MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — The base commanding officer recently published a letter to clarify dress code regulations — and consequences for not following them — for all base residents. But base officials don’t hesitate to point out that the letter’s real target is civilians.
Col. Michael Dyer’s policy letter states that disregard of the dress code can result in denial of access to base facilities, according to base spokesman Maj. Stewart Upton.
“The policy has never really been a problem for Marines,” said Iwakuni Command Sgt. Maj. David Allison. “The only problems that we face are from the civilian employees and dependents.”
Marine Corps Community Services division directors received copies of the civilian dress code in English and Japanese.
MCCS employees who notice personnel inappropriately dressed will provide them a “copy of the dress code and a warning that after June 1, they will be denied service,” said MCCS spokeswoman Jamie Wurdinger.
Cpl. Sean Grimes, a military policeman at Iwakuni, said Marines seem to be aware of clothing deemed appropriate under the dress code.
“I have corrected station residents sporting jerseys that went down to their knees, females wearing backless tank-tops and individuals with pants that literally hang off of their body,” Upton quoted Grimes as saying.
“Marines know … it’s the civilians who need to start cooperating, too.”
In 2001, Navy personnel in Japan were ordered to adhere to a dress code prohibiting specific items and some fashions. In July 2003, the code was expanded to apply to civilians, military retirees, contractors — any SOFA-status person on a naval base in Japan.
The Navy civilian clothing policy prohibits short shorts, extremely baggy slacks or shorts, torn jeans, bandannas and any hat, T-shirt, tattoo or piercing that a “reasonable person” would find offensive.
Upton said the command sergeant major referred to new policy letter as “a way to help preserve good order and discipline within our community.”
Dyer’s policy letter itself states: “The wearing of civilian clothing should be a matter of personal pride. Individuals are considered to be ambassadors of the United States and Marine Corps while serving and/or living in Japan … dress should reflect credit upon oneself, the United States and the Marine Corps.
“Civilian attire cannot expose undergarments or the midriff. Garments cannot represent anything that might be interpreted as offensive to any ethnic group, religious belief, military branch, nation or flag,” Upton said Friday.
“Headdresses … hairnets, do-rags, handkerchiefs and nylon socks … are prohibited at all times. Hats can be worn outside exclusively,” he said. Beach, athletic clothing and shower slippers can be worn only at pools, fitness centers and recreation areas.
Allison advised the use of common sense. If a person looks in a mirror and appears neat and clean, “then they should be OK.”
Civilian employees or family members can cooperate or not. “But if they choose not,” Allison said, “they will not get access to base facilities.”
