thedrifter
01-23-04, 11:58 AM
Answering common regulation questions
Lance Cpl. Andrew D. Pomykal
Combat Correspondent
The Marine Corps has boasted long of a pioneering spirit, thereby luring millions to its ranks. From them, innovative ideas, engineering marvels and common sense solutions have stemmed from individual and collaborative efforts throughout the years.
Times change. Battlefields are now controlled through computers and satellites, weapons are improved and tactics are refined. With that come simpler changes, such as uniform item additions and the like that sometimes render confusion in garrison.
Here are a few common puzzlers explained by uniform board personnel backed by a newly revised Marine Corps Order 1020.34G.
Wearing Bags While in Uniform:
Question: I have been told that we can wear backpacks, computer bags, gym bags, etc, with cammies, as long as they are a camouflage color (like brown, black or green). I always thought we could not wear them. I can’t find anything that says specifically that we are not allowed to wear them. I’ve also seen a new type of backpack offered through the exchange or supply system. What kinds of backpacks can we wear, if any?
Answer: Marines are not allowed to wear bags while in uniform, except as detailed in paragraph 1004.4 of the uniform regulations. You may wear organizationally issued packs (this includes ALICE packs, camera bags and hydration systems).
Personally owned camera bags and hydration systems are not authorized for wear with any uniform. However, these bags may be hand carried.
“Camelback-Type” Hydration Systems
Question: I am seeing a lot of Marines wearing Camelbacks around base. I don’t mind when we’re in the field, but it seems common sense to me that it should not be worn in garrison. What’s the rule?
Answer: Hydration systems may be worn if issued as organizational gear. Commanders that issue these items should make it clear to Marines that they may only be worn for the purpose for which they were issued. See paragraph 7000 for more information.
Hats/Headgear
Question: I was looking for where I could find regulations on ball caps, bandannas, or “doo rags” with little luck. Can you help?
Answer: All Marine Message 127/97 was cancelled with the publication of the “G” version of the regulations. During review of the order the text prohibiting the wear of civilian headgear indoors was removed. Aboard Camp Lejeune, individuals are expected to follow the Corps’ current uniform regulations that govern wearing civilian attire, which specifically prohibits the wear of bandannas and doo rags. See paragraph 1004.5.2.
Awards (Medals & Ribbons)
Question: Where can I find updated information on my awards status?
Answer: Contact the awards branch at 703-784-9210. Regulations for wear of ribbons and medals with the uniform may be viewed in Chapter 5 of the uniform regulations.
Be squared away. Using the “ribbon checker” link at http://kepler.pratt.duke.edu/USMCRibbons can quickly check the proper display of awards.
Blue dress:
Question: I was advised to buy white trousers for my blue dress. But All Marine Message 059/01 says they are optional. As a SNCO, are new trousers required?
Answer: Think of the blue white uniform as the officer/staff NCO summer dress uniform. If you are a staff NCO and wear the dress uniform in the summer you will wear the blue-white variation. The entire blue dress uniform is optional for enlisted Marines, and cannot be prescribed (unless issued). If you choose not to purchase the white trousers, you will not wear the dress uniform during the summer, and instead will wear the service uniform. Staff NCOs should use paragraphs 2003.1&2 as guidance for blue-white dress. White trousers, slacks or skirts are not worn with blue dress “C” or “D.”
Question: I’m getting married in a few months and I would like to wear white trousers with my blues so I will stand out from the rest of the wedding party, but I’m not a staff NCO. Am I allowed to wear them for this special occasion?
Answer: According to paragraph 2003.1 of the uniform regulations, the blue-white dress uniform is an officer/staff NCO uniform. Sergeants and below are authorized to wear the blue-white dress uniform for official military and social occasions if the uniform is issued by the command. It is not a liberty uniform for sergeants and below. So, the answer is that you should not wear the blue-white dress uniform. If the wedding party has staff NCOs and officers who will be in the dress uniform, they should dress to the appropriate level of the junior Marine in the ceremony - so everyone should be wearing the dress blue uniform with blue trousers/skirts.
Bracelets (POW/MIA)
Question: Are POW/MIA bracelets authorized? I can’t find anything in the regulations that specifically addresses them. I’ve seen Marines for years wearing them and I am pretty sure they are authorized, but I can’t find the reference to back it up.
Answer: POW/MIA bracelets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy as per SecNav Message dated Sept. 19, 1972: “Wearing of POW/MIA bracelets is authorized for Navy and Marine Corps personnel - at any time they desire, including while in uniform - as an expression of concern for their fellow servicemen who are prisoners of war or missing in action.
This bracelet shall be of simple design, not more than one-half inch wide and containing rank/rate, name of the POW/MIA and date of capture or date missing.”
Coveralls:
Question: In the past few years I have been seeing Marines slowly implementing blue or green coveralls as the uniform of the day. Some chow halls have even been allowing Marines to dine in coveralls. What is the regulation that directs the garments’ use?
Answer: Coveralls are considered organizational clothing. As explained by paragraph 7000, commanders prescribed organizational clothing, so refer to local regulations clarification. However, coveralls cannot be prescribed as the uniform of the day. Organizational clothing is worn “on a temporary basis to accomplish assigned duties.” If a Marine is not actively engaged in those duties, or is not in the work environment where those duties are performed (i.e., flight line, workshop, motor T, etc), then that Marine will be in the appropriate uniform of the day.
Grooming standards:
Question: I like to keep my hair shaved down to the scalp. Recently, I was told that this was not authorized. Since when are Marines not allowed to shave their heads?
Answer: Male Marines are allowed to shave their heads, as authorized in paragraph 1004.5b(3). A few years ago, a proposal to prohibit Marines from shaving their heads was reviewed by the commandant. It was disapproved; thereby reaffirming that male Marines could shave their heads. After recruit training, a Marine cannot be forced to shave his head.
Identification tags (dog tags)
Question: I can’t find anything in the uniform regulations that talks about dog tags. What is the correct way to wear them?
Answer: Identification tags serve an administrative function, so they are not addressed in the regulations. Marines are required to have one tag suspended from the neck, and the other tag as the commander prescribes. Many commands dictate that the second tag is worn on the left boot, but check with local chain of command to be sure. Medical tags must be worn at all times. Specific regulations for identification tags may be found in Chapter 7 of MCO P1070.12, Individual Records Administration Manual.
continued....
Lance Cpl. Andrew D. Pomykal
Combat Correspondent
The Marine Corps has boasted long of a pioneering spirit, thereby luring millions to its ranks. From them, innovative ideas, engineering marvels and common sense solutions have stemmed from individual and collaborative efforts throughout the years.
Times change. Battlefields are now controlled through computers and satellites, weapons are improved and tactics are refined. With that come simpler changes, such as uniform item additions and the like that sometimes render confusion in garrison.
Here are a few common puzzlers explained by uniform board personnel backed by a newly revised Marine Corps Order 1020.34G.
Wearing Bags While in Uniform:
Question: I have been told that we can wear backpacks, computer bags, gym bags, etc, with cammies, as long as they are a camouflage color (like brown, black or green). I always thought we could not wear them. I can’t find anything that says specifically that we are not allowed to wear them. I’ve also seen a new type of backpack offered through the exchange or supply system. What kinds of backpacks can we wear, if any?
Answer: Marines are not allowed to wear bags while in uniform, except as detailed in paragraph 1004.4 of the uniform regulations. You may wear organizationally issued packs (this includes ALICE packs, camera bags and hydration systems).
Personally owned camera bags and hydration systems are not authorized for wear with any uniform. However, these bags may be hand carried.
“Camelback-Type” Hydration Systems
Question: I am seeing a lot of Marines wearing Camelbacks around base. I don’t mind when we’re in the field, but it seems common sense to me that it should not be worn in garrison. What’s the rule?
Answer: Hydration systems may be worn if issued as organizational gear. Commanders that issue these items should make it clear to Marines that they may only be worn for the purpose for which they were issued. See paragraph 7000 for more information.
Hats/Headgear
Question: I was looking for where I could find regulations on ball caps, bandannas, or “doo rags” with little luck. Can you help?
Answer: All Marine Message 127/97 was cancelled with the publication of the “G” version of the regulations. During review of the order the text prohibiting the wear of civilian headgear indoors was removed. Aboard Camp Lejeune, individuals are expected to follow the Corps’ current uniform regulations that govern wearing civilian attire, which specifically prohibits the wear of bandannas and doo rags. See paragraph 1004.5.2.
Awards (Medals & Ribbons)
Question: Where can I find updated information on my awards status?
Answer: Contact the awards branch at 703-784-9210. Regulations for wear of ribbons and medals with the uniform may be viewed in Chapter 5 of the uniform regulations.
Be squared away. Using the “ribbon checker” link at http://kepler.pratt.duke.edu/USMCRibbons can quickly check the proper display of awards.
Blue dress:
Question: I was advised to buy white trousers for my blue dress. But All Marine Message 059/01 says they are optional. As a SNCO, are new trousers required?
Answer: Think of the blue white uniform as the officer/staff NCO summer dress uniform. If you are a staff NCO and wear the dress uniform in the summer you will wear the blue-white variation. The entire blue dress uniform is optional for enlisted Marines, and cannot be prescribed (unless issued). If you choose not to purchase the white trousers, you will not wear the dress uniform during the summer, and instead will wear the service uniform. Staff NCOs should use paragraphs 2003.1&2 as guidance for blue-white dress. White trousers, slacks or skirts are not worn with blue dress “C” or “D.”
Question: I’m getting married in a few months and I would like to wear white trousers with my blues so I will stand out from the rest of the wedding party, but I’m not a staff NCO. Am I allowed to wear them for this special occasion?
Answer: According to paragraph 2003.1 of the uniform regulations, the blue-white dress uniform is an officer/staff NCO uniform. Sergeants and below are authorized to wear the blue-white dress uniform for official military and social occasions if the uniform is issued by the command. It is not a liberty uniform for sergeants and below. So, the answer is that you should not wear the blue-white dress uniform. If the wedding party has staff NCOs and officers who will be in the dress uniform, they should dress to the appropriate level of the junior Marine in the ceremony - so everyone should be wearing the dress blue uniform with blue trousers/skirts.
Bracelets (POW/MIA)
Question: Are POW/MIA bracelets authorized? I can’t find anything in the regulations that specifically addresses them. I’ve seen Marines for years wearing them and I am pretty sure they are authorized, but I can’t find the reference to back it up.
Answer: POW/MIA bracelets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy as per SecNav Message dated Sept. 19, 1972: “Wearing of POW/MIA bracelets is authorized for Navy and Marine Corps personnel - at any time they desire, including while in uniform - as an expression of concern for their fellow servicemen who are prisoners of war or missing in action.
This bracelet shall be of simple design, not more than one-half inch wide and containing rank/rate, name of the POW/MIA and date of capture or date missing.”
Coveralls:
Question: In the past few years I have been seeing Marines slowly implementing blue or green coveralls as the uniform of the day. Some chow halls have even been allowing Marines to dine in coveralls. What is the regulation that directs the garments’ use?
Answer: Coveralls are considered organizational clothing. As explained by paragraph 7000, commanders prescribed organizational clothing, so refer to local regulations clarification. However, coveralls cannot be prescribed as the uniform of the day. Organizational clothing is worn “on a temporary basis to accomplish assigned duties.” If a Marine is not actively engaged in those duties, or is not in the work environment where those duties are performed (i.e., flight line, workshop, motor T, etc), then that Marine will be in the appropriate uniform of the day.
Grooming standards:
Question: I like to keep my hair shaved down to the scalp. Recently, I was told that this was not authorized. Since when are Marines not allowed to shave their heads?
Answer: Male Marines are allowed to shave their heads, as authorized in paragraph 1004.5b(3). A few years ago, a proposal to prohibit Marines from shaving their heads was reviewed by the commandant. It was disapproved; thereby reaffirming that male Marines could shave their heads. After recruit training, a Marine cannot be forced to shave his head.
Identification tags (dog tags)
Question: I can’t find anything in the uniform regulations that talks about dog tags. What is the correct way to wear them?
Answer: Identification tags serve an administrative function, so they are not addressed in the regulations. Marines are required to have one tag suspended from the neck, and the other tag as the commander prescribes. Many commands dictate that the second tag is worn on the left boot, but check with local chain of command to be sure. Medical tags must be worn at all times. Specific regulations for identification tags may be found in Chapter 7 of MCO P1070.12, Individual Records Administration Manual.
continued....