Effective 22 June 2026, Navy chaplains attached to USMC units wear their Chaplain Staff Corps devices on the MCCUU and APECS in a new configuration. This is a uniform wear change only. It does not affect chaplain rank, authority, or military courtesies, and it does not change service or dress uniform wear.
Heads up: This change is narrow. It only applies to Navy chaplains serving with Marine units. If you are not a chaplain, there is nothing here for you.
Who it affects
Navy chaplains serving with USMC units, across all components. If you are a Reserve chaplain attached to an SMCR or IMA billet, this applies to you. No other Marines are affected.
What you need to do
If you are a Navy chaplain serving with a Marine unit:
- On your MCCUU coat collar, wear your Chaplain Staff Corps device on both sides, centered vertically on the line that bisects the angle of the collar point.
- On your APECS parka, wear one Chaplain Staff Corps device centered on the zipper flap rank tab.
- In tactical or combat environments, wear subdued devices on both the MCCUU and APECS per your commander's guidance.
Service and dress uniform wear is unchanged.
If you are not a chaplain, nothing to do.
Key dates
- 22 June 2026: New wear policy effective.
- Formal publication in Marine Corps Uniform Regulations (MCO 1020.34H) will follow at the next scheduled change.
The official version
See MARADMIN 279/26 for the full text.
The governing uniform regulation is MCO 1020.34H, Marine Corps Uniform Regulations. The policy change was directed by two Secretary of the Navy memoranda (June and March 2026).
POC: GS-13 Mary Boyt, Marine Corps Uniform Board, mary.boyt@usmcu.edu, 703-432-5569.
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.