Grooming Standards of the United States Marine Corps - Essay Sample

Introduction

Military services have various grooming standards for their military personnel regarding dress and appearance. For the United States Marine Corps, these standards are contained in the Marine Corps Order (MCO) P1020.34F. In this paper, I examine the order of grooming, rules for shaving and highlights the reasons why it is important to always be in uniform. Moreover, I wrap it up with a summary of the main points discussed.

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Order of Grooming

The Marine personnel shall not grow or cut the hair on their head or body in a manner that yields eccentricities to the proper appearance of the Marine. If one likes to color his or her hair, the coloring must complement the skin tone and must appear professional. The Marine personnel are required to keep their fingernails clean and well-trimmed so that it may not interfere with their duties. Present a safety hazard, or detract from the military image.

Shaving and Hairstyle Regulations

Men

The male corps shall always abide by the following regulations:

The hair and sideburns must always be neat and closely trimmed, cut tight below three inches without flare and extended on the upper portion of the head. The sideburns must not extend below the ear orifice. The extension, however, must not exceed one-eighth of an inch.

Head hair must be cut in a style which does not interfere with the wearing of the uniform headgear. The hair must be kept high and tight. The hair must not protrude from beneath a well-worn headgear that is excessive no matter what length it is. The hair for the male Marine recruits must always be clipped to the scalp at recruit training. He can maintain the same look after that the training if he so wishes.

The Marine Corps may wear a mustache after the training, but he must keep his face clean shaven every day. The mustache worn must be trimmed neatly and contained within the imaginary vertical lines. The length of a fully extended mustache should not exceed half an inch. The eyelashes or eyebrows can be grown on the face with the medical recommendation. In such circumstance, the medical officer must issue a temporary shaving chit to act as a waiver for shaving. The corps must then carry the shaving chit around at all times to avoid being stopped by the higher ranking Marines. The male marines will not clip their chest hair unless they protrude in an unsightly manner above the shirt collar.

Women

The female marines should maintain their hair in the same standard set in the marine population. No one is allowed to keep any trendy hairstyles. The hair must be well groomed at all times when in the uniform. The hair length can only extend to the uniform collar of the marine. It must not fall beyond the uniform collar. Those with very long hair must maintain a neat look by pinning the hair neatly. However, the hair will be allowed to fall freely, without being pinned during the periods of physical training when the physical training clothing is worn. However, it does not apply in carrying out physical training in the utility uniform.

The hairstyle must not interfere with the proper wear of the uniform headgear. The headgear must fit comfortably and snugly around the largest part of the head not leaving excessive gaps. It is prohibited to keep the hairstyles which do not allow the uniform headgear fit well and comfortably.

Importance to Always be in Uniform

The marine uniforms are of different uses such as physical training, public service. Alternatively, for combat. The following are some of the reasons for being in the proper marine uniform.

First, uniforms are good for identity. The marine uniforms enable the corps to be distinct from other people. They become identified with their uniform. Second, uniforms enhance proper character and personality of the marines. Once in their uniforms, there is a specific way in which they should carry out themselves, what they may not observe while in civilian clothing. In that sense, uniforms enhance professionalism and ethical standards of conduct for the marines.

Moreover, uniforms are very good fittings to suit performance of a given duty. Marine uniforms are designed to improve the efficiency of performing their duties. The uniforms for physical activities allows the marines to have efficient flexibility while conducting their physical exercises.

Furthermore, uniforms also enhance teamwork. Uniforms bring the feeling of being part of the same team and can build the sense of comradeship because every marine can easily identify with other colleagues in the same uniform.

Conclusion

The United States Marine Corps grooming standards are contained in the Marine Corps Order (MCO) P1020.34F. The regulations are meant to enhance the marine professional appearance. Grooming standards are based on the military image and appearance, cleanliness, neatness, and safety. However, the standards are not intended to isolate the United States Marines from the society. The regulations are reasonable, realistic and protective for the military image of the United States Marine Corps.