Liberty Campaign Order clarifies definition of proper liberty attire
Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac

Editor's note: The following is part of a continuing series of articles highlighting the Marine Corps Bases Japan and III Marine Expeditionary Force order 1050.7, the Liberty Campaign Order, signed by III MEF and MCBJ Commanding General Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer Sept. 29.

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (November 7, 2008) -- The Liberty Campaign Order clarifies the definition of proper civilian attire and has updated the definition to reflect modern clothing trends.

Civilian attire is important for military and civilian status of forces agreement personnel as they are often the 'face' of the Marine Corps in local communities, said Sgt. Maj. Cevet A. Adams, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

"Service members and their dependents are ambassadors of the U.S. while serving in Japan," said Adams. "The wearing of proper liberty attire reflects good order and discipline, and fosters a better relationship with local nationals."

According to the order, proper civilian attire is generally described as clothing worn in good taste and should reflect the style, fit and neatness of the Service "C" uniform.

Adams explained that civilian attire does not have to look just like the Service "C" uniform is a good reference for Marines who are unsure if their civilian attire is appropriate.

"The Service 'C' uniform is more of a loose guide for Marines," said Adams. "If a Marine is in doubt about what they should or should not wear, they should look to the image of the Service "C' uniform to guide them into making good liberty attire decisions."

The order stays consistent with past orders regarding proper attire. Shirts and blouses must be well fitted and will be tucked in. Shirts designed to be worn un-tucked with a straight cut across the bottom, including Hawaiian-style shirts and sports jerseys may be worn un-tucked if they do not hang below the crotch area. Trousers, shorts and skirts must also fit well, cannot be overly "baggy" or hang off the buttocks. Trousers must be worn with a belt if belt loops are present. Additionally, shower shoes, dive booties and bare feet are prohibited except at living quarters, beaches and pool areas. Sandals, with or without heel straps, are authorized for leave and liberty.

The order also addresses the wear of headgear inside Base establishments. Headgear must be removed upon entry to any MCBJ facility unless the service member is in uniform and under arms. However, camp commanders may authorize club managers to waive this restriction for special events, such as western or sports nights. When worn, indoors or out, hats must be worn squarely on the head with the bill facing forward. Headgear such as doo rags, hair nets, wave caps and nylon socks are strictly prohibited outside of living quarters.

Adams said the liberty attire regulations are meant to give Marines and sailors some degree of freedom when choosing clothing while also making sure they remain presentable.

"We've moved out of the Stone Age with this and now accept some modern behaviors regarding clothing," he said. "We've moved past the days when Marines and sailors always had to tuck in their shirts and wear a belt if they wanted to go on liberty. There is some degree of common sense in this as we leave it more up to the service members to judge on their own what kind of attire is appropriate in what situations. Some things will always be blatantly wrong but for a lot of clothing; the situation dictates how appropriate it is."

Adams said it is up to all Marines, junior and senior alike, to make sure civilian attire regulations are enforced and reminds personnel wearing civilian attire is a privilege, not a right.

"The Commandant of the Marine Corps has extended the privilege of wearing civilian clothing to officers and enlisted Marines, which makes the enforcement of proper attire the responsibility of all Marines," Adams said. "Non-commissioned officers in particular are expected to set high standards by their example. They must supervise and mentor to ensure those high standards are followed by personnel under their charge."

The MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7, the Liberty Campaign Order, can be accessed on-line at the MCB Camp Butler adjutant SharePoint homepage at the following CAC-protected site: https: //wss.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx. Under the directives links, click MCBJ/III MEF orders and locate MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7.

Ellie