Staying sharp and within regulations is paramount in the Marine Corps, and that extends to your uniform. This guide breaks down recent updates and essential clarifications to ensure every Marine is correctly attired and up-to-date with the latest policies. Whether you’re concerned about hair regulations, tattoo policies, or the specifics of dress uniforms, this information will help you maintain that impeccable Marine standard. For all official uniform orders USMC personnel must adhere to these guidelines.
Hair Grooming Standards: Clarifications on Length and Styles
Recent MARADMIN 615/22 provides crucial clarifications regarding hair regulations, particularly for female Marines. Building upon MCO 1020.34H, the updated policy emphasizes that long hair must be secured upwards during duty hours. This means “no portion of the hair should be left to fall naturally / unsecured or with exposed ends,” maintaining a professional and sharp appearance at all times.
However, there are exceptions during non-combat physical training (PT). During these sessions, medium and long length hair may be worn in an unsecured full ponytail or braid. This provides practicality during physical activity without compromising overall standards.
For securing hair, inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins are authorized. Barrettes and combs are also permitted, provided they match hair color and are concealed within the hairstyle. Ponytail holders should also be consistent with hair color and, while they don’t need to be concealed, should remain inconspicuous. It’s important to note that conspicuous hair securing devices such as headbands, scrunchies, alligator clips, and bows are not authorized, ensuring uniformity and professionalism. These clarifications will be formally integrated into the forthcoming updated MCO 1030.32H.
Tattoo Policy Amplification: Skirts and Blue Dress Uniforms
Marines should be aware of MCBul 1020, dated 29 Oct 2021, which offers the most current guidance on tattoo policy. Notably, a previous restriction has been lifted: the prohibition on wearing the blue dress “A/B” and blue-white “A/B” uniforms with a skirt if you have visible leg tattoos is now rescinded. This change offers greater flexibility in uniform options for Marines with leg tattoos. This updated guidance will be officially incorporated into Change 1 of the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations. Marines considering new tattoos are strongly advised to review MCBul 1020 beforehand to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Belt Guidance for the Female Dress Blue Coat
Significant clarification has been provided 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 updated. Belts for all uniforms are to be worn at the natural waistline. For male uniforms, the right edge of the 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 edge of the coat front, and the end of the belt will extend to the wearer’s left. This ensures a consistent and correct uniform appearance across all dress uniforms.
Cold Weather Gear: Field Gloves, Liners, and Watchcaps
Marines need to be aware of mandatory possession dates and wear regulations for cold weather accessories. According to CMC Decision Memo dated 10 Jan 18 and MARADMIN 596/18, coyote field glove liners (DSCP black liners are acceptable) had a mandatory possession date of 1 Oct 2019. The coyote watchcap’s mandatory date was 1 Oct 2020, and black field gloves became mandatory on 1 Oct 2021.
The DSCP field gloves and liners can be worn with the MCCUU in garrison or field environments at the individual’s discretion. Liners can be worn as outerwear, except in formations. The DSCP issued coyote watchcap is authorized with PT uniforms and the MCCUU in garrison and field settings when weather appropriate. When in garrison, standard saluting protocols apply while wearing the watchcap, similar to garrison MCCUU caps. However, saluting is not required when wearing the cold weather watchcap with the physical training uniform.
Hair Fades: Female and Male Specific Regulations
Specific guidance exists for both female and male Marines regarding hair fades. Female Marines with short hair are permitted to have a “zero” fade at the nape of the neck, extending up to a maximum length of one inch. This fade must start at zero and graduate, completing within 2 inches of the hairline at the nape. Zero fades on the sides of the head are not authorized for females; the shortest side length is 1/4 inch, allowing for a quarter-inch fade. Female Marines with long hair may shave hair below the hairline at the back of the neck that cannot be incorporated into a bun.
For male Marines, the zero fade starts at the nape and must extend upwards to the top orifice of the ear, clarifying the “low regulation” haircut. Fades must graduate from zero up to the maximum hair length, which cannot be reached before the top orifice of the ear. While starting at zero at the nape and continuing past the top orifice is permissible, a fade to a high and tight is still required to transition to the longer hair on top. Clean-shaven heads are also authorized. These regulations aim to standardize and maintain a sharp, professional appearance.
Other Important Uniform Policy Updates
Beyond these key areas, several other uniform policy updates are important for Marines to note:
- Fourragere: The black tip pencil attachment for the French Fourragere is obsolete since 2001. Only Marines permanently awarded it for WWII actions may continue to wear it. Current attachments to 5th and 6th Marines wear the award with a polished brass tip pencil attachment during their assignment.
- Hands in Pockets: In garrison, hands in pockets are prohibited except to retrieve items. Field environments allow for more judgment-based application of this policy.
- Hose Color in Blue Dress Uniform: Smoke/off black hose are reserved for formal occasions with the blue dress uniform. Nude/flesh-tone harmonizing hose are the default for semi-formal or less formal events. Use civilian dress codes as a guide for formality – ball gowns and tuxedos indicate formal, requiring smoke hose.
- HQMC Uniform of the Day: At the Pentagon Reservation and for visitors, the uniform of the day is the service “B”/”C” uniform, seasonally appropriate, as per ALMAR 13/20.
- Manicures in Utilities: In MCCUUs, female Marines can wear manicures mimicking the natural nail, which includes a beige-colored tip and a pale pink, nude, or peach nail bed. Fully painted nude, peach, or pink nails without the tip are not authorized in utilities but are acceptable with dress and service uniforms.
- Marine Corps Birthday Ball Uniform: For officers and SNCOs, the Marine Corps Birthday Ball uniform is the dress blue uniform (with blue trousers/skirt/slacks) or the evening dress uniform, as per ALMAR 042/11. This policy does not apply to Sgts and below.
- Marine Corps Boot Program: The minimum requirement is one pair each of hot and temperate weather boots – either Marine Corps Combat Boots (MCCBs) or Rugged All Terrain (RAT) boots. Optional certified boots MUST have the Marine Corps emblem and a certification tag to be authorized for wear.
- MARPAT MCCUU Sleeve Rolling: During summer, MCCUU sleeves are rolled inside out, forming a snug 3-inch roll, with the bottom slightly above to halfway between the shoulder top and elbow top. Sleeves can be rolled down in combat/field at the commander’s discretion. Sleeves are worn down in winter.
- Maternity Uniform Development: Maternity and nursing t-shirts are optional items available for purchase. Maternity uniforms are being improved with side tabs for better fit, and blue dress maternity skirt and slacks are in development.
- Naval Personnel Wearing Marine Corps Uniforms: Sailors assigned to Marine units wearing Marine uniforms must adhere to Marine grooming standards, except male Sailors are not required to have zero fade hairstyles (NAVADMIN 233/18).
- New Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC): The FBDC is available and mandatory from 1 Oct 2022, replacing the old women’s blue dress coat. The male and FBDC are gender-specific. Enlisted female Marines wear gender-specific chevrons on the FBDC, while officers wear a white strip collar.
- Ordering the 8th & I Blue Overcoat: Neptune Garment Company is available for orders of the ceremonial 8th&I blue overcoat, which units must fund themselves.
- Ponytails in Marine Corps Uniforms: Ponytails are not authorized in Marine Corps uniforms except for PT uniforms during PT.
- Running Suit Wear Guidance: Only the running suit jacket and sweatshirt can be worn as outer garments for non-PT leave and liberty. Various combinations of PT uniform components are allowed for PT leave and liberty, excluding the olive green sweat suit with running suit components.
- Uniform of the Day Policy for the National Capital Region: ALMAR 54/06 applies to all in the Washington Metro Area, regarding uniform regulations.
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Officer/Operator Insignia: Marine officers (MOS 7318) and enlisted Marines (MOS 7316) are authorized to wear UAS officer and operator insignia as per DC Aviation Memo 1000 DCA dtd 16 Oct 2020 and paragraph 40002 of Uniform Regulations.
- View All Uniform Plates: Only plate XIV (Combat Utility Uniform) is currently in print and available for order (PCN 100-103-622-00).
- Waiver to the Mandatory Possession Date for the Female Dress Blue Coat: Female Marines exiting service between 1 Oct 2022 and 1 Jan 2023 can continue wearing the old FDBC until separation (ALMAR 007/20).
- White Crew-Neck Undershirts: Female Marines can optionally wear white crew-neck undershirts under khaki service/dress shirts (MARADMIN 143/16). Mandatory for all Marines with visible tattoos in the open collar “V” area.
- Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance Rates: FY23 rate is $391.32. CCA requests require a screenshot from MCTFS (3270) D926 page.
- Uniform Board Process: Uniform recommendations can originate from any Marine but require command endorsement. The Uniform Board process includes Working Groups, surveys for Marine input, and final decisions by CMC, published via ALMAR and the MCUB website.
Staying informed about USMC uniform regulations is a continuous process. Regularly reviewing official MARADMINs and the Marine Corps Uniform Board website will ensure you remain compliant and present the sharpest possible image, upholding the proud traditions of the Corps. For any questions regarding uniform orders USMC personnel should consult their chain of command and official resources.
