The official uniform for youth in the Young Marines Program is the Woodland pattern camouflage shirt, trousers, white T-shirt and cover. This uniform is required for all Young Marines events over the unit level. The uniform will be worn as follows:

Young Marine Uniform

1. Shirt with Young Marine breast pocket patch worn centered above the left breast pocket, 1/8-inch above the pocket.

Young Marines shoulder patch is worn on the left sleeve with the unit designation arc centered above the patch, on the shoulder seam.

2. Trousers with straight or pouch pockets. Name tapes will be sewn over the right rear pocket of the trousers centered and flush over the top seam.

3. Khaki web belt with brass Marine Corp style buckle or anodized buckles as authorized.

4. Boots may be black or jungle type and are designated by the unit's Commanding Officer. Units may not mix boots.

5. White T-shirts will be worn with the uniform at all times.

6. Ribbons are worn so that the lowest row of ribbons is 1/8-inch above the left breast pocket patch and centered. Ribbons are worn in the order of precedence established in the Awards Manual. They are preferably worn in rows of three. However, they may be worn in rows of four.

7. An olive drab name tape is worn centered over the right pocket, flush to the pocket seam and flush to the edges of the pocket.

8. Covers are to be maintained in a starched condition. Shirt and trousers are not starched.

9. Rank chevrons are worn on the blouse collar. They are placed vertically with the single point up and center of the insignia on a line bisecting the angle of the point of the collar. the lower outside edges of the chevron are placed 1/2-inch from the edge of the collar.

Young Marines wear rank chevrons on their cover. The rank chevron will be centered top to bottom, left to right on the front of the cover.

10. Each unit should have a unit T-shirt with their name and the Young Marine designation imprinted on the shirt. colors may vary. These T-shirts should be part of each Young Marines PT gear. They may also be worn for activities and functions where the camouflage uniform is inappropriate, for example, car washes, certain community service projects, etc.

It is the Young Marine's responsibility to keep his uniform clean and neatly pressed at all times. Boots are polished with a high shine on the toes and heels. Ribbons that become soiled or faded should be replaced.

Personal Appearance

Males

1. Hair will be short enough so that it does not touch the ears or hang on the nape of the neck.

2. Beards and/or mustaches will not be worn. sideburns will be worn in accordance with current USMC appearance standards.

3. The only jewelry permitted are watches and religious or medical items.

Females

1. Short hair will not touch the bottom of the collar of the uniform. Long hair will be worn in a manner so that it does not touch the collar and will be braided or twisted up under the cover.

2. The cover is worn square on the head the same as with the males and not positioned to the back or side of the head.

3. Make-up will be subdued and shall harmonize with the uniform. Faddish cosmetics and colors will not be worn. Nail polish will either harmonize with the lipstick or be colorless. If you are unsure adk you senior adult femal for guidance.

4. The only jewelry permitted are watches, religious or medical items. Only small god ear posts may be used if ears are pierced and only one earring per ear in the lowest pierce of the lobe.

Optional Uniforms

Other uniforms include Marine Corps greens. Dress blues will not be worn. Marine Corps emblems are not to be worn by Young Marines or adult staff who were not Marines; Young Marines disc insignia will be worn in its place. Although these uniforms are not used on the National level: they can be authorized by your commander for local use or for special formations, Drill Teams, Color Guards or where the camouflage uniform is not appropriate. However, they cannot be used in place of the basic Young Marine uniform. Remember the basic Young Marine uniform is required for National level events as noted in previous paragraphs. Tanker's jacket is authorized for adults only withYoung Marine disc. The M-65 field jacket will be worn with rank on collar, Young Marine shoulder patch and unit arc. The green Wooly-Pully can be worn as an outer garment with the Service B & C uniforms; or under the camouflage jacket but over the T-shirt.

Female Uniform

Note:

1. Black gloves are always worn or carried with all-weather coat during winter uniform period.

2. Black gloves are optional during winter uniform period unless AWC is worn.

3. Oxfords always worn with slacks.

4. Green scarf optional for wear with AWC during winter uniform period, but may be prescribed for formations.

Male Uniform

Note:

1. Green scarf optional for wear with AWC during winter uniform period, but may be prescribed for formations.

2. Black gloves are always worn or carried with all-weather coat during winter uniform period.

3. Black gloves are optional during winter uniform period unless AWC is worn.

Young Marine Uniform Markings

1. Skivvies shorts - Inside waist band.

2. T-Shirts - inside collar band on back.

3. Socks - On instep.

4. Cover - Inside sweatband where viable.

5. Cammie Blouse - Inside collar on the back and/or sewn on name tape over right breast pocket.

6. Cammie Trousers - Inside waist band to wearer's right of fly. Additionally, name tape will be sewn over the top flap of the right rear pocket - centered and flush with the top of the pocket.

7. Belt - inside belt as close as possible to buckle.

8. Boots - Inside near top.

9. Canteen Belt - Inside back or center.

10. Canteen carrier/cover - On bottom.

Note:

1. Engrave last name and initial on flashlight, canteen, canteen cup, mess gear, whistle, belt buckle and all other personal gear.

2. Gear/Sea/Duffle Bag - on side near handle.

3. NOTE - All WEB gear - inside, out of sight.

Inspection Hints & Tips

When being inspected, you will most likely be inspected from the top down. Thus, when preparing yourself for an inspection, we recommend you look at yourself from the top down. Each part of your uniform will be inspected for serviceabiliy, cleanliness, and proper display.

1. Cover - proper fit, on squarely, rank chevron on correctly, clean?

2. Haircut - hair at proper length?

3. Cammie Blouse - shoulder patch, name tag, chest patch, ribbons, chevrons?

4. Trousers - proper fit, belt cut to proper length (2-4 inches past buckle)?

5. Belt Buckle - shined?

6. Boots - shined?

During an inspection, the inspecting officer may check some of your items to see if they are properly marked with your name in the correct place.

For the Inspecting Officer

To inspect a platoon of 10 Young Marines in thirty minutes, you would have no more than 3 minutes per Young Marine. That includes your movement time. Inspections should be brief but thorough. You should spend the same amount of time with each Young Marine.

1. Wear the same uniform as the Young Marines you are inspecting.

2. Insure that the unit is ready for inspection.

3. Be firm and consistent during the inspection, commending the effort put forth and calling attention to discrepancies.

4. When making any comments look at the Young Marine in the eye, keep you remarks impersonal and pertinent. Never ridicule or unnecessarily embarrass a Young Marine.

5. Question your Young Marine on general Young Marine knowledge to accustom them to answering questions while in rank.

6. Pay close attention to detail when inspecting, BUT do not become lost in detail.

7. Have the squad leaders proceed you through the inspection, so they can see and write down the descrepancies as you note them.

8. When conducting a uniform inspection, it is a good idea to read the regulations again before the inspection.

9. Ensure that your appearance exceeds the requirements you have placed on your Young Marines.