress Blue Coat (FBDC) Details
The FBDC is now available and authorized for wear, with a mandatory possession date set. The older women’s blue dress coat is authorized until its obsolescence date. Key points about the FBDC: it is gender-specific and distinct from the male coat (female coats lack front pockets). Enlisted female Marines use gender-specific chevrons, while belts, waistplates, and branch insignia are gender-neutral. Female officers wear a white strip collar, not a male white dress shirt or white cuffs, with the FDBC.
General Uniform Policies and Clarifications
Beyond specific items, several general uniform policies are crucial for daily service.
Hands in Pockets Policy
In garrison, hands should not be in pockets except to retrieve items. Good judgment applies in field environments. This policy is effective immediately per MCO 1020.34H.
Hose Color for the Blue Dress Uniform
Hose color in the blue dress uniform depends on formality. Smoke/off-black hose are for formal occasions (akin to civilian ball gowns and tuxedos). Nude/flesh-tone harmonizing hose are the default for semi-formal or less formal events. The formality can be gauged by civilian dress codes or if officers and SNCOs are wearing evening dress uniforms. Nude hose is the standard for most occasions outside of formal events like the Birthday Ball.
HQMC and National Capital Region Uniform of the Day
The uniform of the day for Marines and Sailors at the Pentagon Reservation or visiting the Washington Metro Area is the service “B”/”C” uniform, seasonally appropriate, per ALMAR 13/20 and ALMAR 54/06 respectively.
Ponytail Restrictions
Ponytails are generally not authorized in Marine Corps uniforms, except during PT with PT uniforms for both female Sailors and Marines.
Running Suit Wear Guidance
The running suit is not designed to be form-fitting. Only the jacket and sweatshirt can be worn as outer garments for non-PT leave and liberty. The full running suit or components can be worn with PT ensemble items for PT leave and liberty only. The olive green sweat suit should not be mixed with running suit components. Reflective belt wear is commander’s discretion for safety. Commercial/”rainbow” clothing is allowed for personal PT only. Uniform components can be mixed (except sweats with running suits). The running suit jacket is prohibited with utility uniforms. Green undershirts, general purpose trunks and sweatpants are also restricted from non-PT leave and liberty wear.
Additional Uniform Program Information
For broader uniform program understanding, several points are relevant.
Marine Corps Boot Program Essentials
The minimum boot requirement is one pair each of hot weather and temperate weather boots. Marines can wear either Marine Corps Combat Boots (MCCBs) or Rugged All Terrain (RAT) boots. Optional certified boots must have the Marine Corps emblem and certification tag to be authorized. Ensure both are present when purchasing boots, as non-certified versions exist for civilian use.
Marine Corps Uniform Board and Processes
The Uniform Board process begins with recommendations, ideally command-endorsed for individual Marine submissions. The Working Group develops formal recommendations, followed by surveys sent to the Corps via Marines.mil for voting. The Uniform Board then provides final recommendations to the CMC for decisions. Approved changes are published via ALMAR and on the Marine Corps Uniform Board website. For uniform recommendations, contact the POC detailed on the official page before dedicating significant effort.
Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance
The Civilian Clothing Allowance (CCA) for FY23 is set at $391.32. CCA requests must include a MCTFS (3270) screenshot of the Marine’s D926 page for processing. More information is available on the HQMC CCA Program page.
Conclusion
Staying current with Marine Corps uniform regulations is crucial for all service members. This guide summarizes key updates and clarifications to ensure you confidently service a Marine Corps uniform, maintaining the high standards and proud traditions of the Corps. Regularly consult official MARADMINs, Marine Corps Bulletins, and the Marine Corps Uniform Board website for the most up-to-date information and any further changes. Adherence to these regulations reflects discipline, professionalism, and respect for the esteemed legacy of the United States Marine Corps.
