MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos announced Tuesday, the Corps is going sleeves up March 9.
Amos released a letter to Marine noncommissioned officers stating his intent. Marine Administrative Message 078/14 regarding the uniform policy change was released Wednesday morning.
The decision was made by the Corps’ top leaders after their tour around the Corps to speak to the NCOs.
“I can’t tell you how many times we have been asked the persistent question, ‘Commandant, are we ever going to return to sleeves up?’” Amos wrote in the letter.
The Corps’ top leadership answered the NCOs' plead.
Rolled sleeves will be authorized while wearing desert cammies in non-combat areas, when the Marine Corps transitions to the summer warmer weather uniforms. Marines wear the desert utility uniform during daylight savings time.
“As we have traveled throughout our Corps, many of you have let us know how important your identity as a Marine is to you and the Marines you lead,” said Amos in the letter. “I’ve thought a lot about this over the past 2.5 years; I realize that it’s important to you. Sleeves up clearly and visually sets us apart.”
In the letter to the NCOs, Amos also speaks to the Marines about the effort to reawaken the soul of our Corps.
“Each time that we have talked with you, we come away with a strong belief that you get it,” said Amos. “You understand that our renewed focus on the four enduring principles of: discipline; adherence to standards; engaged and concerned leadership 24/7; and faithful obedience to orders, is key to resetting the Corps and getting ready for tomorrow’s fight.”
To read the full letter, visit http://bit.ly/CMCsleeves. The MARADMIN can be found at http://bit.ly/MARADMINsleeves.