Uniform Regulations & Grooming Standards

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General Definitions

• Eccentric: departing from the established or traditional norm.
• Faddish: a transitory fashion adopted with wide enthusiasm.
• Conservative: traditional in style.
• Inconspicuous: not readily noticed or seen.
• Unsightly: unpleasant or offensive to view.

Hair (Males)

• Hair will be neat and closely trimmed; tapered from zero at the lower hairline up to the upper portion of the head.
• Block-style trimming on the back of the head is not authorized.
• Maximum length on top: 3 inches (fully extended).
• Sideburns shall not extend below the top of the ear opening; not tapered/flared; individual hairs ≤ 1/8".
• Face clean-shaven (neat mustache within the upper lip margin allowed; hairs ≤ 1/4"). No chest hair visible above the collar.

Hair (Females)

• Hair must not interfere with the proper wear of headgear; nothing unsightly must protrude from under the cover.
• Medium to long hair may be braided. Multiple braids (more than two) are authorized if uniform (~1/4" diameter), ≤ 1/8" scalp visible, tight and neat.
• No foreign material (beads/decorative items) braided in. Ends secured with inconspicuous bands.
• If multiple braids are worn, they must encompass the entire head and be secured according to the length guidance.

Nails

• Length ≤ 1/4" from fingertip.
• Service/Dress: polish in red spectrum (including pinks/burgundies) only; no multi-colors or ornamentation.
• Utility: No colored polish authorized.

Note: Male cadets will not wear nail polish, earrings, or facial makeup while in uniform or in the MCJROTC classroom. Female cadets are not permitted to wear makeup in uniform.

Earrings

• Female cadets: small polished ball/round studs ≤ 1/4", one per ear; authorized with all uniforms except camouflage; not during parades/reviews/ceremonies.
• Male cadets: Earrings are not authorized.

All other face/body piercings are prohibited for both male and female cadets while in & around the JROTC program. Articles of religious apparel are authorized but must not be visible with the uniform.

Uniform Day

• Cadets wear the uniform at least one day per week. The Digital Utility Uniform is worn every Wednesday, unless otherwise directed.
• Wear the prescribed uniform for the entire school day; partial wear results in a grade of zero.
• Cadets are responsible for their uniforms; lost items must be reimbursed.
• Uniform must be complete: cover outdoors, buttons per regs; shoes/boots/brass inspected.
• Uniforms are USMC property and must be returned serviceable when departing the program.

Conduct in Uniform

• Always wear the full uniform indoors unless directed otherwise.
• No chewing gum; no smoking; do not walk and eat.
• No cellphone use while walking; earbuds/headphones not authorized.
• No hands in pockets; wear cover outdoors, remove indoors.
• Salute officers, greet cadets, and treat everyone with respect.
• No foul language, teasing, wrestling/horseplay, or public displays of affection.

Uniform Care

• Digital camouflage & cotton T-shirts: wash cold/warm water only.
• Khaki shirts, poly-wool green & blue trousers, and dress coats: dry-clean only — do not wash.

Uniform Replacement

• Unserviceable items can be exchanged for serviceable ones.
• Notify platoon leadership; request S-4 appointment (lunch/after school) for exchanges.
• Lost/stolen/damaged items are the financial responsibility of the cadet.
• Cadets are responsible for their uniform.

• Rank, badges, and ribbons are provided at promotion/awards; replacements are the cadet’s expense.

Do NOT leave uniforms in lockers, cars, or the classroom.
Do NOT leave PT gear in the classroom on PT days.

Uniform Components

• Blue Dress “Bravo”: Blue trousers, blue coat, white dress cover, dress shoes w/ thin black socks, gold ranks, ribbons, shooting badge.
• Blue Dress “Delta”: Blue trousers, khaki SS shirt, white dress cover, dress shoes w/ thin black socks, ranks, ribbons, shooting badge (if authorized).
• Service “Charlie”: Green trousers, khaki SS shirt, green garrison cover, dress shoes w/ thin black socks, ranks, ribbons, shooting badge (if auth).
• Utility: MARPAT trousers & blouse & cover, green undershirt, ranks, web belt, boot bands, combat boots w/ brown or black socks.
• PT: Green shirt, green shorts, running shoes, white socks.

Rank Insignia, Ribbons, & Badges

• Enlisted (gold) on Blue Coat shoulder strap: centered, 3/4" from edge; lamp (lantern) forward.
• Enlisted (black) on collars (all except PT & Blue Coat): centered near collar bottom, 1/2" from each side; lamp inboard.
• Cadet Officers: large rank centered on Blue Coat shoulder strap; small rank on khaki/utility collars (centered, 1" from front edge); small rank on right side of green service cap opposite the EGA.
• Ribbons — Males: 1/8" above & centered over left breast pocket (or 1/8" above badge when worn).
• Ribbons — Females: level with top visible button on khaki; 1/8" above badge when worn; without badge on Dress Blues: 1/8" & centered above highest point of pocket; on coats w/o pockets: 2" above top button, centered left.
• Badges — Males: 1/8" above & centered over left pocket on Dress Blue coat. Females: 1/8" above highest point of pocket; on coats w/o pockets, 2" above top button centered left.

Digital Utility Uniform

• Cover: bill straight/centered; parallel above eyebrows.
• Blouse: worn outside trousers; all buttons except top; sleeves (if rolled) inside-out, snug 3" roll, slightly above but no more than halfway between shoulder top & elbow top.
• Undershirt: Marine Corps-issued green, tucked in.
• Trousers: at waistline (no sagging); bloused between 2nd & 3rd eyelets of boots.
• Web Belt: buckle aligned with fly; tip extends 2–4" past buckle; do not cut belts.
• Socks: brown or black cushion socks only.
• Boots: laced with a bridge; left-over-right when looking down.

This Uniform is not authorized for wear outside school grounds and MCJROTC events (except travel to/from school).