Staying informed about Marine Uniform Regulations is crucial for all Marines. These regulations ensure uniformity, discipline, and pride within the Corps. Based on official MARADMIN releases and updates to Marine Corps Orders (MCOs), this article provides essential clarifications on various aspects of marine uniform regulations. Understanding these updates is vital for maintaining compliance and presenting a sharp, professional image.
Hair Grooming Standards for Female Marines
Recent updates have clarified hair grooming standards, particularly for female Marines. MARADMIN 615/22 provides specific guidance on securing long hair.
Securing Long Hair
Consistent with MCO 1020.34H, long hair must be secured up, meaning no hair should fall unsecured or with exposed ends, except during authorized non-combat physical training. This ensures a neat and professional appearance while maintaining safety and functionality.
Ponytails and Braids During PT
For non-combat physical training, medium and long length hair can be worn in an unsecured full ponytail or braid. This exception allows for comfort and practicality during physical activity without compromising professional standards in non-combat scenarios.
Authorized Hair Accessories
Inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins are permitted to secure hairstyles. Barrettes and combs are also authorized if they match the hair color and are concealed by the hair, maintaining a discreet and uniform look. Ponytail holders should be consistent with hair color and inconspicuous, though they don’t need to be concealed.
Prohibited Hair Accessories
Conspicuous hair securing devices such as headbands, scrunchies, alligator clips, and bows are not authorized. The focus is on maintaining a professional and uniform appearance, and these items are deemed distracting or non-standard.
Tattoo Policy Clarifications
The Marine Corps tattoo policy has seen important clarifications, particularly regarding dress uniforms.
Rescinded Prohibition on Skirts with Leg Tattoos
MCBul 1020, updated on 29 Oct 2021, rescinds 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 offers more flexibility within dress uniform regulations while still maintaining standards.
Importance of Reviewing MCBul 1020
Marines considering new tattoos are strongly advised to review MCBul 1020 for the most current guidance. Staying informed about the tattoo policy before getting inked helps ensure compliance and avoids potential uniform violations. The MCBul guidance will be incorporated into Change 1 of the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations.
Belt Guidance for the Female Dress Blue Coat
MARADMIN 596/18 addressed belt wear with the new Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC), clarifying differences from male uniform regulations.
Belt Buckle Placement
For all uniforms, belts are worn at the natural waistline. However, buckle placement differs slightly between male and female dress blue coats due to coat closure styles.
Female vs. Male Belt Wear
For male officer dress and service coats, and enlisted male service coats, the right edge of the buckle aligns with the coat front edge. In contrast, for the new FDBC, the left edge of the buckle aligns with the coat front edge, and the belt end extends to the wearer’s left. This adjustment accommodates the FDBC’s opposite closure compared to the male coat.
Cold Weather Uniform Items: Black Field Gloves, Inserts, and Watchcaps
CMC Decision Memo dtd 10 Jan 18 and MARADMIN 596/18 outlined regulations for cold weather gear.
Mandatory Possession Dates
Mandatory possession dates were set for coyote field glove liners (DSCP black liners acceptable), coyote watchcaps, and black field gloves, ensuring Marines are equipped for varying conditions.
Authorized Wear
DSCP field gloves and liners can be worn in garrison or field with the MCCUU at individual discretion. Liners may be worn as outerwear except in formations. The coyote watchcap is authorized with PT uniforms and MCCUU in garrison and field in cold weather.
Saluting with Watchcaps
Marines maintain saluting requirements when wearing the coyote watchcap in non-tactical or garrison environments, similar to garrison MCCUU caps. However, saluting is not required when wearing the cold weather watchcap with the physical training uniform.
Female Fade Haircuts
Female Marines with short hair are authorized specific fade haircuts.
Zero Fade Parameters
A “zero” fade is permitted at the hairline at the nape of the neck, up to a maximum length of one inch, graduating within 2 inches of the hairline.
Side Fade Restrictions
Zero fades on the sides of the head are not authorized. The shortest allowable length on the sides is 1/4 inch, permitting a quarter-inch fade.
Neck Shaving for Long Hair
Female Marines with long hair can shave neck hair below the hairline that cannot be incorporated into a bun, ensuring a neat neckline appearance.
Fourragere Wear Policy
Policy updates concern the French Fourragere and its attachments.
Obsolete Black Tip Pencil Attachment
The black tip pencil attachment for the French Fourragere is obsolete since 2001. However, Marines permanently awarded it for WWII actions may continue wearing it.
Current Wear Guidance
Currently, only Marines personally awarded the French Fourragere for WWII actions can wear it permanently. Marines attached to 5th and 6th Marines wear it while assigned, using the polished brass tip pencil attachment. MCO 1020.34H paragraph 5302.4 will be updated to reflect these changes.
Hands in Pockets Regulation
MCO 1020.34H has updated the policy on hands in pockets in garrison environments.
Garrison Environment Restrictions
In garrison, placing hands in pockets is restricted to retrieving items. This policy aims to maintain a professional bearing.
Field Environment Flexibility
Good judgment should guide the application of this policy in field environments, allowing for practicality and comfort in operational settings.
Hose Color for the Blue Dress Uniform
Clarification has been provided regarding hose color with the Blue Dress Uniform.
Formal vs. Semi-formal Occasions
Smoke/off-black hose are reserved for formal occasions with the blue dress uniform. Nude/flesh-tone harmonizing hose are the default for less formal events.
Determining Formality
Event formality is determined by civilian dress codes. Ball gowns and tuxedos for civilians indicate formal attire, requiring smoke hose. Semi-formal or less formal events require nude hose. Marine officer and SNCO evening dress uniforms also signify a formal event.
Default Hose Color
Despite common assumptions, nude/skin-tone harmonizing hose are the default for blue dress uniforms, as formal events are less frequent than semi-formal or informal occasions.
HQMC Uniform of the Day
ALMAR 13/20 specifies the uniform of the day for Marines and Sailors at the Pentagon Reservation and visitors.
Service Uniform “B”/”C”
The service “B”/”C” uniform (season appropriate) is designated as the uniform of the day for those serving at or visiting the Pentagon Reservation, maintaining a consistent professional standard within HQMC.
Male Fade Haircut Standards
Male fade haircuts have specific regulatory details.
Zero Fade and Ear Alignment
The zero fade must start at the nape and continue up to the top orifice of the ear, providing concrete guidance for low regulation haircuts. Fades graduate from zero to the maximum hair length, which cannot be reached before the top of the ear.
High and Tight Fades
Marines can extend the zero fade beyond the top ear orifice for a high and tight style, but mohawks remain unauthorized. Clean-shaven heads are also permissible.
Prohibition of Quick Graduation Fades
Zero fades with a quick graduation to maximum hair length within an inch of the hairline are no longer authorized, emphasizing a gradual and regulated fade.
Manicures in Utility Uniforms
Uniform Board 209 clarified nail polish regulations with the MCCUU.
Natural Nail Mimicking Manicures
Female Marines can wear manicures mimicking the natural nail in MCCUUs. This includes clear manicures and those with a natural nail appearance.
Authorized Manicure Styles
French/American manicures and similar styles that mimic the natural nail are approved. These styles feature a white, off-white, or beige tip, with the nail bed portion in pale pink, nude, or peach tones.
Unauthorized Manicure Styles
Fully painted nude, peach, or pink nails without a white/beige tip are not authorized in utility uniforms. These styles are appropriate for dress and service uniforms.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball Uniform Standardization
ALMAR 042/11 standardized Birthday Ball uniforms for officers and SNCOs.
Dress Blue or Evening Dress Uniforms
The dress blue uniform (with blue trousers/skirt/slacks) or the evening dress uniform are the standard for officers and SNCOs at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. This policy does not extend to Sergeants and below.
Marine Corps Boot Program
Minimum boot requirements and optional boot wear are defined in regulations.
Minimum Boot Requirements
One pair each of hot weather and temperate weather boots is the minimum requirement. Marine Corps Combat Boots (MCCBs) or Rugged All Terrain (RAT) boots both meet this requirement.
Certified Optional Boots
Optional boots must have the Marine Corps emblem on the heel and a certification approval number tag to be authorized for wear. Boots lacking both are not uniform items, even from approved manufacturers. Marines should verify certification when purchasing boots, especially online, as non-certified versions exist for civilian use.
MARPAT MCCUU Sleeve Rolling Guidance
PMCUB memo 1020 of 12 Mar 2014 clarifies MCCUU sleeve rolling as per MCUR paragraph 3038.3.
Summer Sleeve Rolling
In summer, MARPAT coat sleeves are rolled inside out, forming a snug roll about three inches wide. The roll’s bottom should be slightly above to halfway between the shoulder top and elbow top. Local commanders may authorize sleeves down in combat and field environments.
Winter Sleeve Wear
During winter, MARPAT utility sleeves are worn down.
Trouser Blousing
Trousers are bloused neatly when combat boots are worn.
Utility Uniforms for Ceremonies
Helmets with MARPAT covers may be prescribed for utility uniforms in parades, reviews, and ceremonies, as per MARADMIN 078/14.
Maternity Uniform Developments
Maternity uniform options have expanded.
Maternity and Nursing T-Shirts
Maternity and nursing t-shirts are certified optional items by Marine Corps Systems Command (SysCom) and are being made available through Marine Corps Clothing Stores (MCCS).
Maternity Uniform Fit Enhancements
Side tabs are being added to maternity khaki long and short-sleeve shirts and tunics for improved fit during pregnancy.
Future Maternity Uniform Items
SysCom is developing blue dress maternity skirts and slacks, with fielding dates to be determined, which will be added to the maternity supplemental clothing allowance.
Naval Personnel Wearing Marine Corps Uniforms
NAVADMIN 233/18 addresses uniform standards for Sailors assigned to Marine Corps units.
Grooming Standards Compliance
Sailors in Marine Corps units wearing Marine uniforms must adhere to Marine Corps grooming standards, except male Sailors are not required to maintain zero fade hairstyles.
New Female Blue Dress Coat (FDBC) Details
The FDBC has specific wear regulations.
Availability and Mandatory Possession
The FDBC is available for purchase and authorized for wear now. Mandatory possession was set for 1 Oct 2022. The old women’s blue dress coat became obsolete on 30 September 2022, though wear is permitted into retirement for those retiring before this date and at discretion for former Marines per MCO 1020.34H chapter 12.
Gender-Specific Design
The FDBC is gender-specific and distinct from the male dress blue coat. Female Marines should ensure they purchase the correct gender-specific coat without front pockets.
Chevrons and Insignia
Enlisted female Marines continue to wear gender-specific chevrons on the FDBC. White web belt, waistplate, and branch insignia are gender-neutral.
Officer Uniform Components
Female officers do not wear the male white dress shirt or white cuffs under the FDBC. Both male and female officers wear the gender-neutral white strip collar with standing collar coats. The belt and buckle are included with both male dress coats and the FDBC.
Ponytails in Marine Corps Uniforms (General Restriction)
Ponytails are generally not authorized in Marine Corps uniforms.
PT Uniform Exception
The exception is during PT, where ponytails are authorized with PT uniforms for both female Sailors and Marines.
Running Suit Wear Guidance
CMC clarifications provide detailed running suit wear guidance.
Authorized Outerwear Components
Only the running suit jacket and sweatshirt can be worn as outerwear for non-PT leave and liberty.
PT Leave and Liberty Wear
The full running suit or its components can be worn with any PT ensemble component (running suit, general purpose trunks, green undershirt) for PT leave and liberty only.
Prohibited Combinations
The olive green sweat suit should never be worn with running suit components.
Reflective Belt
Reflective belt wear with the running suit is a commander’s discretion for safety, day or night.
Commercial PT Clothing
Marines can wear commercial/”rainbow” clothing (non-issued PT shirts/shorts) with the running suit, sweats, and green shorts/undershirt for personal PT only.
Uniform Component Combinations
Various combinations of uniform components are allowed, except sweats with the running suit. Examples include running suit trousers with a green undershirt (no jacket), sweatpants with a green undershirt, and a green undershirt with black shorts.
Running Suit Jacket Restriction
The running suit jacket is not authorized with the utility uniform.
Prohibited Items for Non-PT Leave and Liberty
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 in the National Capital Region
ALMAR 54/06 outlines a local uniform regulation for the Washington Metro Area.
Applicability in Washington Metro Area
This local regulation applies to all Marines in or visiting the Washington Metro Area, not just a Uniform Board policy.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Insignia
DC Aviation Memo 1000 DCA dtd 16 Oct 2020 authorizes UAS insignia.
Authorized MOSs
Marine officers with MOS 7318 and enlisted Marines with MOS 7316 can wear the UAS officer and operator insignia respectively, as per Uniform Regulations paragraph 40002.
Conclusion
Staying current with marine uniform regulations is an ongoing responsibility. Websites like onlineuniforms.net aim to provide clear and updated information to help Marines maintain compliance and uphold the high standards of the Marine Corps. By understanding these regulations, Marines contribute to the professionalism and esprit de corps that define the United States Marine Corps. Always refer to official MARADMINs and Marine Corps Orders for the most authoritative guidance.
