Marines Ok'd to Once Again Roll Up Sleeves

A change many Marines have been waiting for since October 2011 is coming. Starting March 9, when Marines switch into tan desert camouflage for the season, they will once again be allowed to roll their sleeves,  Stars and Stripes reported.

Commandant Gen. James Amos and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett made the announcement on Facebook. The posting has already garnered over 25,000 likes.

Amos told the Marines that he and Barrett had heard their concerns. "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."

Marines had worn their sleeves rolled up when wearing desert camouflage and in non-combat areas until October 2011 when Amos made sleeves rolled down year-round policy. It was a decision that was not popular especially for those assigned to warm climates, Stars and Stripes reported.

Some Marine wives took to Twitter to praise the announcement. Capturing the sentiment was this tweet on the Military Spouse magazine Twitter account: "And USMC spouses everywhere are swooning! Rolled sleeves are back March 9th! @USMarineCorps Thank you!"

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