Uniform Regulations:

To insure that you are properly wearing the Marine Corps League uniform, members should familiarize themselves with the National Bylaws, Enclosure 3.  A link is provided below.

If, after reading Enclosure 3, you are still confused or perhaps more confused, the following interpretation is provided.

In an effort to gain some semblance of uniformity in our appearance, the following is a basic guideline for uniform set up and wear. All information is taken from Enclosure 3 of the National Bylaws. Pictures and drawings are used where possible to help illustrate the regulations.

In many areas, Enclosure 3 is somewhat vague and ambiguous.

In an effort to clear up any ambiguities, the author will offer suggestions in italics. These are not recognized as part of Enclosure 3 and are the author's suggestions only.

Thanks to Past National Uniform Committee Chairman Al Kotria for all his help creating this page. Keep in mind, this is a work in progress. It will be edited and added to as information changes.

The Basic Cover:

The minimum Marine Corps League uniform is the Basic Cover.  While wearing the Basic Cover, you are considered in uniform and under arms. 

In an opinion given by the National Chairman, Ora Fulta, "It is worn indoors and out at all times, even in church.  The cover is removed only during prayer.  During prayer, remove your cover and place it over your heart."

The Basic Cover is the single most important part of the uniform, without which, no other part is authorized to be worn.  The cover and all attachments are purchased through the Marine Corps League.  See your Detachment Paymaster for information on how to order these items.

All members of the League are authorized to wear the red MCL cover.  Members elected or appointed to Department Offices are authorized to wear the red with gold crown cover.  Members elected or appointed to National Staff or Committees are authorized to wear the gold cover.  The National Commandant is authorized to wear the white cover.

The following is part of the recent revision of Enclosure 3, adopted at the National Convention in August 2005:  the Past National Commandants are authorized to wear a Gold with White crown cover.  Past Department Commandant, Past Pack Leader, Past Detachment Commandant, Past Chief Devil Dog of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, Past National Director of Young Marines and Past National Executive Director, with the years displayed for holding that office, are the only members who are authorized to wear their respective cover after their tour of duty is completed.  All other members will revert back to an appropriate cover for their current elected or appointed office, removing their prior officer identification strips.

Pins, ornaments or ribbons are not authorized for wear on the MCL cover.

Nothing goes on the Basic Cover except the Marine Corps Emblem on the left side and an approved identification strip or embroidering on the right side.  The Marine Corps Emblem (EGA) should be the solid gold emblem and not the Marine officer's gold and silver emblem.  Identification strips should be worn to indicate "current" offices only, except as authorized by the Uniform Code for "Past Commandants".  "Past Commandant" may be embroidered as this is a lifetime title.  It must be small enough as to be covered by a strip denoting any current office held.

 If a strip is worn to denote a current office, it will be worn above the detachment name and centered.  The "LIFE" strip should be worn to the rear of the right side.  The "LIFE MEMBER" strip should be worn the same as the identification strips are worn.  That is, centered on the right side of the cover.  The "LIFE" and "LIFE MEMBER" strips are two different strips.  Tradition is that the "LIFE MEMBER" strip would be worn above all other strips, such as a current officer strip. 

Although it isn't spelled out in the Uniform Code, the detachment name should be embroidered on the right side, 1/2" to 3/4" above the bottom of the cover, centered left to right and abbreviated if needed.

Marine Corps League Authorized Uniforms:

Click on each link for information:

National Bylaws, Enclosure 3

Casual MCL Uniform

Undress Uniform

Ceremonial Uniform

Women's Uniform

Associate Uniform

Formal Uniforms

Military Order of the Devil Dogs Uniform Accessories

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