The Marine Corps prides itself on its sharp appearance and adherence to uniform regulations. Staying up-to-date with the latest Usmc Uniform Regs is crucial for all Marines. This guide provides a clear and concise overview of key uniform policies, drawing from official Marine Corps publications to ensure accuracy and help you maintain a professional and regulation appearance.
Hair Regulations for Marines: A Detailed Breakdown
Maintaining proper grooming standards is a cornerstone of Marine Corps discipline. Recent clarifications have provided more detail on hair regulations, particularly for female Marines.
Long and Medium Hair:
According to the latest updates to MCO 1020.34H, long hair must always be secured up, meaning no loose ends or portions falling naturally, except during authorized non-combat physical training. For PT, female Marines can wear medium and long hair in an unsecured full ponytail or braid.
Hair Accessories:
- Authorized: Inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins are permitted. Barrettes and combs are allowed if they match hair color and are concealed. Ponytail holders should also match hair color and be inconspicuous but do not need to be concealed.
- Unauthorized: Conspicuous hair securing devices like headbands, scrunchies, alligator clips, and bows are prohibited.
These clarifications are set to be officially included in the updated MCO 1030.32H, reinforcing the importance of these standards.
Female Fades:
For female Marines with short hair, a “zero” fade is authorized at the nape of the neck, extending up to a maximum length of one inch. The fade must start at zero and graduate within two inches of the hairline at the nape. Side fades are limited to a minimum of 1/4 inch. Female Marines with long hair are also permitted to shave hair below the natural hairline on the back of the neck if it cannot be neatly pulled into a bun.
Male Fades:
Male Marines opting for a “low regulation” haircut must ensure the zero fade at the nape extends up to the top orifice of the ear. The fade should graduate from zero up to the maximum hair length, which must be reached no higher than the top orifice of the ear. While clean-shaven heads are acceptable, zero fades with rapid graduation to maximum length are not authorized.
Tattoo Policy Amplification for USMC Personnel
The Marine Corps tattoo policy is detailed in MCBul 1020, last updated on October 29, 2021, and extended until October 29, 2023. 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 leg tattoos are visible. 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 current regulations.
Belt Guidance for the Female Dress Blue Coat
Clarification on belt wear for the new Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC), as per MARADMIN 596/18, has been issued. Paragraph 3002 of the Uniform Regulations now states that for the FDBC, belts are worn at the natural waistline, but unlike the male coat, the left edge of the buckle (wearer’s left) should align with the edge of the coat front. The belt end will extend to the wearer’s left. This is opposite to the male dress and service coats due to the FDBC closing in the opposite direction.
Cold Weather Uniform Items: Black Field Gloves, Inserts, and Watchcaps
CMC Decision Memo dated January 10, 2018, and MARADMIN 596/18 outline mandatory possession dates for cold weather uniform items. Coyote field glove liners (DSCP black liners meet requirements) had a mandatory possession date of October 1, 2019. The coyote watchcap followed on October 1, 2020, and black field gloves on October 1, 2021. DSCP field gloves and liners can be worn with the MCCUU in garrison or field environments at the Marine’s discretion. Liners can be worn as outerwear, except in formations. The coyote watchcap is authorized with PT uniforms and the MCCUU in garrison and field settings when appropriate for weather conditions. Saluting is required when wearing the watchcap in non-tactical or garrison environments, as if wearing the garrison MCCUU cap, but is not required with the PT uniform.
Fourragere Wear Regulations
The black tip pencil attachment for the French Fourragere is now obsolete. While Marines permanently awarded it during WWII may continue to wear it, it has been obsolete since 2001. Currently, Marines attached to the 5th and 6th Marines wear the Fourragere with a polished brass tip pencil attachment while serving with those units. Paragraph 5302.4 of MCO 1020.34H will be updated to reflect these changes.
Hands in Pockets Policy in Garrison
MCO 1020.34H has implemented an immediate policy change regarding hands in pockets. In garrison, Marines are not permitted to put their hands in their pockets except briefly to retrieve items. Field environments allow for more judgment-based application of this policy.
Hose Color for the Blue Dress Uniform
Smoke/off-black hose are reserved for formal occasions with the blue dress uniform. For most events, nude/flesh-tone harmonizing hose are the standard. Formality is determined by civilian dress codes: ball gowns and tuxedos indicate formal occasions requiring smoke hose; semi-formal or less formal events require nude hose. If no civilians are present, evening dress uniforms for officers and SNCOs signal a formal event. Despite common assumptions, nude hose is the default hose color for blue dress uniforms, as formal events are relatively infrequent.
HQMC Uniform of the Day
ALMAR 13/20 specifies the uniform of the day for Marines and Sailors at the Pentagon Reservation or visiting for official business as the service “B”/”C” uniform, appropriate for the season.
Manicures in Utility Uniforms (MCCUUs)
Uniform Board 209 revised manicure policy for female Marines in MCCUUs. Manicures mimicking the natural nail are now authorized. This includes clear manicures or those with a natural nail appearance, featuring a white, off-white, or beige tip (like a French or American manicure) and a pale pink, nude, or peach nail bed. Solid nude, peach, or pink nails without the defined tip are not authorized in utilities but are acceptable with dress and service uniforms.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball Uniform Standards
ALMAR 042/11 sets the dress blue uniform (with blue trousers/skirt/slacks) or evening dress uniform as 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 Requirements
The minimum boot requirement includes one pair of hot weather and one pair of temperate weather boots. Marines can wear either Marine Corps Combat Boots (MCCBs) or Rugged All Terrain (RAT) boots to meet this requirement. Optional boots must have the Marine Corps emblem on the heel and a certification approval tag, usually inside the boot. Boots lacking both are not certified uniform items and are unauthorized, even from approved manufacturers, as civilian versions may exist without certification.
MARPAT MCCUU Sleeve Rolling Guidelines
PMCUB memo 1020 of March 12, 2014, clarifies MCCUU sleeve rolling (MCUR para 3038.3). During summer, sleeves are rolled inside out, forming a snug roll about three inches wide, ending slightly above to halfway between the shoulder top and elbow top. Commanders may authorize sleeves down in combat or field environments. Winter dictates sleeves down. Trousers are bloused neatly over combat boots. Helmets with MARPAT covers may be prescribed for utility uniforms in parades, reviews, and ceremonies (MARADMIN 078/14).
Maternity Uniform Updates
The maternity t-shirt and nursing t-shirt are certified optional items, expected to be available for purchase via MCCS, including the online uniform website. Side tabs are being added to maternity khaki long and short-sleeve shirts and tunics for improved fit during pregnancy, with production underway. Blue dress maternity skirts and slacks are also under development, to be added to the maternity supplemental clothing allowance with a fielding date to be determined.
Naval Personnel Uniform Standards
NAVADMIN 233/18 states that Sailors assigned to USMC units and wearing Marine Corps uniforms must adhere to Marine Corps grooming standards, except male Sailors are not required to maintain zero fade hairstyles.
New Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC) Details
The FBDC is available for purchase and authorized for wear, with a mandatory possession date of October 1, 2022. The older women’s blue dress coat is authorized until September 30, 2022. Key points include:
- The FBDC is gender-specific and different from the male coat. Female Marines should not purchase coats with front pockets (male coat style).
- Enlisted female Marines continue to wear gender-specific chevrons on the FBDC. White web belts, waistplates, and branch insignia are gender-neutral.
- Female officers do not wear the male white dress shirt or white cuffs under the FBDC. Both male and female officers wear the white strip collar with standing collar coats, which is gender-neutral. Belts and buckles are included with both male dress coats and the FBDC.
Ordering the 8th & I Blue Overcoat
Neptune Garment Company is accepting orders for the 8th & I blue overcoat (1-800-320-3980 or [email protected]) for units needing ceremonial blue overcoats, noting that commands must fund these purchases.
Ponytail Restrictions in Uniform
Ponytails are generally not authorized in Marine Corps uniforms for female Sailors or Marines, except during PT while in PT uniforms.
Running Suit Wear Guidelines
CMC clarifications (CMC Decision Memorandum 1020 MCUB of November 19, 2009, and decision on March 11, 2010) provide the following running suit guidance:
- Only the running suit jacket and sweatshirt can be worn as outer garments for non-PT leave and liberty.
- The complete running suit or components can be worn with PT ensemble items (running suit, general purpose trunks, green undershirt) for PT leave and liberty only.
- The olive green sweat suit should never be worn with running suit components.
- Reflective belt wear with the running suit is commander’s discretion for safety.
- Commercial/”rainbow” clothing is allowed with running suits, sweats, and green shorts/undershirt for personal PT only.
- Uniform components can be mixed (except sweats with the running suit). Examples: running suit trousers with green undershirt (ok); sweatpants with green undershirt (ok); green undershirt with black shorts (ok).
- The running suit jacket is prohibited with the utility uniform.
- ALMAR 019/08 also prohibits green undershirts, general purpose trunks, and sweatpants for non-PT leave and liberty.
Uniform of the Day Policy in the National Capital Region
ALMAR 54/06 outlines a local regulation applicable to all Marines in the Washington Metro Area, including visitors, regarding the Uniform of the Day.
UAS Officer/Operator Insignia Authorization
DC Aviation Memo 1000 DCA of October 16, 2020, authorizes UAS officer and operator insignia for Marine officers (MOS 7318) and enlisted Marines (MOS 7316), respectively, as per Paragraph 40002 of the Uniform Regulations.
Uniform Plate Availability
Currently, only plate XIV (Combat Utility Uniform) is in print and orderable (PCN 100-103-622-00). All other uniform plates are out of print and circulation unless the Historical Division reprints them. References include UNIFORM BOARD NO. 218 ALMAR 28/19, UNIFORM BOARD NO. 217 MARADMIN 596/18, UNIFORM BOARD NO. 216 MARADMIN 011/16, and UNIFORM BOARD NO. 214 & 215 MARADMIN 622/15.
FDBC Mandatory Possession Date Waiver
ALMAR 007/20 provides a waiver to the FDBC mandatory possession date for female Marines exiting service between October 1, 2022, and January 1, 2023, allowing them to continue wearing the old female blue dress uniform until separation. Marines outside this period must adhere to the October 1, 2022, mandatory possession date.
White Crew-Neck Undershirt Policy
MARADMIN 143/16 authorizes 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-collar khaki shirts.
This guide is based on publicly available information and is intended to provide a helpful overview of USMC uniform regulations. For complete and official guidance, always refer to the latest versions of Marine Corps Orders (MCOs), Marine Administrative Messages (MARADMINs), and other official publications. Staying informed ensures every Marine maintains the high standards of appearance expected within the Corps.
