Grooming standards and body composition program
BCP Formal Program
1. Commander's BCP. If Marines do not meet established BCP standards, they will be notified of their deficiencies and processed for BCP assignment. Commanders are responsible for ensuring the BCP processing period is completed as soon as possible and not longer than 60 days. During this period, and any other time a Marine is out of standards, administrative actions (restricted or withheld/delayed promotions, denied reenlistment, denied special school/ special duty assignments, etc) apply whether processing results in BCP assignment or not. The Commander also has the power to determine that although a Marine is outside height and weight and body composition standards that his or her uniformed appearance is equal with that of a squared away Marine. Should that be a Commander's determination, the Commander has the opportunity to seek a waiver for the Marine through the chain of command. 2. Commanders / OIC who possess Special Courts-Martial Convening Authority will assign Marines to the BCP who fail to comply with established weight and body composition standards, in accordance with MCO 6110.3. Commanders / OIC will utilize the BCP evaluation form found in the order to notify Marines of their formal BCP assignment. Marines on their first BCP assignment will not be removed from the program until their initial six-month assignment has expired. This measure is required in order to ensure healthy weight and body fat loss techniques are employed and appropriate attitude and lifestyle adjustments are made. 3. BCP Removal: a. Marines on their first BCP assignment who comply with established weight and body composition standards at the conclusion of their 6-month assignment period will be removed by their Commander/OIC. b. Marines on their second subsequent assignment who comply with established weight and body composition standards can be removed at any time during their 6-month assignment. c. Marines who fail to comply with established weight and body composition standards due to unsatisfactory progress will receive a page 11/6105 counseling entry and be processed for administrative separation (Weight Control Failure). d. Marines who fail to comply with established weight and body composition standards due to indifference or apathy will receive a page 11/6105 counseling entry and be processed for administrative separation (unsatisfactory Performance). e. Administrative separation procedures for officer who fail to comply with established weight and body composition standards will be perfromed with SECNAVINST 1920.6C
Military Appearance Program (MAP)
1. Commander's MAP: Because Marines come in all shapes and sizes, there is an imperative to ensure that the Commander has a continuous say in the assignment of his Marines to programs dealing with body composition and military appearance. The Authority of the Commander is such that should he or she decide that a Marine is within height and weight standards, the body composition percentages, or both, that the Marine can still be assigned to the MAP. Such an assignment would normally be oriented towards weight redistribution, vice loss. Should an assignment to the formal program be necessary, the Commander will provide the appropriate resources, counseling, and unit diary entries. Should a Marine not show progress while on the program, reenlistment and promotion opportunities could be denied. To maintain fairness and impartiality, Marines assigned to the MAP will have the right to appeal their status to the next higher officer in the chain of command. 2. MAP Formal Program: Commanders/OIC's possessing Special Courts-Martial Convening Authority will conduct a MAP assessment and make a formal assignment determination. Assessments will include a review of all relevant MAP documentation and a Commander/OIC Summer Service C' uniform inspection Commanders/OICs will utilize the MAP Evaluation Form found in MCO 6110.3 to notify Marines of their initial 60 day formal MAP assignment. Because of the intrinsic link between the BCP and MAP Marines who do not present a suitable military appearance will be evaluated by medical prior to MAP formal assignment in order to rule out the possibility of an underlying medical condition or disease as a primary causal factor behind the improper weight distribution. 3. The Map processing period includes the right of the Marine to appeal pending MAP assignment to the next higher level commander in the chain of command within five (5) working days. MAP appeal authority may not be delegated. Appeal authority will be provided access to all relevant MAP information and can respond to the request or may require a personal assessment conducted in the service C uniform. MAP appeal requests should be adjudicated in a timely manner. if MAP appeal authority concurs with the initial assessment, the Marine will be assigned to MAP. b. if MAP appeal authority rules in favor of the MArine, the Marine will not be assigned to MAP. c. Only after assignment to MAP, either following denied appeal or if the MArine accepts the initial MAP assignments decision, will it be reflected in proficiency/ conduct marks or on fitness reports.
Authorized Articles
Articles that may be worn while in uniform include inconspicuous wristwatches and rings. Sunglasses may be worn on leave, liberty, and in garrison but not in formation with troops, unless the need to wear sunglasses has been certified by medical authorities. Eyeglasses/ sunglasses, when worn, will be conservative in appearance. Eccentric or conspicuous eyepieces are prohibited. Chains, bands, or ribbons will not be attached to eyeglasses; however, eyeglass restraints are authorized for safety purposes, but must be of conservative style/ design.
MAP removal
Commanders/ OICs that possess Special Courts-Marital Convening Authority will immediately remove Marines from the MAP as soon as they present a suitable military appearance. No further administrative action is recquired once a Marine is removed from MAP.
Unauthorized Articles
Examples of such articles include but are not limited to the following: cellphones, pencils, pens, watch chains, fobs, pins,backpacks/bags, hydration systems, jewelry (except as authorized in MCO 1020.34) handkerchiefs, combs,cigarettes, pipes, tobacco pouches/canisters, barrettes, hair ribbons/ ornaments, flowers (corsages/ boutonnieres, etc.) or other similar items.
The Marine Corps Body Composition and Military Appearance Program
It is essential that every Marine maintain established standards of health and physical fitness. Objectives of the Marine Corps BCP are: 1. Provide Marines information and assistance in order to modify the attitudes and behavior consistent with a healthy lifestyle. 2. Contribute to the health and well being of every Marine through continuous monitoring of weight, body composition and military appearance. 3. Motivate Marines to set the example by maintaining established weight and body composition standards. 4. Ensure compliance through supervised oversight, remedial conditioning and professional assistance. REQUIREMENTS: 1. Purpose the MCBCMAP establishes, evaluates and enforces compliance with optimal weight, body composition and military appearance standards that are essential to the preservation of good order and discipline and necessary for the maintenance of combat readiness Marine Corps-wide. 2. Scope. All Marines will be periodically be evaluated for weight and military appearance. However, Commanders/ OICs are authorized to conduct unit/ individual weigh-ins, BCP or MAP assessments as often as deemed necessary. Weigh-ins may be conducted on the same days at the PFT/CFT. 3. Standard. Marines are considered to exceed standard when their body weight and body fat percentages exceeds maximum allowable limits for their height (see charts) or if they have improper distribution/ excessive accumulation of body fat
MAP failure
MArines who are formally assigned to the MAP and fail to conform to established body composition standards within the initial 60-day formal MAP assignment period will be subject to adverse administrative aciton that may affect promotion, assignment, and retention.
Retention
MArines who do not meet established weight and body composition standards or fail to present a suitable military appearance are not eligable for reenlistmen or voluntary extension regardless of combat zone assignment or BCP status.
Personal Appearance
Marines will present the best possible image at all times and continue to set the example in military appearance. 1. Mutilation of body parts in any manner is prohibited 2. Attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles , jewlery, or ornamentation through or under the skin, tongue or any other body part is prohibited. Female Marines, however, may wear earings consistent with MCO P1020.34_. 3. Tattoos or brands on the neck and head. In other areas of the body, tattoos or brands that are prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corps are also prohibited.
Men's Grooming Standards
Men will be groomed at all times and will abide by the following: 1. Hair will be neat and closely trimmed. The hair may be clipped at the edges of the side and back and will be evenly graduated from zero length at the hairline in the lower portion of the head to the upper portion of the head. Block-style trimming of hair on the back of the head is not authorized. Hair will not be over 3 inches in length fully extended on the upper portion of the head. The bulk of the hair shall not exceed approximately 2 inches. Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp when styled. The back and sides of the head below the hairline may be shaved to remove body hair. Sideburns will not extend below the top orifice of the ear. Sideburns will not be styled to taper, come to a point or flare. The length of an individual hair of the sideburn will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended. 2. Head hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of uniform headgear. Hair, which protrudes from beneath properly worn headgear in an unsightly manner, is considered excessive, regardless of length. Male hair styles will conform to the natural shape of the head without eccentric directional flow, twists or spiking. One (cut, clipped or shaved) natural, narrow, fore and aft off centered part ( placed no further than the outer corner of the eye and will not extend down the back of the head) is authorized. The following hair style types are considered eccentric and are not authorized (this list is not all inclusive): 1 hair styling which include single patches of hair on the top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss); 2 hair styled to run as a strip down the center of the scalp (i.e. "Mohawk" fashion); 3. hair styled to leave an unusually large open bald are on the top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss) 4. Hair styles which include etching of letters, signs or figures, not considered natural in appearance. Braiding of the hair is not authorized for male Marines. When used, hair gel/ mousse should provide a conservative; natural appearance. 3. No male Marine will be required to have his hair clipped to the scalp except while he is undergoing recruit training or when such action is prescribed by a medical officer. This does not prohibit a male marine from having his hair clipped to the scalp if he so desires. 4. The face will be clean shaven, except that a mustache may be worn. When worn, the mustache will be neatly trimmed and must be contained with the lines of b-b,c-c,d-d, and the margin area of the upper lip. the individual length of a mustache hair fully extended must not exceed 1/2 inch. 5. No male marine will be required to have his chest hair clipped except that which is so long as to protrude in an unsightly manner above the collar of the visible under shirt when worn, or the long sleeve khaki shirt.
Male and Female Grooming Regulations
No Eccentricities in the manner of wearing head, facial, or body hair will be permitted. 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. Fingernails will be kept clean and neatly trimmed so as not to interfere with performance of duty, detract from military image or present a safety hazard. Nail polish for male Marines is not allowed. Nail polish as it applies to female Marines will fall under standards in subparagraph 1004.5c(5) of MCO 1020.34_.
MEdical Considerations
Pregnancy: Pregnant MArines, as verified by a health care provider, will not be evaluated for MAP or BCP assessment. If already formally assigned MArines will be placed in an inactive status during pregnancy and for 6 months after Return to Full Duty following 42-day (post-Partum) convalescent leave Light/Limited Duty: MArines who are assigned to light or limited duty or pending Medical Evaluation Board/ Physiacl Evaluation Board screening are required to comply with established body composition and military appearance standards and may be evaluated for assignment to the BCP or MAP Neuro-Musculoskelatal (NMS) injuries: NMS injuries may reduce or inhibit an individuals normal activity without a resultant decrease in caloric intake, weight gain will occur. While the location of the injury will be the determining factor n how activity is limited, NMS injuries are normally of such short duration that htey do not serve as a basis for exemption from assignment to the BCP or MAP. Underlying Medical Condition/ Disease: When diagnosed with an underlying medical condition or associated disease, the medical officer will make an appropriate annotation in the Marine's Health Record and make the following recommendations take the follwoing actions: 1 Treat/ Alleviate the medical condition, return Marine to RTFD, and recommend for assignment to the BCP or MAP. 2. Hospilize the Marine for obesity treatment. 3. Diagnose the condition/ disease as untreatable or permanent in nature and forward to a Performance Evaluation Board( PEB) for determination of fitness to continue military service. 4. Marines will be placed and remain in an inactive status until the condition is resolved.
Marine Corps Uniform Standards of Grooming
Regulations do not allow eccentric or faddish styles of hair, facial hair, nail polish/makeup, jewelry, or eyeglasses. Because it is impossible to provide examples of every appropriate or unacceptable style of "conservative" or "eccentric" grooming and attire, the good judgement of Marines at all levels is key to enforcement of Marine Corps standards in this issue, as in other issues
Temporary Revocation
Subject to temporary revocation due to health, safety, or mission requirements Marines may wear neat and conservative religious apparel items as follows: 1. Articles of religious apparel which are not visible or apparent when worn with the uniform. 2. Visible articles of religious apparel with the uniform while attending or conducting divine services or while in a chapel or other house of worship. 3. Visible articles of religious apparel with the uniform which do not interfere with or replace required uniform articles.
Women's Grooming Standards
The requirement of hair regulations is to maintain uniformity within a military population. Women's hairstyles require non-eccentric styles. Female Marines will be well groomed at all times and when in uniform will abide by the following: 1. Hair may touch the collar, but will not fall below the collar's lower edge. Hair that would fall naturally below the collar's lower edge will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned. During physical training periods in which physical training clothing is worn, hair will be allowed to fall naturally, without being fastened or pinned. This does not apply when conducting physical training in the utility uniform. Medium/short length hair may be worn down for organized PT, except when considered a safety hazard. Long hair must be secured. Pony tails are authorized. When hair-securing devices are worn ( ie. barettes, small pony tail holders...) they must be consistent with the hair color. Examples of hair accessories not authorized for securing hair for PT are: Scrunchies, bows, ribbons, alligator clips. When wearing boots and utes in a PT environment, hair should be secured using the PT guidlines identified above. When boots and utes are worn in a non-PT related environment, hair must be secured per the regulations detailed in the hairstyle regulations provided in paragraph 1004.5.c.1.a-b 2. Hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of the uniform headgear. All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. Hairstyles, which do not allow the headgear to be worn in this manner, are prohibited. 3. Faddish and exaggerated styles to include shaved portions of the scalp other than the neckline, designs cut in the hair, unsecured ponytails and styles which are distinctly unbalanced or lopsided are prohibited. Multiple braiding is authorized. If hair extensions are used in braiding of the hair, the extensions must have the same general appearance as the individual's natural hair. Braided hairstyles will be conservative, and conform to other guidelines listed herein 4. Barrettes, combs, rubber bands, etc. are authorized if concealed by the hair. Inconspicuous hair pins and bobby pins, if required are authorized. Hairnets will not be worn unless authorized for a specific type of duty. Wigs, if worn in uniform, must look natural and conform to the above regulations. 5. Cosmetics, if worn, will be applied conservatively exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are inappropriate with the uniform and will not be worn. If worn, nail polish and non-eccentric in shades of red may be worn in all uniforms. colored nail polish will not be worn with the utility uniform. Fingernails with multiple colors and decorative ornamentation are prohibited. Nail length will be no longer than 1/4 inch from the tip of the finger. 6. No female marine will be required to remove leg hair except where considered unsightly and cannot be covered with appropriate hosiery.
Appropriate Military Presence
The use of chewing gum, Chewing tobacco, cigarettes, hands in pockets; or the consumption of food or drink while walking in uniform or while in formation, are examples of activities that detract from appropriate military presence.
Promotion
a. Enlisted Marines are placed in a promotion restriction status while assigned to the BCP or MAP, regardless of combat zone assignment or BCP status. Enlisted MArines will no longer be in promotion restriction status once removed from the BCP or MAP. b. Officers. Commanders may request promotions be delayed for those oficers who are deemed not physically qualified for promotion, regardless of combat zone assignment or BCP status.
