The Marine Corps uniform is a symbol of pride, honor, and tradition. Adhering to uniform regulations is a critical aspect of being a Marine, reflecting discipline and attention to detail. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of key USMC uniform policies, incorporating recent updates and clarifications to ensure Marines are well-informed and maintain the highest standards of appearance.
Hair Regulations and Grooming Standards
Maintaining a professional and sharp appearance is paramount in the Marine Corps. Recent clarifications have been issued regarding hair regulations, particularly for female Marines.
Hair Length and Styles
For all Marines, male and female, hair must be neat and clean. Long hair, for the purpose of uniform regulations, is defined as hair of medium length or longer. According to MARADMIN 615/22, when in uniform, long hair must be secured up so no portion falls naturally or has exposed ends. However, during non-combat physical training (PT), exceptions are made.
During non-combat PT, female Marines with medium and long hair are authorized to wear an unsecured full ponytail or braid. This provides flexibility and comfort during physical activities while maintaining professionalism.
Hair Accessories
When securing hair, inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins that blend with hair color are authorized. Barrettes and combs are also permitted if they are consistent with hair color and concealed by the hair. Ponytail holders should be hair-colored and inconspicuous but do not need to be concealed. Conspicuous hair securing devices such as headbands, scrunchies, alligator clips, and bows are not authorized at any time while in uniform. These guidelines ensure uniformity and prevent distractions.
Tattoo Policy Amplification
The Marine Corps has specific regulations regarding tattoos to maintain a professional image. MCBul 1020, updated on 29 Oct 2021 and extended until 29 Oct 2023, provides the most current guidance on tattoos.
Rescinded Restriction on Leg Tattoos
A significant update is the rescission of the prohibition on wearing the blue dress “A/B” and blue-white “A/B” uniforms with a skirt if visible leg tattoos are present. This change broadens uniform options for female Marines with leg tattoos, ensuring inclusivity and recognizing individual expression within policy limits.
Guidance for Future Tattoos
Marines considering new tattoos are strongly advised to review MCBul 1020 before getting inked. Understanding the regulations beforehand prevents potential uniform violations and ensures compliance with Marine Corps standards. These guidelines are being incorporated into Change 1 of the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations for permanent reference.
Belt Guidance for the Female Dress Blue Coat
The new Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC) necessitates specific belt wear guidelines to ensure uniformity and proper appearance.
Belt Buckle Placement
As per MARADMIN 596/18, paragraph 3002 of the Uniform Regulations was updated to specify belt wear. For all uniforms, belts are worn at the natural waistline. The buckle’s right edge (wearer’s right) should align with the fly or coat front edge for most uniforms.
However, due to the FDBC closing opposite to the male coat, the belt is worn differently. For the new FDBC, the buckle’s left edge (wearer’s left) should align with the coat front edge, and the belt end extends to the wearer’s left. This distinction ensures the FDBC belt is worn correctly and maintains a sharp, consistent look.
Cold Weather Uniform Items: Gloves and Watchcaps
Regulations regarding cold weather uniform items have been clarified, particularly for black field gloves, inserts, and watchcaps.
Mandatory Possession Dates and Wear Policy
According to CMC Decision Memo dtd 10 Jan 18 and MARADMIN 596/18, mandatory possession dates were set: coyote field glove liners (DSCP black liners acceptable) by 1 Oct 2019, coyote watchcap by 1 Oct 2020, and black field gloves by 1 Oct 2021.
DSCP field gloves and liners can be worn in garrison or field with the MCCUU at the individual’s discretion. 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 when weather appropriate.
Saluting Requirements with Watchcaps
When in non-tactical or garrison environments, Marines maintain saluting requirements as if wearing garrison MCCUU caps while wearing the watchcap. However, saluting is not required when wearing the cold weather watchcap with the physical training uniform. This distinction is important for maintaining proper military customs and courtesies.
Female Fades Haircut Authorization
Specific guidelines have been established for female Marines with short hair opting for a fade haircut.
Zero Fade Parameters
Female Marines with short hair are authorized to have a “zero” fade at the hairline at the nape of the neck, up to a maximum length of one inch. The fade must begin at zero and graduate upwards, concluding within 2 inches of the hairline at the nape.
Side Fade Restrictions
Zero fades are not authorized on the sides of the head. The shortest permissible length on the sides is 1/4 inch, allowing for a quarter-inch fade if desired. Female Marines with long hair can shave hair below the hairline at the back of the neck that cannot be pulled into a bun. These regulations provide clear boundaries for acceptable fade haircuts for female Marines.
Fourragere Wear Policy Update
The wear policy for the French Fourragere has been updated, specifically regarding the black tip pencil attachment.
Obsolete Black Tip Pencil Attachment
The black tip pencil attachment for the French Fourragere is now obsolete. Marines permanently awarded this attachment for WWII service may continue to wear it, even though it has been obsolete since 2001.
Current Wear Regulations
Only Marines personally awarded the French Fourragere for WWII actions are authorized to wear it permanently. Marines currently serving with 5th and 6th Marines wear the award while attached to those units and utilize the polished brass tip pencil attachment. Paragraph 5302.4 of MCO 1020.34H will be updated to reflect this change, clarifying current wear standards.
Hands in Pockets Policy in Garrison
Policy regarding hands in pockets in a garrison environment has been clarified and is effective immediately.
Restriction in Garrison Environment
Per MCO 1020.34H, placing hands in pockets in a garrison environment is prohibited except to retrieve items from pockets. Good judgment is expected in field environments, recognizing practical needs may necessitate hands in pockets. This policy reinforces a professional bearing and uniform appearance in garrison settings.
Hose Color in the Blue Dress Uniform
Guidance on hose color for the Blue Dress Uniform clarifies appropriate wear for different occasions.
Formal vs. Semi-Formal Occasions
Smoke/off-black hose are exclusively for formal occasions with the Blue Dress Uniform. For semi-formal or less formal events, nude/flesh-tone harmonizing hose are the default.
Determining Formality
The formality of an event can be gauged by civilian dress code. If civilians are expected to wear formal attire (ball gowns and tuxedos), smoke hose is appropriate. For semi-formal civilian attire, nude hose is correct. If no civilians are present, formal events are indicated when officers and SNCOs wear evening dress uniforms. Most events, except the Birthday Ball, are semi-formal or less, requiring nude hose. Nude/skin-tone harmonizing hose is the default for Blue Dress Uniforms.
HQMC Uniform of the Day
The uniform policy for Marines and Sailors serving at or visiting the Pentagon Reservation has been specified.
Service “B”/”C” Uniform Requirement
According to ALMAR 13/20, the uniform of the day for all Marines and Sailors at the Pentagon Reservation (permanent duty station or visitors) is the service “B”/”C” uniform, appropriate for the season. This ensures a consistent and professional standard for personnel at HQMC.
Male Fades Haircut Regulations
Detailed guidance for male fade haircuts, particularly “low regulation” styles, has been provided.
Zero Fade Start and Graduation
The zero fade must begin at the nape of the neck and continue up to the top orifice of the ear. Maximum hair length must not be reached before this point. Fades start at zero and graduate to the maximum allowable hair length.
High and Tight Fades
While low regulation fades are defined, the policy doesn’t prevent zero fades extending beyond the top of the ear, allowing for high and tight styles. However, mohawks remain unauthorized. Clean-shaven heads are also permissible. The key is that “low regulation” fades must graduate fully to the maximum length by the top of the ear, prohibiting quick fades within an inch of the hairline.
Manicures in Utility Uniforms (MCCUUs)
Policy regarding manicures for female Marines in MCCUUs has been updated to allow for natural-looking manicures.
Natural Nail Mimicking Manicures
Uniform Board 209 revised the policy to permit manicures that mimic the natural nail in MCCUUs. The natural nail typically has a beige-colored tip extending beyond the nail bed.
Authorized Manicure Types
Clear manicures or those mimicking the natural nail are authorized. French/American manicures and similar styles with a white, off-white, or beige tip are acceptable. The nail over the nail bed must be pale pink, nude, or peach-like. Fully painted nude, peach, or pink nails without a white/beige tip are not allowed in utilities but are appropriate for dress and service uniforms.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball Uniform Standardization
Uniform standards for officers and SNCOs at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball have been standardized.
Dress Blue or Evening Dress Uniform
Per ALMAR 042/11, officers and SNCOs must wear the dress blue uniform (with blue trousers/skirt/slacks) or the evening dress uniform for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. This policy does not extend to Sergeants and below, ensuring a consistent formal appearance for senior ranks at this significant event.
Marine Corps Boot Program Requirements
Minimum requirements for Marine Corps boots and guidelines for optional boots are defined.
Minimum Boot Requirements
The minimum requirement is one pair each of hot weather and temperate weather boots. Marines may wear either Marine Corps Combat Boots (MCCBs) or Rugged All Terrain (RAT) boots to meet this requirement.
Optional Boot Certification
Optional boots must have the Marine Corps emblem on the heel and a certification approval number tag, usually inside the upper portion. Boots lacking both are not certified uniform items and are unauthorized, even from approved manufacturers. Non-certified versions of approved boots are often available for civilian purchase, so careful verification is necessary to ensure uniform compliance.
MARPAT MCCUU Sleeve Rolling Guidance
Specific guidelines govern the rolling of sleeves on the MARPAT MCCUU.
Summer and Winter Sleeve Wear
PMCUB memo 1020 of 12 Mar 2014, referencing MCUR para 3038.3, details sleeve rolling. During summer, MARPAT coat sleeves are rolled inside out, forming a snug, three-inch roll, with the bottom slightly above to halfway between the shoulder top and elbow top. Local commanders may authorize sleeves down in combat or field environments. In winter, sleeves are worn down. Trousers are bloused neatly with combat boots. Helmets with MARPAT covers may be prescribed for utility uniforms in parades, reviews, and ceremonies (MARADMIN 078/14).
Maternity Uniform Development Progress
Updates on maternity uniform development include new items and modifications for improved fit and availability.
Maternity and Nursing T-Shirts
Maternity and nursing t-shirts are certified optional items by Marine Corps Systems Command (SysCom). Military Corps Clothing Stores (MCCS) is working to make them available for purchase, including online.
Maternity Uniform Modifications
Side tabs are being added to maternity khaki long and short-sleeve shirts and tunics for better fit throughout pregnancy. Production is underway. SysCom is also developing blue dress maternity skirts and slacks, with fielding dates to be determined, to be added to the maternity supplemental clothing allowance, expanding uniform options for pregnant Marines.
Naval Personnel Wearing Marine Corps Uniforms
Policy clarifies grooming standards for Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units wearing USMC uniforms.
Adherence to USMC Grooming Standards
Sailors assigned to Marine Corps units and wearing Marine Corps uniforms must adhere to Marine Corps grooming standards, except male Sailors are not required to maintain zero fade hairstyles (NAVADMIN 233/18). This ensures consistent appearance within Marine Corps units.
New Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC) Details
Information regarding the new Female Blue Dress Coat (FDBC) includes availability, mandatory possession date, and wear regulations.
Availability and Mandatory Date
The FBDC is available for purchase and authorized for wear now. The mandatory possession date is 1 Oct 2022. The old women’s blue dress coat is authorized until 30 September 2022, after which it becomes obsolete (though Marines retiring before then may continue to wear it).
FBDC Specifics
The FBDC is gender-specific and distinct from the male coat (which has front pockets). Enlisted female Marines continue to wear gender-specific chevrons. The white web belt, waistplate, and branch insignia are gender-neutral. Female officers do not wear the male white dress shirt or white cuffs; both male and female officers wear the white strip collar. The belt and buckle are included with both male dress coats and the FBDC.
Ordering the 8th & I Blue Overcoat
Information for units needing ceremonial blue overcoats, specifically the 8th & I blue overcoat.
Neptune Garment Company Orders
Neptune Garment Company is accepting new orders for the 8th & I blue overcoat after fulfilling inauguration coat requirements. Units needing these ceremonial overcoats (command-funded) can contact 1-800-320-3980 or [email protected].
Ponytails in Marine Corps Uniforms Restrictions
Clarification on ponytail wear in Marine Corps uniforms, limiting authorization to PT uniforms during PT.
Ponytail Restriction
Ponytails are not authorized in Marine Corps uniforms for female Sailors or Marines, except during PT while wearing PT uniforms. This reinforces the professional, standardized appearance expected in uniform.
Running Suit Wear Guidance Clarifications
Detailed guidance for wearing the Marine Corps running suit, clarifying authorized combinations and wear situations.
Authorized Wear Components and Combinations
CMC clarifications (CMC Decision Memorandum 1020 MCUB of 19 Nov 2009, decisioned 11 Mar 2010) specify: only the running suit 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 any PT ensemble component (running suit, general purpose trunks, green undershirt) for PT leave and liberty only. Olive green sweat suits must not be worn with running suit components. Reflective belt wear is commander’s discretion for safety. Commercial/”rainbow” clothing is authorized with running suits, sweats, and green shorts/undershirt for personal PT only. Uniform components can be mixed (except sweats with running suit). Running suit jacket is not worn with utility uniforms. ALMAR 019/08 also prohibits non-PT leave/liberty wear of green undershirts, general purpose trunks, and sweatpants.
Uniform of the Day Policy for the National Capital Region
Uniform policy for those in the Washington Metro Area, emphasizing a local regulation.
ALMAR 54/06 for Washington Metro Area
ALMAR 54/06 applies to all visitors and Marines permanently assigned to the Washington Metro Area. This local regulation specifies the uniform of the day and is important to review when in this region.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Officer/Operator Insignia
Authorization for UAS officer and operator insignia for relevant MOS Marines.
MOS 7318 and 7316 Insignia Authorization
Per DC Aviation Memo 1000 DCA dtd 16 Oct 2020, Marine officers (MOS 7318) and enlisted Marines (MOS 7316) are authorized to wear the UAS officer and operator insignia, respectively, as per paragraph 40002 of the Uniform Regulations.
Uniform Plates Availability
Information on the availability of Marine Corps uniform plates, noting limited current print availability.
Plate XIV (Combat Utility Uniform) Availability
Only Plate XIV (Combat Utility Uniform) is currently in print and orderable (PCN 100-103-622-00). Other uniform plates are out of print and circulation unless reprinted by the Historical Division. Sets of prints are generally unavailable.
Waiver for Female Dress Blue Coat Mandatory Date
Waiver to the mandatory possession date for the FDBC for Marines exiting service during a specific period.
Exit Service Waiver Period
Per ALMAR 007/20, female Marines exiting service between 1 Oct 2022 and 1 Jan 2023 may continue wearing the old female blue dress uniform until exit. The 1 Oct 2022 mandatory possession date for the new FDBC remains for Marines outside this window.
White Crew-Neck Undershirts Authorization
Authorization and mandatory wear conditions for white crew-neck undershirts under khaki service/dress shirts.
Optional and Mandatory Wear
MARADMIN 143/16 authorized 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 of open khaki service/dress shirt collars.
Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance Rates
Current and historical Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance (CCA) rates are provided.
FY23 CCA Rate
The FY23 CCA rate is $391.32. Historical rates from FY12 to FY22 are also listed for reference. CCA requests must include a screenshot from MCTFS (3270) D926 page for processing. More information on the CCA Program is available here.
Uniform Board Process and Recommendation Submission
An overview of the Marine Corps Uniform Board process, from recommendation submission to implementation.
Recommendation and Board Process
The Uniform Board process begins with recommendations, ideally command-endorsed for individual Marine submissions. Compiled issues are briefed to the President, Marine Corps Uniform Board (PMCUB). PMCUB-approved issues proceed to a Working Group of local Marines and subject matter experts who develop formal recommendations. Surveys on Working Group results are sent to the Marine Corps for voting via Marines.mil, announced on the MCUB webpage. Survey and Working Group results go to the formal Uniform Board (CMC-appointed members), which provides final recommendations to the CMC. CMC staff reviews issues before CMC decisions. Board results are published via ALMAR, press/social media, and the MCUB website. Recommendations can be emailed to the POC at the bottom of the MCUB webpage for consideration.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide clarity and easy access to current USMC uniform regulations and updates, ensuring all Marines maintain the highest standards of uniform wear and personal appearance, reflecting the pride and professionalism of the United States Marine Corps.
