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Food Service uniform requirements updated for MOS 3381 Marines

MARADMIN 019/26·January 21, 2026·4 min read·Official source
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The Marine Corps updated the uniform requirements for Food Service Specialists (MOS 3381) with MARADMIN 019/26, canceling MARADMIN 256-18. The changes standardize what food service Marines are issued, who pays for it, and where the initial issue happens. For most working food service Marines, the day-to-day impact is minimal. For entry-level Marines heading to Fort Lee, this changes when and how they get their uniforms.

Bottom line: MOS 3381 Marines are issued their food service uniforms as organizational clothing through their unit supply, and entry-level Marines get that initial set at Quartermaster School, Fort Lee, not from their gaining unit.

Who it affects

MOS 3381 Food Service Specialists across the Marine Corps. Commanders with MOS 3381 Marines on their T/O are responsible for funding and issuing this organizational clothing. The Marine Corps Enlisted Aide Program (MCEAP) is also addressed separately in this MARADMIN with its own uniform list.

Reserve Marines in MOS 3381 attached to or supporting units with food service duties should check with their S-1 on how this applies to their billet, since initial issue is tied to the Basic Food Service Course at Fort Lee.

What you need to do

If you're a food service Marine (MOS 3381): No immediate action required if you already have your uniforms. Keep wearing what you have. When something becomes unserviceable, get a one-for-one exchange through your unit supply.

If you're a commander or SNCO with MOS 3381 Marines on your T/O: Your unit is responsible for funding and issuing the standardized uniform items listed below. Orders are placed through GSA using the part numbers in this MARADMIN.

If you're an entry-level MOS 3381 Marine: Your initial uniform issue happens at Quartermaster School, Fort Lee. Your gaining unit does not need to fund that first set.

The standardized issue for MOS 3381:

  1. Three trousers, polyester/cotton
  2. Three chef coats, polyester/cotton, short sleeve
  3. Two aprons, polyester/cotton
  4. Two nametags (black background, white lettering)
  5. One pair of black safety boots
  6. Two bakers hats, black, polyester/cotton
  7. One outer jacket, black (as required)

Wear requirements:

  • MCMAP belt worn with chef trousers; trousers are bloused
  • Plain black crew-neck short sleeve undershirt under the chef coat
  • Nametag centered between the first and second button on the right side of the chef coat
  • Gold metal rank insignia worn 1/8 inch above the nametag, centered
  • Cover is the black bakers hat with EGA, or a plain white disposable paper overseas cover
  • Rank on the paper cover worn 1/2 inch from the natural crease, centered top to bottom on the left side

Food service uniforms are not liberty attire. They are prohibited outside the mess hall except for official military business on the installation where you're assigned.

GSA ordering part numbers (for unit supply and commanders):

ItemGSA/GECO SKUPart Number
Chef Coat, Black (male/female)137835NC-1001KB-USA-SS
Trousers, Black (male)107609NC-874
Trousers, Black (female)116823NC-DIFP774
Boots, Black (male)122677NC-GGP7160
Boots, Black (female)122583NC-GGP760
Bib Apron, Black123465NC-F8-USA
Bakers Hat, Black109702(see MARADMIN)
Classic Poplin Jacket, Black115013NC-SAJ753

Chef coats and jackets include USMC embroidery logo #e12732 on the left chest.

MCEAP uniform list (issued upon arrival to the National Capital Region):

ItemQuantity
Belt, leather, black, silver buckle2
Necktie, black (male)2
Cross tie, black (female)2
Chef jacket, cotton, long sleeve, white2
Chef jacket, cotton, short sleeve, white2
Dress shirt, poly/cotton, short sleeve, black (male)2
Dress shirt, poly/cotton, long sleeve, black (male)2
Dress shirt, long sleeve, black (female)2
Dress shirt, short sleeve, black (female)2
Polo shirt, approved emblem, black3
Trousers/slacks, dress, poly/cotton, black3
Vest, polyester, black2
Tie tac, USMC EGA, gold (male)2
Jacket, black1
Fleece, black1

MCEAP replaces unserviceable uniforms for Marine Enlisted Aides assigned to General Officers outside the NCR.

Key dates

  • Effective immediately. MARADMIN 019/26 cancels MARADMIN 256-18 upon publication.
  • Uniform Regulations (MCO P1020.34H) will be updated at next revision to reflect this guidance. Until then, this MARADMIN takes precedence.

The official version

MARADMIN 019/26 is the source document.

Referenced orders: MCO 10110.14N (Food Service and Subsistence Program), MCO P1020.34H (Uniform Regulations), NAVMC 5100.8 (Occupational Safety and Health Program).

POC for questions:

  • Maj Robert W. Kreuger III, MCICOM G4: robert.kreuger@usmc.mil / 703-571-6232
  • CWO3 Carlos Amaro, MCICOM G4: carlos.amaro@usmc.mil / 703-887-4321
  • MGySgt Shawn C. Fitzpatrick, MCICOM G4: shawn.fitzpatrick@usmc.mil / 703-571-6816

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Marine Corps Food Service and Subsistence Program (MCO 10110.14N)Reference

    This is the primary order governing food service operations in the Marine Corps. It is one of the references this MARADMIN cites as the basis for food service uniform requirements.

  • Marine Corps Uniform Regulations (MCO P1020.34H)Reference

    This is the authoritative order on Marine Corps uniforms. This MARADMIN notes that its guidance on food service uniforms supersedes relevant portions of this regulation until the next release of the order.

  • Marine Corps Occupational Safety and Health Program (NAVMC 5100.8)Reference

    This is the Marine Corps safety and health program directive. It is cited as a reference basis for food service uniform requirements, likely relevant to the safety boot requirement.

  • MARADMIN 256/18MARADMIN

    This is the previous food service organizational clothing MARADMIN that this message cancels and replaces. Reservists should disregard it and follow the new guidance in this MARADMIN instead.

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