The Marine Corps uniform is a symbol of pride, honor, and tradition. Adhering to the Marine uniform regulations, often referred to as “Marine Uniform Regs,” is a critical aspect of Marine service, reflecting discipline and attention to detail. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of recent updates and clarifications to these regulations, ensuring Marines and those interested in military standards are well-informed. Staying current with the latest changes, often communicated through official channels like MARADMINs and Marine Corps Bulletins (MCBULs), is essential for all personnel.
This article breaks down key aspects of the marine uniform regs, covering everything from grooming standards to specific uniform items and wear policies. We aim to clarify recent changes and provide a user-friendly resource for understanding the requirements.
Grooming Standards: Hair, Tattoos, and Personal Appearance
Maintaining a sharp and professional appearance is paramount in the Marine Corps. Recent updates have addressed various aspects of grooming standards, focusing on clarity and inclusivity.
Hair Regulations: Length, Styles, and Accessories
Recent MARADMIN 615/22 provided crucial clarifications regarding hair regulations, particularly for female Marines. The updated guidance emphasizes the securement of long hair while maintaining professionalism and practicality.
Previously, consistent with MCO 1020.34H, long hair had to be secured up, ensuring no loose portions or exposed ends, except during authorized non-combat physical training. The updated regulations now explicitly authorize medium and long-length hair to be worn in an unsecured full ponytail or braid during non-combat physical training. This change offers greater flexibility during PT sessions without compromising professional standards.
For hair accessories, inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins are permitted to secure hairstyles. Barrettes and combs are also authorized, provided they match the hair color and remain concealed by the hair. Ponytail holders should be consistent with the hair color and, while they don’t need to be concealed, should be inconspicuous. Conversely, conspicuous hair securing devices like headbands, scrunchies, alligator clips, and bows are not authorized in uniform, maintaining a focus on a standardized and professional appearance. These clarifications are set to be formally included in the upcoming update to MCO 1030.32H, ensuring these guidelines are officially documented within the marine uniform regs.
Tattoo Policy Amplification
The Marine Corps has a clear policy regarding tattoos, and MCBul 1020, dated 29 Oct 2021, provides the most current guidance. It’s crucial for Marines to be aware of these regulations, especially before getting any new 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 previous restriction has been lifted, offering more flexibility in uniform wear for Marines with leg tattoos. This updated guidance will be incorporated into Change 1 of the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations, reflecting the evolving standards within the marine uniform regs. Marines considering tattoos should always consult MCBul 1020 to ensure compliance with the latest policies.
Female Fades and Male Fades: Haircut Standards
Grooming standards extend to haircuts as well, with specific guidelines for both female and male Marines regarding fades. 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. This fade must start at zero and gradually increase, completing within two inches of the hairline at the nape. However, zero fades on the sides of the head are not permitted for females; the shortest authorized length on the sides is 1/4 inch, allowing for a quarter-inch fade. Female Marines with long hair are permitted to shave hair on the back of their neck that grows below the natural hairline and cannot be neatly incorporated into a bun, ensuring a clean and professional look even with longer hairstyles.
For male Marines, the zero fade standard begins at the nape and must extend upwards to the top orifice of the ear. This provides precise guidance for those opting for a low regulation haircut. Fades must graduate from zero upwards to the maximum authorized hair length, ensuring that the maximum length is not reached before the top orifice of the ear. While starting at zero at the nape and continuing at zero beyond the top orifice is permissible, then fading up to a high and tight, mohawks remain unauthorized. Marines can also opt for a clean-shaven head, but if choosing a “low regulation” haircut, the fade to the maximum hair length must extend to at least the top orifice of the ear. Quick graduations within an inch or less of the hairline to maximum length are no longer compliant with the marine uniform regs, emphasizing a more gradual and defined fade.
Manicures in Utility Uniforms
Even details like manicures are addressed within the marine uniform regs. Confusion regarding nail polish in the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms (MCCUUs) has been clarified. Uniform Board 209 revised the policy to allow female Marines to wear manicures that mimic the natural nail appearance while in MCCUUs. A natural nail typically features a beige-colored tip extending beyond the nail bed. Therefore, if nail polish is worn in MCCUUs, it must be clear or mimic this natural nail look. French or American manicures, and any manicure replicating the natural nail, are approved. This means the nail tip must be white, off-white, or beige, while the portion over the nail bed should be pale pink, nude, or peach-like. Nails fully painted in nude, peach, or pink without the white, off-white, or beige tip are not authorized in utility uniforms but are acceptable with dress and service uniforms. This nuanced regulation ensures that even manicures align with the professional standards of the marine uniform regs.
Uniform Specific Regulations and Updates
Beyond grooming, the marine uniform regs cover specific items and how they are worn. Recent updates have addressed various uniform components, ensuring clarity and consistency in wear.
Belt Guidance for the New Female Dress Blue Coat
The introduction of the new Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC) necessitated updates to belt wear regulations. MARADMIN 596/18 clarified paragraph 3002 of the Uniform Regulations concerning belt placement. 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 buckle (wearer’s right) aligns with the edge of the fly or coat front. However, due to the FDBC closing in the opposite direction of the male coat, the female belt is worn differently. For the new female officer blue dress coat, the left edge of the buckle (wearer’s left) must align with the edge of the coat front, and the end of the belt extends to the wearer’s left. This adjustment ensures proper and symmetrical uniform appearance, accounting for the design differences between male and female dress blue coats within the marine uniform regs.
Black Field Gloves, Inserts, and Watchcaps
Regulations concerning cold weather uniform items have also been updated. Based on CMC Decision Memo dated 10 Jan 18 and published in MARADMIN 596/18, mandatory possession dates were established for coyote field glove liners (DSCP black liners meet the minimum requirement), coyote watchcaps, and black field gloves. The mandatory possession date for coyote field glove liners was 1 Oct 2019, for coyote watchcaps it was 1 Oct 2020, and for black field gloves, 1 Oct 2021. DSCP field gloves and liners can be worn in garrison or field environments with the MCCUU at the individual’s discretion, with liners authorized as outerwear except in formations. The DSCP issued coyote watchcap is authorized for wear with physical training uniforms and the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) in both garrison and field settings when weather conditions warrant. In non-tactical or garrison environments, Marines maintain standard saluting protocols when wearing garrison MCCUU caps. However, saluting is not required when wearing the cold weather watchcap with the physical training uniform, streamlining protocols based on uniform and environment within the marine uniform regs.
Hose Color in the Blue Dress Uniform
Clarification has been provided regarding hose color when wearing the Blue Dress Uniform. Smoke/off-black hose are specifically designated for formal occasions when wearing the blue dress uniform. For all other occasions, the default hose color is nude/flesh tone harmonizing hose. Determining the formality of an event often hinges on the civilian dress code. The “ball gown rule” applies: if civilians are expected to wear formal attire (ball gowns and tuxedos), then smoke hose is appropriate. For semi-formal civilian attire, nude hose should be worn. If no civilians are present, the formality can be gauged by whether officers and SNCOs are wearing their evening dress uniforms, indicating a formal event requiring smoke hose. Most events, excluding the Birthday Ball, are typically semi-formal or less formal, thus necessitating nude hose. The misconception that smoke/off-black hose is the default likely arises because the blues are often worn for the formal Birthday Ball. However, nude/skin tone harmonizing hose is indeed the default hose color for blue dress uniforms as per the marine uniform regs.
Marine Corps Boot Program
The Marine Corps Boot Program outlines minimum boot requirements and authorized options. The minimum requirement is possession of one pair of hot weather boots and one pair of temperate weather boots. Marines can wear either the Marine Corps Combat Boot (MCCBs) or the Rugged All Terrain (RAT) boot to meet this requirement. If opting for a certified optional boot, it must feature the Marine Corps emblem on the heel and a certification approval number tag, usually located inside the upper portion of one of the boots. Boots lacking both the emblem and tag are not considered certified uniform items and are unauthorized, even if from an approved manufacturer. Manufacturers often produce non-certified versions of approved boots for civilian markets, so careful verification for both the emblem and tag is essential when purchasing boots to ensure compliance with the marine uniform regs.
New Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC) Details
The new Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC) is now available for purchase and authorized for wear, with a mandatory possession date of 1 Oct 2022. The older women’s blue dress coat remained authorized until 30 September 2022, after which it became obsolete. Marines retiring before the obsoletion date may continue wearing the old coat into retirement, and former Marines exiting before this date may also wear it at their discretion, as detailed in chapter 12 of MCO 1020.34H. Regulations for wear of the new coat are readily accessible online. Key points regarding the FBDC include: it is gender-specific and distinct from the male coat; female Marines should not purchase coats with front pockets, which are characteristic of the male coat. Enlisted female Marines continue to wear their gender-specific chevrons on the FBDC, while 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; both male and female officers wear the white strip collar with these standing collar coats, a gender-neutral item. The belt and buckle are included with both the male dress coat and FBDC, ensuring completeness and standardized appearance within the marine uniform regs.
Other Important Uniform Regulations
Several other regulations cover specific scenarios and uniform items, ensuring comprehensive guidance.
Fourragere Wear
Regulations for wearing the French Fourragere have been clarified. The black tip pencil attachment for the French Fourragere is now obsolete. If a Marine was permanently awarded the black tip pencil attachment, they may continue to wear it, although it has been obsolete since 2001. Only Marines personally awarded the French Fourragere for actions during WWII are authorized to wear it as a permanent uniform component. Marines currently attached to 5th and 6th Marines wear the award while assigned to those units, and they will wear the polished brass tip pencil attachment. Paragraph 5302.4 of MCO 1020.34H is set to be updated to reflect these changes, standardizing the wear of the Fourragere within the marine uniform regs.
Hands in Pockets Policy
The policy regarding hands in pockets has been explicitly defined in MCO 1020.34H. In a garrison environment, Marines are prohibited from putting their hands in their pockets except briefly to retrieve items. However, the policy allows for good judgment in field environments, acknowledging practical considerations in different operational settings. This regulation aims to maintain a professional and alert posture in garrison environments while allowing necessary flexibility in the field, as per the marine uniform regs.
HQMC and National Capital Region Uniform of the Day
For Marines and Sailors serving with the Marine Corps at the Pentagon Reservation or visiting the National Capital Region (NCR), specific uniform guidelines apply. Per ALMAR 13/20, the uniform of the day for those at or visiting the Pentagon Reservation is the service “B”/”C” uniform, seasonally appropriate. For the broader Washington Metro Area, ALMAR 54/06 provides further uniform guidance as a local regulation applicable to all visitors and permanently assigned Marines in the NCR. This NCR-specific policy, while not a Uniform Board policy, is still mandatory within this geographic area, ensuring consistent professional appearance in and around the capital, adhering to local interpretations of the marine uniform regs.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball Uniform Standardization
Marine Corps Birthday Ball uniform standards for officers and SNCOs have been standardized per ALMAR 042/11. The prescribed uniform for officers and SNCOs at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball is the dress blue uniform (with blue trousers/skirt/slacks) or the evening dress uniform. This policy does not extend to Sergeants and below, ensuring a distinguished and uniform appearance for senior ranks at this significant annual event, aligning with the formal dress standards within the marine uniform regs.
MARPAT MCCUU Sleeve Rolling Guidance
Guidance on rolling sleeves for the MARPAT MCCUU is detailed in PMCUB memo 1020 of 12 Mar 2014, referencing paragraph 3038.3 of the MCUR. During summer, MARPAT coat sleeves are to be rolled inside out, forming a “snug to the arm” roll approximately three inches wide. The bottom of the rolled sleeve should be slightly above to no more than halfway between the shoulder top and elbow top. Local commanders retain discretion to authorize sleeves to be rolled down in combat and field environments. During winter, MARPAT utility sleeves are worn down. When combat boots are worn, trousers are bloused neatly and uniformly. For parades, reviews, and ceremonies where utility uniforms are prescribed, helmets with appropriate MARPAT covers may also be directed, maintaining uniformity in appearance and practicality across different conditions as dictated by the marine uniform regs and commander’s discretion.
Maternity Uniform Development
The Marine Corps is continually adapting to meet the needs of all Marines, including expectant mothers. Maternity uniform development is ongoing, with the maternity t-shirt and nursing t-shirt certified by Marine Corps Systems Command (SysCom) as optional clothing items. The Military Corps Clothing Stores (MCCS) is working to make these items available for purchase both in physical PX stores and via the Marine Corps’ online uniform website. Additionally, side tabs are being incorporated into maternity khaki long and short-sleeve shirts and the maternity tunic to improve uniform fit throughout pregnancy. Production of these updated items 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, demonstrating ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive and functional marine uniform regs for all Marines.
Naval Personnel Wearing Marine Corps Uniforms
Sailors assigned to U.S. Marine Corps units who wear Marine Corps uniforms are required to adhere to Marine Corps grooming standards, with one specific exception. Effective immediately, per NAVADMIN 233/18, these Sailors must comply with all Marine Corps grooming standards except for male Sailors, who are not mandated to maintain zero fade hairstyles. This policy ensures a baseline of uniform and grooming standards for Navy personnel integrated within Marine units, while acknowledging specific Navy grooming regulations, bridging uniform policies across services within joint environments.
Ponytails in Marine Corps Uniforms (Generally Not Authorized)
Generally, ponytails are not authorized for wear in Marine Corps uniforms for either female Sailors or Marines. The singular exception is during physical training (PT) in PT uniforms, as previously mentioned. Outside of authorized PT scenarios, ponytails are not compliant with marine uniform regs, emphasizing the need for secured and contained hairstyles to maintain a professional and standardized military appearance.
Running Suit Wear Guidance
Running suit wear guidance has been clarified to ensure proper usage and appearance. Per CMC clarification from 2009 and 2010, only the running suit jacket and sweatshirt may 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, green undershirt) strictly for PT leave and liberty situations. Mixing the olive green sweat suit with running suit components is prohibited. Commanders have discretion over reflective belt wear with the running suit based on safety needs. Marines are authorized to wear commercial/”rainbow” clothing (non-issued PT shirts/shorts) with the running suit, sweats, and green shorts/undershirt for personal PT only. Various combinations of uniform components are permissible (e.g., running suit trousers with green undershirt, sweatpants with green undershirt, green undershirt with black shorts), but the running suit jacket is not to be worn with the utility uniform. ALMAR 019/08 further prohibits non-PT leave and liberty wear of the green undershirt, general purpose trunks, and sweatpants, strictly defining appropriate wear scenarios for running suits within the marine uniform regs.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Officer/Operator Insignia
Marine officers with MOS 7318 and enlisted Marines with MOS 7316 are authorized to wear the UAS officer and operator insignia, respectively, as per DC Aviation Memo 1000 DCA dated 16 Oct 2020. Paragraph 40002 of the Uniform Regulations provides the specific guidelines for wear. This authorization recognizes the specialized skills and roles within the UAS field through designated insignia, as incorporated into the marine uniform regs.
View All Uniform Plates (Limited Availability)
Currently, only plate XIV (Combat Utility Uniform) remains in print and available for order (PCN 100-103-622-00). All other uniform plates are out of print and circulation, unavailable unless the Historical Division decides to reprint them. This limited availability impacts access to visual guides for various uniforms, highlighting the need to rely on digital resources and updated publications for comprehensive uniform information as per the marine uniform regs.
Waiver to Mandatory Possession Date for Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC)
A waiver to the mandatory possession date for the Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC) was issued for Marines exiting service between 1 Oct 2022 and 1 Jan 2023, as per ALMAR 007/20. Female Marines leaving the Marine Corps within this period could continue wearing their “old” female blue dress uniform until their exit date. For all other Marines, the mandatory possession date for the new FDBC remained 1 October 2022. This waiver provided transitional flexibility for those nearing separation from service during the uniform update period, reflecting practical considerations within the marine uniform regs implementation.
White Crew-Neck Undershirts (Mandatory in Specific Cases)
MARADMIN 143/16 authorized female Marines to optionally wear white crew-neck, V-neck, or no undershirt under khaki service/dress shirts. However, the wear of a white crew-neck undershirt is mandatory for all Marines, regardless of gender, who have visible tattoos in the “V” area created by the open collar of the khaki service/dress shirts. This regulation ensures that tattoos visible in this area are appropriately covered in service and dress uniforms, maintaining professional standards and addressing tattoo visibility within the marine uniform regs.
Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance Rates
Finally, while not directly related to uniform wear, the Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance (CCA) is relevant for some Marines. The FY23 CCA rate is $391.32, with rates from previous years also provided for reference. All CCA requests now require a screenshot from MCTFS (3270) of the Marine’s D926 page for processing. Detailed information on the Civilian Clothing Allowance Program is available via a provided link. This allowance and its administrative processes are part of the broader financial and logistical framework supporting Marine readiness and uniform maintenance.
Staying Informed on Marine Uniform Regulations
The marine uniform regs are subject to periodic updates and clarifications. Staying informed is a continuous responsibility for all Marines. Resources like the official Marine Corps website, MARADMINs, MCBULs, and websites like onlineuniforms.net are crucial for accessing the most current information. Understanding and adhering to these regulations reflects professionalism, discipline, and pride in service. For specific questions or recommendations regarding uniform policy, contacting the POC detailed on official Marine Corps websites is advised, ensuring direct access to authoritative guidance on marine uniform regs.
