What's the policy on civilians wearing MARPAT cammies?

[Alisium]

2. Pursuant to DoD Instruction 5410.20, unauthorized use of approved Marine
Corps uniform emblems or insignia on civilian attire, or other non-uniform
attire, is prohibited.


FYI about wearing the new boots in civilian attire as well as the "official" MarPat cammies... right out of the P1020.34G page 11-4 paragraph c part 2

But, does this apply to civillians or just those that fall under DOD influence wearing civillian attire?

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Just those subject to DoD rules, basically. It certainly could be brought into play for someone doing a 'stolen valor' type thing, but that's really about it.

[Petz]

even though it's DoD that doesn't mean that a civilian is allowed to wear the stuff.

there are fines with these orders and guidelines.... and there are possible jail time as well....

though these are in place, it's very unlikely you will see it enforced.

[Alisium]

As I understand it, the laws against civilian use of DOD specific uniforms are only in place to prevent impersonation.

[Petz]

well.... yeah, but that's also the conditions that they would charge someone with....

it's all tied together, but all these rules and regs regarding civilian attire usage applies to civilians as well.

it's more of an issue for service-members as NJPs suck for a career.

I'm only making a point about how the order is making the point about the EGA on uniform items to ensure there is no misunderstanding of the uniform items authorized for wear.

service uniforms can be worn out in town by anyone for any reason except with those Dress Blues uniform restrictions.

and some of those service uniform items are authorized for individual wear in civilian attire. What got this stuff going in the wrong direction was the talk about combat boots... they WERE authorized when there was no EGA on them... now they are not.

and yes, boots were worn in civilian attire all the time when they were black... but they were mostly the all black leathers... like the altimas.

[Alisium]

When I was in San Diego I used to see a Marine at a local restraunt I used to frequent wearing the new MCCB's all nasty, unlaced and his over all appearence was dishelved. But, definitly a Marine.

I would have made a point to say something but, he was older and probably a SNCO.

[Petz]

all the more reason. Keep in mind, a **** bag Marine will always say "show me the order"

your response should be, let me see your id and I'll make sure you command forwards the order to you.

[afn49482]

2. Pursuant to DoD Instruction 5410.20, unauthorized use of approved Marine
Corps uniform emblems or insignia on civilian attire, or other non-uniform
attire, is prohibited.


FYI about wearing the new boots in civilian attire as well as the "official" MarPat cammies... right out of the P1020.34G page 11-4 paragraph c part 2

Maybe these hairs need splitting. The tie bar has the Marine Corps emblem, yet is appropriate for wear with civilian attire; as does the sweatshirt. I only ask for clarification because combat boots are great footwear for motorcycle riding. Give a junior enlisted Marine the choice between buying a separate set of boots for riding or slapping on whatever hard-sole Sketchers they already own, they'll probably go the cheaper (and consequently less safe) route.

Just my 0.02c

[Swampfox]

I served in the first Gulf war and have an Honorable Discharge (in 1992) as well as an NDSM and a SW Asia Service ribbon (and medal) with 2 stars and many others. I like the look of the new MARPAT BDU's better than the Desert Cammies that we were issued back in the day. I also have a MARPAT Desert blouse with a US Marines name tape over the left pocket and my name over the right pocket and who is anybody to tell me that I can't wear it? I would never do anything to disrespect the Corps but I'm a civilian now and I'll wear what I please...That's part of the freedom I served for.

[Fmedges]

I served in the first Gulf war and have an Honorable Discharge (in 1992) as well as an NDSM and a SW Asia Service ribbon (and medal) with 2 stars and many others. I like the look of the new MARPAT BDU's better than the Desert Cammies that we were issued back in the day. I also have a MARPAT Desert blouse with a US Marines name tape over the left pocket and my name over the right pocket and who is anybody to tell me that I can't wear it? I would never do anything to disrespect the Corps but I'm a civilian now and I'll wear what I please...That's part of the freedom I served for.

Agreed!

[Sgt Leprechaun]

I also concur with that, by the way. I wear cammie bottoms, repro P-41 parts from WWII, etc. I see nothing wrong with any of it.

[Marine3451]

There was a great discussion on this on a different thread that ended in an email to the uniform board.

Alright, check it out. I resent my email to the board and this is what came back. I was supprised at how quickly it came back. The first part is my question and the second part is the boards response.

Mr. Xxxxx,

Are the MCCBs authorized for wear in civilian attire? I realize the order states footwear is authorized. It also states, no part of a prescribed uniform, except those items not exclusively military in character, will be worn with civilian clothing. The MCCBs have the EGA embossed on them, does this make them exclusively military in character?

GySgt Wood,

All footwear, as you indicated, are (by the Order) authorized for wear with civilian attire. The EGA (along with a certification number) happens to be an identifier which assists with the qualification/MC Certification process towards wear with the Uniform. There is a qualification reverse here. It's the civilian item being authorized for wear with the Uniform based on a manufacturing competition for the privilege.

S/F

Mr. X. Xxxxx sends.
Marine Corps Uniform Board

There was one time that i was walking in to the gym in my civilian pt gear wearing my vibram five fingers shoes and was stopped by a Sgt that told me my shoe where not authorized to wore in the gym. Even though i was positive no order existed since i confirmed it with the station s-1 before i bought the shoes he was so set that he was right that I yeilded and changed my shoe. Sometimes just got to pick your battles even if you are right.

[YourPhoneIsMine]

Vibrams are ****ing awesome. They're the only things I'll PT in. I don't like wearing them in any other situation because quite honestly they look ridiculous but the order states that they have to be athletic shoes and those were designed and marketed specifically for athletic purposes. And if I recall correctly the only time you have to wear socks with them is during the PFT.

that would have been a fun battle

On the original topic, the stolen valor act has essentially been nixed for people that just want to walk around in stuff, you have to legitimately be trying to defraud someone to get in any trouble for it. Civilians can wear it but I don't see why they would.

As far as Marines that have been out for a while, if they want to wear it then I applaud it. You earned it.

[Marine Dad58]

I haven't found any clear information on this in the guidelines and am wondering if such uniforms are prohibited or not.

FWIW, I am a proud marine dad who plans to run my second "Tough Mudder" in September, this time in USMC boots and fatigues in honor of my daughter the marine - except that, for a shirt I will wear the T-shirt that we bought at her graduation from Parris Island, with a huge photo of her on the front. I did not think wearing the cammies would be a big deal, except that today while doing a training run down a busy beach (boots and MARPAT trousers, with a red "My daughter is a marine" T-shirt) a guy "thanked me for my service". I paused to tell him that I never served, it was my daughter - but from now on I will refrain from wearing such a nearly-complete outfit until the actual event. While I may or may not have been able to get through Parris Island, I in fact never did, and do not intend to imply that I did. For my part, I would think that that is the biggest issue; whether wearing a partial uniform is actually illegal I don't know, but as long as no one thinks I am trying to "be a marine" as opposed to honor one, I plan on wearing it, legal or not.

[Marine3451]

FWIW, I am a proud marine dad who plans to run my second "Tough Mudder" in September, this time in USMC boots and fatigues in honor of my daughter the marine - except that, for a shirt I will wear the T-shirt that we bought at her graduation from Parris Island, with a huge photo of her on the front. I did not think wearing the cammies would be a big deal, except that today while doing a training run down a busy beach (boots and MARPAT trousers, with a red "My daughter is a marine" T-shirt) a guy "thanked me for my service". I paused to tell him that I never served, it was my daughter - but from now on I will refrain from wearing such a nearly-complete outfit until the actual event. While I may or may not have been able to get through Parris Island, I in fact never did, and do not intend to imply that I did. For my part, I would think that that is the biggest issue; whether wearing a partial uniform is actually illegal I don't know, but as long as no one thinks I am trying to "be a marine" as opposed to honor one, I plan on wearing it, legal or not.

Legally your not allowed to wear to wear military uniform items. You can't even buy these without a military ID. Bellow you will find the federal law.

Specifically, 10 USC, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 45, Sections 771 and 772.Section 771 states:Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be, may wear -(1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps; or(2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine CorpsSection 772 lists some exceptions:(a) A member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard may wear the uniform prescribed for the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, as the case may be.(b) A member of the Naval Militia may wear the uniform prescribed for the Naval Militia.(c) A retired officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps may bear the title and wear the uniform of his retired grade.(d) A person who is discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps may wear his uniform while going from the place of discharge to his home, within three months after his discharge.(e) A person not on active duty who served honorably in time of war in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps may bear the title, and, when authorized by regulations prescribed by the President, wear the uniform, of the highest grade held by him during that war.(f) While portraying a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, an actor in a theatrical or motion-picture production may wear the uniform of that armed force if the portrayal does not tend to discredit that armed force.(g) An officer or resident of a veterans' home administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs may wear such uniform as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe.(h) While attending a course of military instruction conducted by the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, a civilian may wear the uniform prescribed by that armed force if the wear of such uniform is specifically authorized under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned.