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 http:(slant)(slant)www.hqmc.marines.mil/agencies/marinecorpsuniformboard.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.//