U.S. Marines can now have longer hair, more sock colors - UPI.com (2024)

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U.S. Marines can now have longer hair, more sock colors - UPI.com? ›

March 25 (UPI) -- U.S. Marines will now be allowed longer hair and more colorful socks and helmet caps. The Marine Corps posted the changes on its official website. Under the new regulations, Marines will be allowed a "bulk of hair" increase from 2 inches long to 3.

Hair may be no longer than 3 inches long and the bulk of the hair (as you hair lies flat on your head it may not extend beyond 2 inches from your scalp) restriction applies equally to male Marines. 2.

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 at the nape of the neck to the maximum length of 1 inch within two inches of the hairline/neckline (creating a fade).

Military socks generally come in three standard colors: olive green, coyote brown, and black. Coyote brown is approved for all the armed force branches; olive green and coyote brown are used by the Air Force; and black is favored amongst law enforcement.

Black socks, ombré nail polish officially approved for Marines in cammies. A recent Marine Corps uniform board has approved black socks and ombré nail polish in the combat utility uniform, slightly longer hair for all Marines and special characters on nametapes.

Hair should be no longer than 4.0 inches. Hair may not touch the ears or collar. It also cannot extend below the eyebrows. Hair bulk cannot be more than 2.0 inches.

Hair length

Women in the Army don't have to cut their hair. You can have any hair length if it is worn up. If worn down, your hair should not extend beyond the lower edge of your collar when standing up straight in uniform.

It has been a requirement for so long that it is both a rite of passage and a tradition. Short hair has become the norm for almost all services for ease of uniformity, convenience, and safety. While regulations slowly adapt and stay, the induction haircut has become a timeless part of many military traditions.

Both the Navy and the Marine Corps generally don't allow facial hair other than mustaches, but they allow beards for religious reasons or for service members with medical conditions like razor bumps.

If applied, dyes, tints, bleaches and frostings, which result in natural colors, are authorized. The hair color must complement the person's complexion tone. Color changes that detract from a professional image are prohibited.

Can Marines hug in uniform? ›

As a family member or friend, you can help them keep their uniform code. Do not expect or offer public displays of affection whenever a service member is in uniform. However, brief kisses and hugs are acceptable during deployments and homecomings.

The Marine service uniform, roughly equivalent to business attire, has a khaki shirt.

Any activity which detracts from the dignified appearance of Marines is unacceptable. The use of chewing gum, chewing tobacco, cigarettes or the consumption of food while walking in uniform or while in formation are examples of activities that detract from the appearance expected of a United States Marine.”

The move to the new brown boots was prompted by advancements in technology and a desire for uniformity, according to Mary Boyt, project manager, Marine Corps Systems Command.

Honorably discharged military veterans may wear their uniforms. Veterans opting to wear the uniform will comply with the appropriate service uniform regulation and Department of Defense Instruction 1334.1, “Wearing of the Uniform.”

In the late 1980s, the full white dress uniform coat was discontinued, though the white dress trousers remain in use as the officer and SNCO summer Blue-white dress and for authorized junior Marines in ceremonies today.

Both the Navy and the Marine Corps generally don't allow facial hair other than mustaches, but they allow beards for religious reasons or for service members with medical conditions like razor bumps.

But before they get into the nitty-gritty of the physical and mental challenges of boot camp, would-be Marines have to say goodbye to their hair. The recruit training hair cut is a rite of passage. These are some of the best photos of the worst Parris Island barber shop experiences of all time.