Rolled sleeves are back! via 1st Marine Division.

Rolled sleeves are back. 

From the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps:

Sergeants and Corporals,

SgtMajor Barrett and I have now spoken to the majority of you about our efforts 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." 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. You understand that those 4 principles define what we have called "The Soul of the Corps." They have been with us for over 238 years...it's always been that way.

As we complete the mission in Afghanistan, it's critical to understand that there will be no "peace dividend" for America's Marines...there will be no operational pause for us. The world that we will live and operate in over the next two decades will be a dangerous one; there will be plenty of work for those who wear our cloth.

As we have travelled 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. 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?" 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.

WE HEAR YOU MARINES!

Because of the persistence of you, my Sergeants and Corporals, this evening I am publishing a MARADMIN that will return us to SLEEVES UP status when wearing our Desert CAMMIES in non-combat areas. This will take effect on 9 March when we transition to our summer warmer weather uniforms. Get the word out Marines.

Thank you for your leadership in some very challenging times!!!

Semper Fidelis

CMC/SMMC

I would love to give Amos a "damnit you finally get it" atta-boy on this but the reality is a bit simpler.

The next Commandant would have reversed this decision in his first 5 seconds in the big chair and everyone knows it.

This was an attempt to "Army-ize" the USMC and people were pissed.

When you wear a flight suit instead of cammies and don't roll sleeves its easy to NOT know the part of Marine Corps culture where this is part of the identity.  I would bet that he thought he was doing junior Marines a favor and was attempting to be popular.

Sidenote:  I see the SgtMajor of the Marine Corps has finally stuck his head back up out of his sniper hide.  He's been missing in action for over a year and a half.