Grooming Standards and Body Composition
Program UPDATED ACTUAL Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Personal Appearance - CORRECT ANSWER - Mutilation of the body, objects through or
under the skin and tongue (Females may have earrings IAW MCO P1020G), and tattoos and
brands on head and neck or others that bring discredit upon the MC are PROHIBITED.
Marine Corps Uniform Standards of Grooming - CORRECT ANSWER - Regulations do
not allow eccentric or faddish styles of hair, facial hair, nail polish/makeup, jewelry, or glasses.
Appropriate Military Presence - CORRECT ANSWER - Chewing gum, chewing tobacco,
cigarettes, hands in the pockets, and eating and drinking while walking in uniform detract from
an military presence.
Unauthorized Articles - CORRECT ANSWER - Per MCO P1020.G any items that detract
from an military presence with the exception of females wearing earrings.
Authorized Articles - CORRECT ANSWER - Inconspicuous wristwatches and rings,
sunglasses (except in formation with troops - unless medically authorized).
Sunglassses - CORRECT ANSWER - When worn will be conservative in appearance.
Chains, bands, or ribbons will not be attached to eyeglasses; however, restraints are authorized
for safety purposes but must be conservative in style and design.
Items of Religious Apparel - CORRECT ANSWER - Marines are authorized to wear
religious items, yet subjected to temporary revocation due to health, safety, or mission
requirement.
Hair on Head - Male & Female - CORRECT ANSWER - Dyes, tints, bleaches and
frosting which result in natural colors are authorized. The hair must complement the individual's
complexion tone.
, Hair on Head - Male - CORRECT ANSWER - - Hair will be evenly graduated from zero
at the lower portion of the hairline to the upper portion.
- Upper portion of the hair will not exceed 3 inches in length fully extended.
- The bulk of the hair will not exceed 2 inches from the scalp when styled.
Sideburns - CORRECT ANSWER - - Will not extend below the top of the orifice of the
ear.
- Will not be styled to taper, come to a point or flare.
- Will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.
Hair Styles - Male - CORRECT ANSWER - - Hair that protrudes from beneath properly
worn headgear is considered excessive regardless of length.
- Hair cannot have eccentric directional flow, twists or spiking.
- Clipping of hair to scalp is authorized, not required unless undergoing recruit training or
medically precribed
Unauthorized Hair Styles - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Single patches on top of head (not
consistent with natural hair loss)
2. Mohawks
3. Large open bald areas on top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss)
4. Etching of letter, signs or figures, and braiding.
Hair Styles - Male - CORRECT ANSWER - - One natural, narrow, fore and aft off
centered part is authorized. (Placed no further than the outer corner of the eye and will not extend
down the back of the head)
- Gel/moose products should provide a conservative/natural appearance.
Mustaches - CORRECT ANSWER - Authorized but will be neatly trimmed and must be
contained within the corners of the mouth and below the nose. Cannot extend more than a 1/2
inch in length.
Program UPDATED ACTUAL Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Personal Appearance - CORRECT ANSWER - Mutilation of the body, objects through or
under the skin and tongue (Females may have earrings IAW MCO P1020G), and tattoos and
brands on head and neck or others that bring discredit upon the MC are PROHIBITED.
Marine Corps Uniform Standards of Grooming - CORRECT ANSWER - Regulations do
not allow eccentric or faddish styles of hair, facial hair, nail polish/makeup, jewelry, or glasses.
Appropriate Military Presence - CORRECT ANSWER - Chewing gum, chewing tobacco,
cigarettes, hands in the pockets, and eating and drinking while walking in uniform detract from
an military presence.
Unauthorized Articles - CORRECT ANSWER - Per MCO P1020.G any items that detract
from an military presence with the exception of females wearing earrings.
Authorized Articles - CORRECT ANSWER - Inconspicuous wristwatches and rings,
sunglasses (except in formation with troops - unless medically authorized).
Sunglassses - CORRECT ANSWER - When worn will be conservative in appearance.
Chains, bands, or ribbons will not be attached to eyeglasses; however, restraints are authorized
for safety purposes but must be conservative in style and design.
Items of Religious Apparel - CORRECT ANSWER - Marines are authorized to wear
religious items, yet subjected to temporary revocation due to health, safety, or mission
requirement.
Hair on Head - Male & Female - CORRECT ANSWER - Dyes, tints, bleaches and
frosting which result in natural colors are authorized. The hair must complement the individual's
complexion tone.
, Hair on Head - Male - CORRECT ANSWER - - Hair will be evenly graduated from zero
at the lower portion of the hairline to the upper portion.
- Upper portion of the hair will not exceed 3 inches in length fully extended.
- The bulk of the hair will not exceed 2 inches from the scalp when styled.
Sideburns - CORRECT ANSWER - - Will not extend below the top of the orifice of the
ear.
- Will not be styled to taper, come to a point or flare.
- Will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.
Hair Styles - Male - CORRECT ANSWER - - Hair that protrudes from beneath properly
worn headgear is considered excessive regardless of length.
- Hair cannot have eccentric directional flow, twists or spiking.
- Clipping of hair to scalp is authorized, not required unless undergoing recruit training or
medically precribed
Unauthorized Hair Styles - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Single patches on top of head (not
consistent with natural hair loss)
2. Mohawks
3. Large open bald areas on top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss)
4. Etching of letter, signs or figures, and braiding.
Hair Styles - Male - CORRECT ANSWER - - One natural, narrow, fore and aft off
centered part is authorized. (Placed no further than the outer corner of the eye and will not extend
down the back of the head)
- Gel/moose products should provide a conservative/natural appearance.
Mustaches - CORRECT ANSWER - Authorized but will be neatly trimmed and must be
contained within the corners of the mouth and below the nose. Cannot extend more than a 1/2
inch in length.
