CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — In a stunning move hailed as a victory for service members with peculiar interests, the U.S. Marine Corps announced today that it will update its barracks pet policy to allow each Marine to keep one small animal, catboy, or furry in their quarters.
The policy change, which goes into effect next month, is part of a broader initiative to improve morale and address the growing mental health crisis within the ranks.
"We've long recognized the positive impact that pets can have on a Marine's mental well-being," said Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.
The decision follows months of lobbying from advocacy groups, including the American Furries Association (AFA) and the newly formed Marines Against Normie Pets (MANP).
"This is a huge step forward for inclusivity in the Corps," said Lt. Col. Nathan Fluffmaster, known off-duty as Jonathan Walters. "For too long, we’ve had to keep our identities in the closet or the kennel. Now, we can finally express our true selves, whether that’s a Pomeranian, a Maine Coon, or a slight-framed hairless SIGINT PFC in a maid costume with a tail and cat ears."
The updated policy, outlined in a recent MARADMIN, specifies that Marines are allowed one of the following in their barracks: a small animal (such as a hamster, guinea pig, or teacup pig), a catboy (a male, usually in his 20s, who identifies as a humanoid cat), or a furry (a person who identifies as an anthropomorphic animal, often wearing elaborate costumes).
