Marine Corps Uniform Changes Expected This Year.

[Rocky C]

Major changes for Marine Corps uniforms are in the pipeline.

Switching to “bravos” or “charlies” as the uniform of the day and doing away with desert camouflage utility uniforms are two proposals currently on the table, based in part on a survey of Marines conducted over the summer by the Marine Corps Uniform Board.

Marine Corps officials declined to comment on the results, as final decisions are still pending, but Marines’ input will be taken into account, according to board manager Mary Boyt.

“The survey results will be briefed at the formal Uniform Board meeting during the deliberation phase of the process and will be briefed to the commandant and his staff in conjunction with the formal Uniform Board recommendation on the issues,” she said at the time.

On Dec. 14, the board also released details of its most recent uniform meeting, authorizing the wear of lock and twist hairstyles for women and clarifying sleeve-rolling regulations for desert MARPAT cammies, inserting the requirement that the rolls must be “snug to the arm.”

Two potential changes were disapproved by the commandant, according to Marine administrative message 622/15, including wearing the Sam Browne Belt for officers and an issued first set of woodland cammies that require wearing brushed brass pin-on enlisted ranks.


The uniform survey, which concluded Aug. 9, asked Marines to vote on three potential uniform changes: adopting a new seasonal uniform policy, removing desert cammies from the required gear list and adopting a new dress blue coat for women.

There are three recommendations being considered for seasonal uniform changes.

The first is giving force-level commanders authority to make the call on which uniform of the day their Marines should wear based on the climate in their area of operation.

Current policy dictates that Marines across the globe are on the same uniform cycle: desert cammies for the spring and summer and woodlands over fall and winter.

But a second option is to take combat utility uniforms out of the required seasonal rotation altogether, delegating the decision of which uniform to wear to local commanders based on climate and training requirements.

Going this route would allow Marines aboard Twentynine Palms, California, to wear desert cammies year-round, while those stationed in Okinawa, Japan, could be in woodlands all year, for example.

The final recommendation is to scrap combat utility uniforms as the uniform of the day in favor of the service uniform.

“Bravos” or “charlies” would become the universal daily uniform, versus the weekly “service uniform Fridays” Marines currently enjoy.

Cammies would still be worn in the field, during training, on deployments or any work environment detrimental to the formal uniform.

The second major uniform change being considered is whether to get rid of the desert MARPAT uniform as a minimum sea bag requirement.

The switch would mean a return to a requirement for four woodland uniforms, resulting in a standardized uniform and financial savings for the Corps.

In 2006, Marines began deploying to combat zones wearing flame resistant gear instead of the desert cammies in order to mitigate the threat from improvised explosive devices. For Marines who still require desert pattern uniforms, there are enough of these to go around for the immediate future.

The last issue Marines voted on was changing the women’s dress blue coat, with the options of keeping the current design, switching to a new unisex design or wearing the new design only for special assignments.

The new design is almost identical to the current dress blue coat worn by men, including a high mandarin collar but lacking breast and hip pockets.

It follows two years of research into a redesign, including a tour of Marine Corps bases over the past year by Marine Corps Systems Command to exhibit potential designs and solicit feedback from women.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has also called for a gender-neutral, “iconic” uniform for Marines.

In a speech at the Naval Academy in May, he touted his initiative to issue common uniform items across the Navy and Marine Corps as important to cohesion and morale.

“We are not trying to make women look like men, but make everybody look like a U.S. sailor or Marine,” Mabus said during a question-and-answer session following his speech.

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[josephd]

"service" uniform as "uniform of the day" every day will never happen IMO....looks great and isn't all that uncomfortable but is extremely impractical...especially for Marines that don't work in an office/admin shop every day. if the Corps does go forward with it and approve it they better be prepared to up the uniform allowance and/or issue more than a few shirts and trousers

[Rocky C]

When I read it I was thinking the same thing Joe.

[m14ed]

"service" uniform as "uniform of the day"

every day will never happen IMO....
looks great and isn't all that uncomfortable
but is extremely impractical...
especially for Marines that don't work in
an office/admin shop every day.
if the Corps does go forward with it
and approve it
they better be prepared to up the uniform allowance
and/or issue more than a few shirts and trousers

They're all POG's and think everybody can wear
whitietighties and stay spiffy spotless...
"Phriggin' - IDIOTS"

[Zulu 36]

When I was in (71-78), wearing Chucks or Bravos as the UD was the standard. However, those people who worked in dirty jobs (such as infantry, Motor T, etc) wore utilities as their standard daily uniform. Office pogues wore UDs every day. Most garrison MPs wore them daily (K-9 was an exception usually). I don't recall there being a special problem knowing what uniform you should wear as it was often specified in the Plan of the Day. One hardly ever saw an officer in utilities unless he was in the field.

I say "he" as Women Marines didn't even have utilities back then and they didn't have "dirty jobs."

I don't know what the present day uniform allowance is for Chucks and Bravos, but most of us found our issue to be limited and bought more out of pocket. Quite often we bought them from guys getting out for a song. I had 7-8 Chuck shirts and 5-6 Bravo shirts, plus extra trousers. We were in the middle of adopting the "summer weight" Greens (now the standard weight), and I bought a few as I much preferred them while working as an MP over the old Tropicals (hid dirt much better).

So wearing Chucks or Bravos (or even Alphas) daily is doable with a little imagination
and a few bucks worth of investment.

[SGT7477]

Bring back the utilities, starch everything including cover, brasso the belt buckle, wisk the belt as white as your teeth, buff or spit shine your black boots, where has the Marine Corps shine gone too, officers in our artillery battery also wore utilities all the time, Semper Fidelis.

[Tennessee Top]

It's what you get used to. I had a job (embassy duty) where the uniform of the day was dress blue bravos with a duty belt, service weapon, PR-24 police baton, handcuffs, and mace dispenser (8 hour shift). Uncomfortable and impractical as hell but we got used to it.

Majority of Marines serve aboard a major USMC installation. That means there is a thrift shop on base and gently used uniforms (for those who don't want to buy new). I donated all my uniforms to the thrift shop when I punched out including expensive Creighton shirts. Only hassle was getting a page 11 entry in your SRB documenting why you have a uniform article with someone else's name stamped in it (along with the name).

[Rocky C]

Bring back the utilities, starch everything including cover, brasso the belt buckle, wisk the belt as white as your teeth, buff or spit shine your black boots, where has the Marine Corps shine gone too, officers in our artillery battery also wore utilities all the time, Semper Fidelis.

You got that right Ronnie. When I was in that is what we wore all the time and then came the switch to cammies and that's all mostly everyone wore even in garrison.

MOS specific of course lol.

[Rocky C]

That was nice of you Top. Didn't know they have Thrift shops on base now. That must be a big help.

[MunkyVsRobot]

UNIFORM BOARDS 214 AND 215 RESULTS Date Signed: 12/14/2015
MARADMINS Active Number: 622/15
R 141945Z DEC 15
MARADMIN 622/15
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/UNIFORM BOARDS 214 AND 215 RESULTS//
REF/A/DOC/MCUB/19SEP2014//
REF/B/DOC/MCUB/18MAR2008//
NARR/REF A CMC DECISION UNIFORM BOARDS 214 AND 215//
REF B IS MCO P1020.34G CHANGE 1-5; THE MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS.//
POC/YA2 M. BOYT/-/MCUB/-/TEL: (703)432-3573 OR DSN 378-3573/EMAIL MARY.BOYT(AT)USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Per reference (a), the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) rendered decisions on Marine Corps Uniform Boards (MCUB) 214 and 215 on 19 October 2015.
2. CMC decisions for MCUB 214 are detailed below.
a. Agenda Item A: Enlisted Rank Insignia on the Woodland Marine Pattern (MARPAT) Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU).
(1) Recommendation: Issue (the first set) and require the wear of gold (brushed brass) pin-on enlisted rank insignia on the Woodland MARPAT MCCUUs. MCUB recommended disapproval of this initiative.
(2) CMC Decision: Disapproved.
b. Agenda Item B: Sam Browne Belt for Officers
(1) Recommendation: Require the wear of the Sam Browne Belt as a mandatory accessory for officers with the Blue Dress “A”/”B,” Service “A” and Blue-White “A”/“B” uniforms. MCUB recommended disapproval of this initiative.
(2) CMC Decision: Disapproved.
3. CMC decisions for MCUB 215 are detailed below. CMC approved modified female hair regulations to allow additional hairstyle options that may be easier for some female Marines to maintain in an expeditionary environment, and that are professional and neat in appearance.
a. Agenda Item A: Twist Hairstyles (Two Strand, Multiple) for female Marines
(1) Definition of Twist: Two sections of hair twisted together, which forms a rope or cord-like appearance. Specific guidelines regarding size and style are provided in the text below. Styles that exceed or deviate from the guidelines posted below are not authorized.
(2) Recommendation: Authorize Twist hairstyles (with regulations detailed below) for female Marines in uniform. MCUB recommended approval of this initiative.
(3) CMC Decision: Approved.
b. Agenda Item B: Lock Hairstyles for female Marines
(1) Definition of a Lock: one section of hair that twists from or near the root to the ends of the hair, which creates a uniform ringlet or cordlike appearance. Specific guidelines regarding size and style are provided in the text below. Styles that exceed or deviate from the guidelines posted below are not authorized.
(2) Recommendation: Authorize Lock hairstyles (with the regulations detailed below) for female Marines in uniform. MCUB recommended approval of this initiative.
(3) CMC Decision: Approved.
c. Agenda Item C: Additional proposed text changes to the female hairstyle paragraph.
(1) Recommendation: Approve the below proposed text changes to paragraph 1004.7b of reference b. MCUB recommended approval of these changes to the uniform regulations.
(2) CMC Decision: Approved.
d. The following changes to reference (b) are effective immediately.
(1) Paragraph 1004.2:
“2. Marine Corps uniform standards of grooming do not allow eccentric or faddish styles of hair, facial hair, make-up/nail polish, jewelry, or eyeglasses. Eccentric and faddish individual appearances detract from uniformity and team identity. Because it is impossible to provide examples of every acceptable or unacceptable style of “conservative” or “eccentric/faddish” grooming and attire, the good judgment of Marines at all levels is key to enforcement of Marine Corps standards in this issue, as in other issues. The following definitions are provided to aid in the interpretation of these regulations:
a. Eccentric ...
f. Bulk of Hair. The depth of the hair once the hairstyle is complete. Using the scalp as a starting point, measure the tallest portion of the hair. The maximum height of the bulk of the hair is defined in paragraph 1004.7 below. ...”.
(2) Paragraph 1004.7b
“ b. Female Grooming Regulations. Women will be well groomed at all times and will abide by the following:
(1) Hair Regulations. The requirement for hair regulations is to provide guidance toward maintaining a neat and professional military image. Women's hairstyles require non-eccentric and non-faddish styles, maintaining a conservative, professional appearance. For the purpose of these regulations, women’s hairstyles will be organized into three basic categories: short length, medium length and long hair.
(a) Hair Length (see Figure 1-5).
1. Short Hair Length. Short hair is defined as hair length that extends no more than 1 inch from the scalp (excluding bangs). Overall hair bulk may be cut no shorter than 1/4 inch from the scalp; except that it may be evenly graduated from zero at the hairline/nape of the neck to the maximum length of 1 inch within two inches of the hairline/neckline(creating a fade). Bangs, if worn, may not fall into the line of sight, may not interfere with the wear of all headgear, and when worn with headgear must lie neatly against the head. The width of the bangs may not extend beyond the hairline at the temples.
2. Medium Hair Length. Medium hair is defined as hair that does not extend beyond the collar’s lower edge (in all uniforms), and extends more than 1 inch from the scalp. Medium hair may fall naturally in uniform and is not required to be secured. When worn loose, graduated hair styles are acceptable, but the change in length, from the front to the back, may not exceed a one inch difference in length (see Figure 1-4). The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in the short hair length section are relevant. No portion of the bulk of the hair as measured from the scalp will exceed 2 inches (see Figure 1-5).
3. Long Hair. Long hair is defined as hair that extends beyond the collar’s lower edge. When styled, long hair will be secured up so that it does not extend beyond the collar’s lower edge, except in the physical training uniform. Long hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, except that bangs may be worn. The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in the short hair length section are relevant. No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp, will exceed 2 inches (except a bun, which may extend to a maximum of 3 inches from the scalp and may be no wider than the width of the head).
(b) Hairstyles. Faddish and exaggerated styles to include shaved portions (other than the fade authorized in the short hair definition detailed above; and Marines are authorized to shave hair that extends below the hairline that cannot be pulled up into a bun), designs cut in the hair, unsecured ponytails (except during physical training), asymmetrical (unbalanced or lopsided) haircut/hairstyles, and locks, twists and multiple braids that exceed the size and style guidelines established in paragraph 1004.7B(1)b1, are prohibited. Hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of all uniform headgear. All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. When headgear is worn, hair should not protrude at distinct angles from under the edges. Hairstyles which do not allow the headgear to be worn in this manner are prohibited. Examples of hairstyles considered to be faddish or exaggerated and thus not authorized for wear in uniform are (this list is not all-inclusive) hair sculpting (eccentric directional flow, texture or spiking), buns or braids with loose hair extending at the end (except as authorized below), multiple braids that do not start at the top of the head, hair styles with severe angles, and loose unsecured hair (not to include bangs) when medium or long hair is worn up. To promote a neat and professional appearance, the use of hair products such as mousse, hair gel, and hairspray is authorized, as long as they provide a clear, dry finish.
1. Braids, Twists and Locks
a. Braids. A braid is defined as three or more sections of interlaced hair (see figure 1-3). Braids may only be worn with medium and long length hair. One and two braids (e.g. French braid) hairstyles are authorized, as long as the braid(s) provides a neat and professional military appearance and does not interfere with the proper wear of all headgear. More than two braids are considered multiple braids, and the guidance provided in subparagraphs d-h below applies. When extensions are worn, braids may continue to the end of the natural hair and can be worn loose from that point (i.e. partial multiple braids), but must be secured up per long hair regulations.
b. Twists. A twist is defined as two sections of hair twisted together, which forms a rope or cord-like appearance (see figure 1-3). Twists may only be worn with medium and long length hair. One and two twists (e.g. French twist) hairstyles are authorized, as long as the twist(s) provides a neat and professional military appearance, does not interfere with the proper wear of all headgear and does not exceed the “bulk of hair” limitations (extends no more than 2 inches from the scalp). More than two twists are considered multiple twists, and the guidance provided in subparagraphs d-h below, applies.
c. Locks. A lock is defined as one section of hair that twists from or near the root to the ends of the hair, which creates a uniform ringlet or cordlike appearance (see figure 1-3). everal techniques can be used to achieve this style; however, the overall appearance is subject to the parameters provided in subparagraphs d-h below. Locks may be worn with short, medium and long length hair and require partings to be square or rectangular in shape in order to achieve a neat and professional military appearance. Figure 1-3. Individual Braid, Twist and Lock. (Graphics not available for this message.)
d. Locks and multiple braids and multiple twist hairstyles must encompass the whole head (with the exception of bangs) and there will be no mixing of the styles (e.g., you cannot wear locks and twists in the same hairstyle).
e. Secured Braids and Twists. Only braids and
twists may be “secured” to the scalp (hair is continually added to the braid or twist as it continues to the hairline at the nape of the neck), and will follow the contour of the head from front to nape in one direction. When worn secured, individual braids and twists will be small in diameter (no more than 3/8 inch), and will be tightly interlaced/twisted to present a neat, professional military appearance.
f. Loose Braids, Twists and Locks. Loose
(free-hanging, where no hair, other than hair extensions that are attached at the end of the natural hair, is added to the braid, twist or lock once it is started) hair is authorized for braids, twists and lock styles. When worn loose, individual braids, twists and locks will be spaced no more than 3/8 inch apart, will be small in diameter (no more than 3/8 inch), and will be tightly interlaced/twisted to present a neat, professional military appearance.
g. Foreign Material. Foreign material shall not be incorporated into or attached onto the hair.
h. New Growth/Maintenance of Braids, Twists and Locks. New growth (defined as hair that naturally grows from the scalp and has not yet been braided, twisted or locked) will not exceed 1/2 inch at any time. Braids, twists and locks that do not meet these standards and do not present a neat and professional military appearance are not authorized.
2. Hair Extensions. Hair extensions that achieve medium and long hairstyles are authorized. Extensions must present a natural appearance and conform to all hair regulations.
3. Wigs. Wigs, if worn in uniform, must look natural and conform to the above regulations.
4. Physical Training (PT). Medium/ short length hair may be worn down for organized PT, except when considered a safety hazard. Long hair must be secured. Pony tails are authorized. When hair-securing devices are worn (i.e. barrettes, small pony tail holders, etc.), they must be consistent with the hair color. Scrunchies, bows, ribbons, and alligator clips are not authorized to secure hair for PT. Hair accessories for PT must comply with the regulations detailed in the hair accessories section below.
5. Boots and Utilities (“Boots and Utes”). When wearing boots and utes in a PT environment, hair should be secured using the PT guidelines identified above. When boots and utes are
worn in a non-PT related environment, hair must be secured per the regulations detailed in the hairstyle regulations provided in paragraph 1004.5c(1)(a)through(b).
6. Hair Accessories. Inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins, if required, are authorized. Hairnets will not be worn unless inconspicuous or authorized for a specific type of duty. Barrettes, combs, rubber bands, styling tools, etc. are authorized, if concealed by the hair.”.
4. A webpage is being created which will identify and graphically illustrate authorized and unauthorized male and female hairstyles. This website will be complete within 30 days of publication of this MARADMIN, and will be added to the Marine Corps Uniform Board website at httpslant)(slant)http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/agencies...formboard.aspx and announced via a separate MARADMIN.
5. MCCUU Sleeve Rolling Regulations. Per President, MCUB Memorandum 1020 dated 12 March 2014, paragraph 3037.3 of reference (b) is changed to read as follows: “3. The combat utility coat will be worn outside the trousers. During the summer season, the Desert MARPAT coat sleeves will be rolled with the inside out, forming a QUOTE snug to the arm END QUOTE roll about three inches wide, with the bottom of the rolled (folded) sleeve slightly above to no more than half the distance between the top of the shoulder and the top of the elbow. ...”.
6. Release authorized by Lieutenant General James B. Laster, Director, Marine Corps Staff.//

[MunkyVsRobot]

MARINE CORPS UNIFORM BOARD 216 DECISIONS Date Signed: 1/8/2016
MARADMINS Active Number: 011/16
R 082100Z JAN 16
MARADMIN 011/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS UNIFORM BOARD 216 DECISIONS//
REF/A/MTG/CMC BRIEF/19 OCT 2015//
REF/B/DOC/CMC MCUB/18 MAR 2008//
NARR/REF A IS PRESIDENT, MCUB BRIEF TO CMC; UNIFORM BOARD 216. REF B IS MCO P1020.34G CHANGE 1-5; THE MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS.//
POC/YA2 M. BOYT/-/MCUB/-/TEL: (703) 432-3573 OR DSN 378-3573/EMAIL: MARY.BOYT(AT)USMC.MIL//
GENTEXTS/REMARKS/1. Per reference (a), on 19 October 2015, the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) rendered decisions on Marine Corps Uniform Board (MCUB) No. 216 recommendations.
2. CMC decisions are detailed below.
a. Agenda Item A: Female Blue Dress Coat.
(1) Recommendation: Adopt the modified female blue dress coat as a replacement for the current female blue dress coat.
(2) CMC decision: Approved. Due to prototype refinement, contracting, and acquisition timelines, initial fielding of the modified female dress blue coat is anticipated to take 24 – 36 months. Fielding information and mandatory possession dates will be published via separate correspondence.
b. Agenda Item B: Seasonal Uniform Policy.
(1) Recommendation: Establish Marine Corps Force (MarFor)-level commanders and other specified commanding generals and commanding officers as the seasonal uniform policy waiver authority in their respective area of operations.
(2) CMC decision: Approved.
(3) Further guidance. The current seasonal uniform policy, based on continental United States daylight saving time (DST) dates, will continue to establish the standard seasonal uniform change dates. However, CMC has approved waiver policy and procedures to accommodate for climatic and mission considerations. As such, unless operating under a waiver in accordance with the guidelines below, Marines will continue to transition to the winter uniforms on the first Monday after the fall DST change (1st Sunday in November), and to the summer season uniforms on the first Monday after the spring DTS change (2nd Sunday in March). The Marine Corps Birthday Ball uniform for officers and staff noncommissioned officers will continue to be the Blue Dress “A” and Evening Dress uniforms, irrespective of when commands conduct their Birthday Ball.
(a) CMC delegates waiver authority to approve deviations from the Headquarters Marine Corps seasonal uniform schedule to the following commanders.
- All MarFor commanders
- Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command
- Commanding General, Training and Education Command
- Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group
- Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment
- Commanding Officers, Marine Corps Bases
This waiver authority may not be further delegated.
(b) Commanders will provide a copy of all command approved waivers to the MCUB via email to mary.boyt@usmc.mil. The waivers must detail the units granted the waiver and the exact nature of the waiver, including specific locations and dates (e.g., Marines and Sailors permanently or temporarily assigned to 3d Marine Division in Okinawa are authorized to wear the summer season uniforms year-round; or MarForSouth Marines and Sailors assigned to Security Cooperation Team-Guatemala are authorized to wear summer service uniforms year-round, etc.). A database will be maintained with all waivers and published at the MCUB website at (httpslash)(slash)http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies...formBoard.aspx).
(c) To the extent possible given unique mission requirements, commanders should coordinate with other units in the immediate geographic area to achieve consistency in local seasonal uniform policy.
(d) Commanders, as described in paragraph 1000.4 of reference (b), will continue to dictate the field/training/deployment uniform for their units. Additionally, commanders will establish the uniform for duty personnel, as well as for Fridays.
c. Agenda Item C: Uniform of the Day Policy.
(1) Recommendation: Establish the service uniform as the uniform of the day unless otherwise prescribed by the commander.
(2) CMC decision: Disapproved.
d. Agenda Item D: Desert Marine Pattern (MARPAT) Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms (MCCUUs).
(1) Recommendation: Delete the Desert MARPAT MCCUU from the seabag and the minimum requirement list.
(2) CMC decision: Disapproved.
3. Release authorized by Lieutenant General James B. Laster, Director, Marine Corps Staff.//

[Rocky C]

Great posts J.

Thank you Brother