What needs clarifying from the Uniform Board?

[CommunityEditor]

If you had an opportunity to be heard by the Uniform Board, what questions would you bring in regards to the uniform regs and recent changes? Does anything need clarifying? We're interested in what is unclear or what may still need to be addressed. If it's unclear, is there a change that would make it more clear or is further explanation on the current direction needed?


Uniform Regs: http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/mcub/library/MCUR/URTOC.htm

[Unregistered]

The main thing the uniform board should look at is ways in which to bring down the prices of uniform items. Over the last 15 yrs uniform prices have skyrocketed. $100+ price for boots, $120 price for utilities is huge for our young Marines. What happened to uniforms at half that price which were reasonable. I also do not look forward to the new pt uniform which will probably be in the $80 price range (my guess). Sure they look good but we are going to tear them up. We are hard on our uniforms and PT gear and tear them constantly. They need to be inexpensive enough to not have to sacrifice to purchase. It used to be a Marine that is not prepared for a JOB uniform inspection may have to spend $300. Now they might have to spend $600. That becomes an unreasonable request of your Marines. Yes they should keep it up slowly, but with deployments this is not happening. Just my thoughts

[Born Invincible]

I agree. I have Marines whose crotches blow out constantly. Is it possible to have the stitch for the crotch lower on the leg on both sides similar to the knees on the trousers as a patch over the crotch so that in the case where the crotch does blow out it doesn't expose me.

Shrinking the brim on the Boonie covers (especially the desert covers). They are rediculously big and floppy and cause many Marines to have to alter them.

Lastly, a boot that is much more comfortable and better suited for running in... like the converse boot that is unathorized... hint,hint.

[Unregistered]

I would readress the new female grooming regulations for hair. I think that Mary Boyt, the woman behind all these new decisions has not taken into consideration the hair texture and styles available for african american female marines. She has placed restriction on briaids and told us that we have to wear or hair in styles that we are not able to due to the speed of hair growth and or texture. Micro braids for example are very popular and when worn in uniform looks professional but she (Ms. Boyt) doesn't want to see them and is not open to the ideal of considering revisiting the issue. She will wake up when we start wearing afros becasue we can't braid our hair in a fashion that allows us to wear it up. Braiding the braids all the way to the end and securing it with a rubber band makes it impossible to pin up in a bun but she doesn't really think about these issues or maybe it's just that she doesn't care.

We need the senior females within this organization to step up and address these issues becasue they affect them too.

[devildog1306@hotmail.com]

I think that the uniforms cost way too much, if they brought down the price of the utility unforme then marines would be walking around with faded cammies in the rear. Faded cammies are for field not garrison so if they cost came down then more marines could possibly afford to buy new camies once the old ones get rugged and faded. Thank you for listing.

[Unregistered]

Grooming standards among our female marines should be reconsidered. I have seen several female marines with mustaches, side burns and neck hair. If male marines are required to shave daily, and to get a haircut every week, in most units, I don't see how it would be unresonable for females to wax once a month. Or at least keep thier mustaches in regs!!

[Unregistered]

i believe that the uniform board needs to address the issue of marines that walk around with their covers turned to the rear or cocked to the side while they are in civilian attire. if they want to be back on the block banging, then why join the Marine Corps? i think it looks dumb and unprofessional. as an nco i try to make a difference with the look of Marines that walk around all jacked up, while they are in or out of uniform.

[Unregistered]

Okay, I don't know if i speak for the vast majority of black female marines in the marine corps but, enough is too much, when i read the new "regs" for hair, i was appalled, HOW is it possible that they want all female marines to look "conservative" and "professional" when they are taking away the very hairstyles that we are able to do so?. And also, i see it as a big problem, if you elevate certain hairstyles what is the African American Female suppose to do about her hair?
It's already to the point where when you PT, if you have a perm, that's getting sweated out, it doesnt stay looking fresh, it seems like to me that they are singling out just the African American race, from trying to eradicate the "gansgsta" look to banning braids.
I think they should sincerely look over these regs again and take into consdieration the other MINORITES that are apart of this branch, not everyone can run in the rain, and come out like nothing has happened, and not everyone has enough hair to put up in a presentable bun, some women have no other option but to get braids.
I for one hope they make a change, because for me this is the last straw.
and if they care a whole lot about us looking "decent" they should ISSUE a HAIR allowance.

[CAINKS]

MARPAT prices are outrageous. The boots that are authorized are expensive and not made for running in, however the Danners are comfortable for the office but cost 190.00, and only last about 2 years. I think that board should look into a way to take the cost of these high use items. I have not seen the new PT suit in person but am going to assume it will be much more costly than the sweats currently issued.

[Unregistered]

flip flops(professional looking ones like leather) but NOT shower shoes, common now west coast is hot!

[fmrldylthrnk]

Grooming standards among our female marines should be reconsidered. I have seen several female marines with mustaches, side burns and neck hair. If male marines are required to shave daily, and to get a haircut every week, in most units, I don't see how it would be unresonable for females to wax once a month. Or at least keep thier mustaches in regs!!

Wow, that's slightly derogatory...

[Unregistered]

this is to the west coast is hot, so is iraq. however we had to wear our uniform in a professional manner as well as all of our ppe (flaks, etc.), so in my opinion sandals if worn, should be worn alongwith socks. it looks unprofessional to be walking around in shoes with your feet hanging out.

[Born Invincible]

i believe that the uniform board needs to address the issue of marines that walk around with their covers turned to the rear or cocked to the side while they are in civilian attire. if they want to be back on the block banging, then why join the Marine Corps? i think it looks dumb and unprofessional. as an nco i try to make a difference with the look of Marines that walk around all jacked up, while they are in or out of uniform.

given the fact that it is still within regulation to wear the barracks and piss covers "cocked" to the side (45 degrees to the right centered on the scalp) it is still comesurate with the charlie uniforms... so good luck. i can't defend backwards though so you still have a fight there.

[Born Invincible]

this is to the west coast is hot, so is iraq. however we had to wear our uniform in a professional manner as well as all of our ppe (flaks, etc.), so in my opinion sandals if worn, should be worn alongwith socks. it looks unprofessional to be walking around in shoes with your feet hanging out.


You are correct and all tattoo'd Marines we should all wear long sleeves and all ink should be covered... ok that was sarcasm. sandals were meant to have your toes exposed. If you hate sandals don't wear them. flipflops / shower shoes are different issue.

[Born Invincible]

Wow, that's slightly derogatory...

While I admit that post was probably posed less than PC he does have a point. (And I'm assuming the writer is a he.)

[fmrldylthrnk]

this is to the west coast is hot, so is iraq. however we had to wear our uniform in a professional manner as well as all of our ppe (flaks, etc.), so in my opinion sandals if worn, should be worn alongwith socks. it looks unprofessional to be walking around in shoes with your feet hanging out.

You can wear flip flops into the px, commissary, pretty much anywhere at Kbay--and there's a reason we have to wear our uniforms properly in Iraq regardless of the weather, which you know already. There's no comparison between field conditions and garrison.

[Akinoluna]

If female Marines will be forced to wax facial or neck hair, male Marines should also be required to shave their leg hair.

[SSG Army at Al Asad]

If female Marines will be forced to wax facial or neck hair, male Marines should also be required to shave their leg hair.

AMEN to that, sister!

[SSG Army at Al Asad]

I agree. I have Marines whose crotches blow out constantly. Is it possible to have the stitch for the crotch lower on the leg on both sides similar to the knees on the trousers as a patch over the crotch so that in the case where the crotch does blow out it doesn't expose me.

Shrinking the brim on the Boonie covers (especially the desert covers). They are rediculously big and floppy and cause many Marines to have to alter them.

Lastly, a boot that is much more comfortable and better suited for running in... like the converse boot that is unathorized... hint,hint.

On my last deployment to Iraq (Al Asad, Aug06-Aug07) I repaired numerous pairs of ACU trousers, due to what the above writer stated about the crotch area. This area of the trouser is easily ripped, especially when the trouser is worn in the "sagging" fashion (low on the hips, thus the crotch area is midway down the thighs) . I never mended a pair of trousers worn by a female, and most all the trousers I mended were ones worn by males who were constantly up and down, and little on the heavy side. I agree with "Born Invincible" that a solution to this problem would be to have this area reinforced like the knee area.

Where do you stow your Boonie hat (cover) when it's not on your head? I refused to wear mine on this last deployment, mainly because I would have to fight the velcro closures on the ACU cargo pockets. The DCU trousers I wore on my previous deployment (2003-2004) were much more accomodating when it came to stowing the Boonie. And yes, the Boonie is ridiculously big and floppy. Better to wear the ballcap.

Boots warrant a posting all to themselves.

BLUF - Any service member who deploys should receive a "one-for-one" exchange of every item they wore in the desert.

[SSgtAllen3381]

The main thing the uniform board should look at is ways in which to bring down the prices of uniform items. Over the last 15 yrs uniform prices have skyrocketed. $100+ price for boots, $120 price for utilities is huge for our young Marines. What happened to uniforms at half that price which were reasonable. I also do not look forward to the new pt uniform which will probably be in the $80 price range (my guess). Sure they look good but we are going to tear them up. We are hard on our uniforms and PT gear and tear them constantly. They need to be inexpensive enough to not have to sacrifice to purchase. It used to be a Marine that is not prepared for a JOB uniform inspection may have to spend $300. Now they might have to spend $600. That becomes an unreasonable request of your Marines. Yes they should keep it up slowly, but with deployments this is not happening. Just my thoughts

The military gets a raise...everything on base goes up. It's been that way since I can remember. Oh wait, we get a clothing allowance...as you were.

[SGT2311]

flip flops(professional looking ones like leather) but NOT shower shoes, common now west coast is hot!

I agree, it's hard to enforce the regulations when all it says in the order is "shower shoes" are not authorized. So everyone walking around in leather flip flops are right because nobody will wear them in the shower. Either classify ALL flip flops and shower shoes are banned or or clarify that only leather ones can be worn and what not...just make it easier to enforce. There was this non sense going around saying that "if it splits the big toe than it's classified as a shower shoe" well, NO WHERE in the order could I find that except for on ship. Help the Marines out and let us know what the guidance is behind the shower shoe.

[RETSGTMAJ]

Pretty simple, a shower shoe is a "shoe used in the shower", period.

[Gunny_D]

Prices are outrageous for most uniform items, especially boots.

There is a difference between sandals and shower shoes. I don't see an issue with most sandals, but creating guidelines to regulate which type of sandals can be worn in civilian attire might be tough.

I think the requirement to wear at belt at all times in civilian attire if you have belt loops is dumb. If you need to wear a belt to hold your pants up, then wear a belt. If you are tucking in your shirt, wear a belt. But if you are wearing jeans or shorts, with a decent t-shirt untucked, or a bowling-style shirt which is designed to be untucked, a belt should be optional.

Wearing the tanker jacket indoors..other than in the exchange or commissary..should not be allowed. That is what the sweaters are for.

[DAKOTA5469]

The Marine Corps has been around for over 232 years and apparently I am the first person to ever break a button on my tanker jacket. This has to be the case unless everyone else just simply shells out another 78 bucks for a new jacket. I recently broke a button on my tanker jacket when and now I find that NO ONE sells repleacement buttons. SERIOUSLY, if you don't believe me, try to find one yourself. I talked to Quantico, Lejeune, and even the online uniform store with no better response than, "SORRY, WE DON'T SELL REPLACEMENT BUTTONS FOR THE TANKER JACKET". I think that something needs to be done about this. The company that makes the jacket, Military Equipment Corporation of America, wouldn't even pick up the phone when I tried calling them, neither of the 8 times I tried. What a waste!

[AH/U1HMECH]

If you look at the updates to the order, it states shower shoes/flip flops are unauthorized.

[JLMartin]

1. Take The Freakin Elastic Out Of The Cammies!!! I see no need for it and I always wind up cutting the elastic out anyway.

2. Female Dress Blues cover.....get one similar to the Males. It's ugly and I'm tired of paying and ungodly ammount when mine gets jacked up. (I wear my often)

3. Re-enforced crotch in cammies as mentioned above.

4. On the female cammies...XShort should mean X Short. I'm 5-1 and when I go to blouse my boots, I'm tucking in the knee sleeve thingy in as well because they are still too long!

5. Do away with the french tip manicure...it's nasty and it reminds me of fat chics that work in the motor pool...sorry....but it KILLS me! Ever since the regs changed I have seen some ungodly excentric looking nails on females. It's nasty and disgusting.

6. FLIP FLOPS....I consider plain plastic black ones shower shoes and all the rest flip flops. JMO. I've been stationed in California for almost 8 yrs and I really don't know anyone who doesn't wear them. When I do, I wear (like everyone said) the nice leather ones.

7. I saw a Marine today wearing a BRIGHT red shirt over his cammies while riding his motorcycle on base....is this authorized? I was confused because I've never seen it before. Can we get it clarified? (or if any of you know?!?!?!)

I'm sure I'll come up with more. I know some are petty, I know I"m probably complaining too much. Oh well.

[Mateo820506]

this is to the west coast is hot, so is iraq. however we had to wear our uniform in a professional manner as well as all of our ppe (flaks, etc.), so in my opinion sandals if worn, should be worn alongwith socks. it looks unprofessional to be walking around in shoes with your feet hanging out.

What do you want to look like a ninja nerd or something? Sandals or flip flops look perfectly fine. We don't restrict female marines from wearing open toed shoes. Some locations already allow the wear of them because they realize 3 things...1) it is good to air out your feet once in awhile, 2) culturally accepted everywhere, and 3) there is a difference between a shower shoe and and a sandal/flip flop.

[Mateo820506]

If female Marines will be forced to wax facial or neck hair, male Marines should also be required to shave their leg hair.

I already do! Having to wax the unibrow for both male and female should be added to then. Sometimes the truth hurts that you got sideburns, mustache or goatee. But it is not being unfair, or not politically correct, or borderline inappropriate.

Also the cost of us getting a haircut 1-2 times every week adds up and evens out the one hair appointment females have a month. If you spend more because you want to go out on a formal date or what not and a perm or hair do doesn't last because you are sweating or it doesn't conform to MC standards in uniform that is on you. You joined the Corps. I'd love to have a mohawk, chops and goatee.

I love french tips on women, the thin ones. Just had to throw that out there.

[Mateo820506]

I agree take the elastic out of the cammies. But also reinforce the knees and elbows. Get a different type of material. One that doesn't fade as easily, tear, and is water resistant. When I worked contruction as a civilian I'd buy clothing items just like that. Ones that would allow me to beat the heck out of them. Cammies are a working uniform. Thus we are not allowed to wear them off base. Make it as such officially by allowing more patches, stitches, and stains. Some of us are not allowed to wear coveralls or flight suits. Just can't wear the nasty ones around base to the exchange, bank, commissary, etc. Make coveralls officially a MC uniform. Currently you can wear them off base as long as they are not dirty and soiled and you take the patches off because they adhere to the charlie uniform. Issue them to everyone if you want cammies to be so distinguished. Bring back the old black boots. They lasted longer and performed better. I wouldn't have to buy another $125 pair every time I had one scuff on them because some GySgt didn't like it. I'd just throw some polish on it and buff it.

[SSgtAllen3381]

1. Take The Freakin Elastic Out Of The Cammies!!! I see no need for it and I always wind up cutting the elastic out anyway.

2. Female Dress Blues cover.....get one similar to the Males. It's ugly and I'm tired of paying and ungodly ammount when mine gets jacked up. (I wear my often)

3. Re-enforced crotch in cammies as mentioned above.

4. On the female cammies...XShort should mean X Short. I'm 5-1 and when I go to blouse my boots, I'm tucking in the knee sleeve thingy in as well because they are still too long!

5. Do away with the french tip manicure...it's nasty and it reminds me of fat chics that work in the motor pool...sorry....but it KILLS me! Ever since the regs changed I have seen some ungodly excentric looking nails on females. It's nasty and disgusting.

6. FLIP FLOPS....I consider plain plastic black ones shower shoes and all the rest flip flops. JMO. I've been stationed in California for almost 8 yrs and I really don't know anyone who doesn't wear them. When I do, I wear (like everyone said) the nice leather ones.

7. I saw a Marine today wearing a BRIGHT red shirt over his cammies while riding his motorcycle on base....is this authorized? I was confused because I've never seen it before. Can we get it clarified? (or if any of you know?!?!?!)

I'm sure I'll come up with more. I know some are petty, I know I"m probably complaining too much. Oh well.

A BRIGHT garment can be worn over the cammies. BUT, once that Marine is off that motorcycle (on base or at home) then he should take said article off as soon as possible. He cannot walk around with that garment on over his cammies.

[iluvdrt]

I miss the old uniforms and boots. They made you feel s##t hot when they were pressed and you had a glass polish on them. You felt good. It was also a lot easier to tell who was locked on and who wasnt by the way their uniform looked.

I think a lot of discipline went into maintaining the old uniforms.

Lower the costs, and make all the combat gear the same. I am sick of going to the range and seeing all the grunts with the cool, snap on, high speed stuff, and the wingers with "H" harnesses still.

We should all be issued our own rifle and not have to share when we are done with the range.

The new running suit is ugly I think, and not tactical.

[Sgt_Mort1984]

We should all be issued our own rifle and not have to share when we are done with the range.



I spent 2 years with 1st Bn 6th Marines and had the same rifle for 2 years. I cleaned my rifle once a month as every Marine should. Came over to the Wing side, and went to check in to the armory expecting to recieve an M16A4. Did I get one? Nope. Did I even get an M16A2? Nope, I was told by the Armory that they didn't have enough weapons for everyone to maintain their own weapon, therefore if I needed to go to a Range, I would be issued a weapon the Friday before we began shooting. 3 years after the M16A4 came out, many units still don't even have them. Yet the CMC can find the money to get us those purty wind suits...

Its all about the FITREP bullet......not the bullet going down range..


BTW - Ask a PFC or LCpl with the Wing when the last time they cleaned a weapon was and I'll put a good chuck of change down that they say "MCT".

-Sorry that this is a little off the main topic, but it seemed to fit with the above post.

[iluvdrt]

I spent 2 years with 1st Bn 6th Marines and had the same rifle for 2 years. I cleaned my rifle once a month as every Marine should. Came over to the Wing side, and went to check in to the armory expecting to recieve an M16A4. Did I get one? Nope. Did I even get an M16A2? Nope, I was told by the Armory that they didn't have enough weapons for everyone to maintain their own weapon, therefore if I needed to go to a Range, I would be issued a weapon the Friday before we began shooting. 3 years after the M16A4 came out, many units still don't even have them. Yet the CMC can find the money to get us those purty wind suits...
BTW - Ask a PFC or LCpl with the Wing when the last time they cleaned a weapon was and I'll put a good chuck of change down that they say "MCT".

.


LOL, I was very surprised to not have to clean my rifle after my recent trip to the range.

I only have half of my flak, and I was told they arent even issueing LBV's or belts any more. WTF? I had to strap all of my mag pouches onto my flak and shoot at the range all week in it. (At least I was comfortable for field fire...LOL)

They need to quit spending money on this stupid stuff and finish etting us the required gear we need first (to include a rifle for every Marine)

Air Wing Rifle Creed:

"This is my rifle....and maybe someone elses. There are not many like it, so this one I share...."

[Sgt_Mort1984]

Air Wing Rifle Creed:

"This is my rifle....and maybe someone elses. There are not many like it, so this one I share...."

I like it, that may be my new email signature!

[SGT6124]

I miss the old uniforms and boots. They made you feel s##t hot when they were pressed and you had a glass polish on them. You felt good. It was also a lot easier to tell who was locked on and who wasnt by the way their uniform looked. I think a lot of discipline went into maintaining the old uniforms.


Man, kudos to you. I couldn't have said it any better. Plus, the only money I spent on my old cammies was for an iron and some starch. You definately could always point out the ones who didn't put out. That's where the corps is heading. All the new digitals do is promote laziness. I remember standing cammie inspections as a boot, and looking forward to it. Now-a-days Marines moan and complain that they have an inspection coming up. Just pitiful. Like you said....Discipline...you see where it is today.

[AH/U1HMECH]

Being in the Air Wing, I do wear the cammies everyday. I do take the time to make mine look good. Ie: press, cover block, etc. Believe me, even in the new cammies, you can still tell who takes pride in their uniform

[SGT6124]

Being in the Air Wing, I do wear the cammies everyday. I do take the time to make mine look good. Ie: press, cover block, etc. Believe me, even in the new cammies, you can still tell who takes pride in their uniform

If everyone was like us, it would make a world of difference. Trust me, I am in the air wing too and I have seen the worst the wing has to offer. That is exactly my point though. It isn't like it used to be since the new cammies are high speed low drag.

[AH/U1HMECH]

True, you dont have to be GROUND SIDE to be motivated or take pride in what you do, or how you look. Believe me, I get told, "why the hell do you take time to do your cammies?" because GySgt, MSgt I dont like looking like a bag of ass. Oh i do like the Air Wing Creed, true I clean my weapon after I shoot, but then again, Im too worried about keeping aircarft in the air to support you guys on the ground.

[JLMartin]

Wow! I miss the old cammies A LOT. I miss the stayflo parties in the barracks on Sundays, dipping the uniforms and letting them sun dry so they were extra crispy! Those were the days! HAHA...


So I was thinking about this thread on the way home today about other things I'd like to see change. So here is my additions....

8. Maternity Uniforms ( I apologize and know that most of you don't care, but for some reason it was on my brain today):
A. Need dress blue trousers. Yes I know there are no prego blues, however, I do wear my deltas on a regular basis now more then ever and I'd like to continue should I decide to pop out a kid. (If they have them, I've never seen them in my 8 yrs)
B. Do away with the tunic, 70's style olive drab thing you're suppose to call Maternity Alphas! It's ridiculous and just nasty!
C. How about some desert maternity cammies. It's not enough that you look like a beached whale...but the green cammies in the summer make you stick out even more. And STOP allowing women to wear tennis shoes in cammies when their feet swell. When I was preggo years back...when my feet swelled...I GOT NEW BOOTS!

9. Like someone said before me....better material for the cammies. I turned in my TAP shit yesterday and had a blouse with 4 different patches on it and noticed my blouse today was starting to get a hole....and it's new!

10. Not a complain but Kudos to the CIF or whomever it is that takes in your old boots and makes them like new again....awesome!

[SGT6124]

I will definately agree that the fabric needs to be alot stronger. 4 months into my last tour in the dirt, i had 2 holes already...that's just rediculous. When the war first kicked off, the old tri color deserts were tough. You could walk through constantino wire and be safe. HAHA, stayflo parties...good memories. Flashbacks of sitting in the head with my boots dipping the cotton balls in the bath tub to rub in the ol' polish. Good times.

[RETSGTMAJ]

Bring back the Uniform Regs from the 60's and 70's. No options just plain Marine Corps Dress. But seriously, after you stop laughing, I think the wearing of the various cammies needs to be looked at. I cannot understand tan cammies in the summer (when everything is green especially in NC) and green in the winter (when everything is brown). And the air wing is really screwed up. Tan flight suits with green covers. But then again the air wing is a different breed anyway. How about dessert cammies with green gortex. Somehow this whole cammy issue wasn't thought out to good. And why do we issue preganant cammies to females, especially unwed ones. They should be made to buy them. I could go on and on about the uniform issues. The Marine Corps has to many anyway. Issue sateens (so the fat ones can't hide), and the service uniform. Thats all you need. I am so tired seeing Marines with their cammies rolled up under their arms and dirty boots in this new "fluff and buff" Marine Corps.

[Sgt_Mort1984]

Bring back the Uniform Regs from the 60's and 70's. No options just plain Marine Corps Dress. But seriously, after you stop laughing, I think the wearing of the various cammies needs to be looked at. I cannot understand tan cammies in the summer (when everything is green especially in NC) and green in the winter (when everything is brown). And the air wing is really screwed up. Tan flight suits with green covers. But then again the air wing is a different breed anyway. How about dessert cammies with green gortex. Somehow this whole cammy issue wasn't thought out to good. And why do we issue preganant cammies to females, especially unwed ones. They should be made to buy them. I could go on and on about the uniform issues. The Marine Corps has to many anyway. Issue sateens (so the fat ones can't hide), and the service uniform. Thats all you need. I am so tired seeing Marines with their cammies rolled up under their arms and dirty boots in this new "fluff and buff" Marine Corps.

Maybe we should go back to the weed smoking and drug abuse that went on during the 60's and 70's as well as change the uniform? My personal oppinion is that we were deserts in the summer because they are lighter color and cooler for the summer - which makes sense to me. Now adays we're not using camofulage to hide from anyone - considering that the people that need to be hidden (ie: scout snipers) use ghilli suits ontop of their cammies. I personally think that the desert cammies are lighter in wieght than the woodlands.

As for female Marines being required to purchase their maternity cammies, I think they should purchase them as well, but it doesn't matter if your an unwed mother or not, that has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not they should have to purchase their uniforms. It's the 21st century and there is no legal requirement, at least that I'm aware of, that you be married to have a child. Especailly because in some situations it is more advantageous to NOT be married. Consider a dual military couple - if they're married then one person gets partial BAH, but if they're both still single, they both rate full BAH - if that was my situation I don't think I would want to lose that extra income.

If your tired of seeing it then teach Marines not to do it, I bring my uniform to work after PT on hangers - and I was one of the first platoons issued digitals in boot camp. The change in uniform regulations, in my oppinion, are for the better. Getting rid of hair cuts like the extreme horseshoe and such are for the better. We try to teach Marines not to highlight themselves and how to not skyline themselves and remove themselves from the terrorist eye sight, yet Marines still travel in Alpha's and go on leave oversea's with high and stupids' expecting to blend in with the community. So much for AT/FP.

[fmrldylthrnk]

As for female Marines being required to purchase their maternity cammies, I think they should purchase them as well, but it doesn't matter if your an unwed mother or not, that has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not they should have to purchase their uniforms. It's the 21st century and there is no legal requirement, at least that I'm aware of, that you be married to have a child.


Well said...

[Gunny_2862]

Man, kudos to you. I couldn't have said it any better. Plus, the only money I spent on my old cammies was for an iron and some starch. You definately could always point out the ones who didn't put out. That's where the corps is heading. All the new digitals do is promote laziness. I remember standing cammie inspections as a boot, and looking forward to it. Now-a-days Marines moan and complain that they have an inspection coming up. Just pitiful. Like you said....Discipline...you see where it is today.

Although I came up in the days of spit and polish, I never agreed with the attachement we had with our cammies and boots being so pretty just in order to go to work in our "Work uniforms".

I am glad they done away with that old horseshit. The problem isn't that we did away with pressing out our cammies, it is that on a whole I've watched most units in the Corps almost completley do away with doing a dress uniform friday or for that matter, just an inspection once a week in any other uniform other than cammies.

Usually, you'll only see these things done about 2 months before the ball....sad isn't it?

Discipline is NOT based soley upon ironing and starching your cammies, and if you think it is, you need to take a moment of silence and contemplate that thought.

I also agree that pregnant Marines should purchase their own maternity uniforms, it's not like the preganancy just miraculously happened, it was a choice. I also agree desert maternity cammies need to be issued, this green only stuff has to go.

[iluvdrt]

Although I came up in the days of spit and polish, I never agreed with the attachement we had with our cammies and boots being so pretty just in order to go to work in our "Work uniforms".

I am glad they done away with that old horseshit. The problem isn't that we did away with pressing out our cammies, it is that on a whole I've watched most units in the Corps almost completley do away with doing a dress uniform friday or for that matter, just an inspection once a week in any other uniform other than cammies.

Usually, you'll only see these things done about 2 months before the ball....sad isn't it?

Discipline is NOT based soley upon ironing and starching your cammies, and if you think it is, you need to take a moment of silence and contemplate that thought.

I also agree that pregnant Marines should purchase their own maternity uniforms, it's not like the preganancy just miraculously happened, it was a choice. I also agree desert maternity cammies need to be issued, this green only stuff has to go.


Gunny, no one said discipline was entirely based on it, only that it took discipline to do it. I think the problem with inspections is a lot of Marines dont know how to conduct a proper uniform inspection because it was a forgotten practice.
Ill be the first to admitt, I am not to confident (or well instructed at least) on how to do it, as Ive rarely been in one. I know that is my fault, and I am trying to correct myself by seeking guidence.
We just recieved a new SSgt off the drill field, and he is very motivated. I am excited to start recieveing instruction from him.

[Gunny_2862]

That is the good thing about those who come off the drill field, they are shit hot in those types of areas and can teach us non-drill field types some tricks of the trade we might not have seen.

I read the comment on uniforms and discpiline thing different than you did then. You'll see, uniform inspections are easy, it just takes 2-3 by yourself to get real good feel and rhythm set up when inspecting to be consistant and thorough. The hardest part possible is forming your platoon for inspection and putting them back when done (very easy to do by the way).

Good luck with your platoon...

[JLMartin]

I'm SUPER EXCITED because I just checked into a new unit today. They do wear Charlies on Fridays and I'm looking forward to pushing weekly inspections. I LOVE WEARING MY UNIFORMS!!!!

I do agree that women shoudl pay for their maternity cammies. I was surprised when I got knocked up that they issued me the uniforms. That was back in the old school cammies so I'm sure I will have to buy new ones if I get knocked up again.

I do agree that some dicipline went out the window with the old cammies...but I think it was everything overall. Look at where the Marine Corps was back in Jan 2003 and look at us now....it's a complete 180. The focus isn't on what it used to be....on anything it seems.

[ny_carrieusmc]

why does it matter if a Marine female that is pregnant is unwed or not? What does that have to do with buying a uniform??? why is that any of your business if she buys it or not, hey it takes 2 and OBVIOUSLY another UNWED MALE DUH was in this situation with her, or maybe another MARRIED male hmmm????? dont be bringin marital status on a womans right to have a child, especially coming from a male, unless you go through childirth yourself, then you have no right to speak that way about a woman, do you know how hard it is to be pregnant and in the Marine corps? What if her ex beat her or something or was abusive? do you think it is her fault now that she was unmarried? seriously those kind of comments heard around certain female marines could lead into a sexual harrassment charge, and embarrasing event for that male stating words like that.

we have the right for uniforms to be issued to us as defenders of freedom as well, pregnant or not! just as the males.

[kenny10]

A weekly uniform inspection? Thats freaking nuts..........another reason why good Marines get out

[Goldy]

29 Palms used to be desert cammies year-round, with sleeves down. I'm not too upset about wearing greens, but the rolling of the sleeves during the hottest parts of the year there is a stupid idea.

Now, it's like everywhere else.... and rolling my sleeves in the summer in the 110* sun is a nice way to burn the everloving **** out of my arms. It also makes everybody sweat in their armpit region more, due to lack of airflow.

In our safety briefs, the local park rangers tell us to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts in the summertime, because it does actually help keep you cooler to have a thin layer between you and the sun.

.....Why do we have to roll our sleeves? Whatever happened to common sense and the well-being of your Marines? Let us roll down our sleeves, and save us the sunburns and sweat-stains.

************


I love the way most of our uniforms look. The Alphas have that old-school look to them... the dress blues are the world's sexiest uniform.... we pioneered the digital camoflauge that is now standard in all of our branches (but ours actually blends in with more than just gravel roads!)......

The uniforms themselves are not the problem. How much they cost, who doesn't buy what, and how we wear them, and how/when we are made to wear them.... these are the biggest issues.

[eromrab]

I agree, it's hard to enforce the regulations when all it says in the order is "shower shoes" are not authorized. So everyone walking around in leather flip flops are right because nobody will wear them in the shower. Either classify ALL flip flops and shower shoes are banned or or clarify that only leather ones can be worn and what not...just make it easier to enforce. There was this non sense going around saying that "if it splits the big toe than it's classified as a shower shoe" well, NO WHERE in the order could I find that except for on ship. Help the Marines out and let us know what the guidance is behind the shower shoe.

Well actually flip-flops & shower shoes are not banned in civilian atire. The uniform board of the Marine Corps says that it's too hard to distinguish between the two in an order and so they are silent on it. See this site: http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/SITES/MCUB/PAGES/Regulations%20FAQs.asp

Do a search for "flip" and it pulls the section right up.

According to them it's up to base orders to provide direction.

Also, flip flops & shower shoes are only banned aboard government aircraft and ships...

[THORSHAMMER69]

I love my flip-flops. It's good to be a cilvilian again. We had this argument for ages when I was in. I swear it has to be a 20 year old argument. You'd think they would get their heads out of their asses and fix the order.

[eromrab]

I love my flip-flops. It's good to be a cilvilian again. We had this argument for ages when I was in. I swear it has to be a 20 year old argument. You'd think they would get their heads out of their asses and fix the order.

No kidding man. I go on base every day and laugh at all the stupid crap I see... it irritates me to see people passing "orders" on to their juniors that aren't really orders. Like the hands in pockets thing. It's no hands in pockets WHILE WALKING that is prohibited. Flip flops are acceptable civilian attire. So many lies passed on as orders...

[oldschooldevildog]

Wow,

It is truly amazing how the corps has changed (0311/1986-92). I have two nephews that are staff nco's and I hate to say this, but they are not like the the staff nco's I grew-up with. One day when I was out on a pt run I ran into few marines on the running trail and I was not impress. I don't see pt-studs anymore nor do I see a marine nco's kicking but and taking names. Back in my Marine Corps days from a non-rate to an nco I was schooled by some of the best leaders I have ever been around. As an 0311 marine it was required that our black boots were shined before we humped-out to the field, also it was the same before we humped back to the company area. As for our uniforms our cammies were pressed and free of irish pennents. Our boots had to be shined at all times. Wearing charlies on Fridays was mandatory and it was something we all looked forward to show what you were made of. One thing about the charlie uniform is that it never lies. The charlie uniform will show if a marine is on his or her game, from the non-rates all the way up to the officers and if you had a case of the "dunlops" it will show. If you were an nco it was a given that you knew how to conduct uniform inspections, form for PT, close order drill and lead marines. The nco school I went to had cpl's and sgt's. Marines, I know that you all are out there doing your best to still be considered "the world's finest". Keep up the great work and get ready to celebrate our birthday tomorrow on 11/10. Semper Fi Marines and stay motivated. Your biggest fan.

Old School Devil-Dog
Ohh-Rah!

[eromrab]

oldschool, thanks for reminding me why i got out.

[oldschooldevildog]

I hear ya "shock-troop",

You've done your time in the corps and that is something nobody can take away from you. Go on, live your life and have fun, but remember, you'll always be a marine.

Semper Fi

Old-School D. D.

[aaronsandiego]

I hear ya "shock-troop",

You've done your time in the corps and that is something nobody can take away from you. Go on, live your life and have fun, but remember, you'll always be a marine.

Semper Fi

Old-School D. D.

This is a great example of tact and how to be a professional.

[CplVelociraptor]

The shower shoes issued are unsat. I keep walking back from the head to my can here in Iraq, and I blow tires all the time. It sucks. Although, it would take away all of those funny moments in boot camp running down the highway, flip flops goin crazy, towel falling off, about to flip over and faceplant into the concrete.


On second thought, keep the shower shoes.

[SSgtB1990]

I want to know why male Marines are not allowed to carry an umbrella in Charlies and higher like the females. I understand it may not be "masculine" but neither is looking like a drowned dog. It just seems common sense to me. It's raining. I have an umbrella. I'm in Charlies. I'll stay dry if I carry the umbrella. Besides, wet Charlie blouses don't smell very good.

Also, as far as addressing the female hairstyles, I don't think the problem is the order. I think it's the lack of enforcement. The order clearly states that hair must be above the collar and not hinder the wearing of the cover. I've seen females in cammies walking around with their covers teetering on their heads because their french roll or whatever interfered with the proper wearing of the cover. I think there is a lack of education among male Marines as to what the orders ever are with regards to female Marines.

When I went to the Ball this last weekend, I saw several females with nude colored pantyhose in their Blues, when the order clearly says black. I also saw a lot of non-regulation hairstyles. It was ridiculous. And I'm not talking about a formal style. I'm talking hair that is midway down the back. The sad part was the majority were SNCOs. It was embarrassing.