We are the few and the proud. We work hard, and play even harder.

That was the vision I had of a Marine before I joined the Marine Corps and all throughout recruit training.

I thought I was joining an elite group and in many respects I still believe I have.

However, during my four years, I have noticed a downhill trend in compliance with Marine Corps regulations in regards to civilian attire.

Going through boot camp, my platoon was told that even our civilian clothing should be on-par with our service uniforms.

True Marines don't wear tank tops or short shorts, according to my drill instructors.

Yet, at the PX and Commissary, I see female Marines wearing both and even more questionable attire.

It's not only the female Marines shrugging off civilian attire standards.

I don't care to see what type of boxers guys are wearing or not wearing because your pants are below your waistline.

I don't expect you to wear shirt-stays in civilian attire or even to tuck in every shirt, but if we expect female Marines to cover themselves, I think male Marines can do the same.

As Marines we need to adhere to Marine Administrative Messages that maintain the proper standards for civilian attire.

Why else would the Commandant of the Marine Corps send out a message making the wearing our service utilities, out-in-town, against regulations except in cases of emergency, if not to separate us from the rest?

Apparently, Marines seem to think Marine Corps Orders are just suggestions, because I see Marines everyday dropping off and picking up their child(ren) at an out-in-town daycare in their service utilities. When MCO P1020.34G specifically states, "enroute stops while off base are not authorized except in bonafide emergencies," while in service utilities.

More often than not, they aren't even wearing their covers as they walk to and from the building to their car.

Marine Corps orders and regulations set the standard that defines us as Marines.

If we are going to consider ourselves an elite group, we need to start holding ourselves to these higher standards.

Yes, it is hot in Japan, but do a few missing inches of fabric make it that much cooler?

Yes, it is a pain to get up and get dressed in civilian attire to drop off your child(ren) at daycare only to change into your uniform once you get to work.

And while, the other services are allowed to go out-in-town in their utilities, we are Marines.

We need to get back to adhering to Marine Corps standards.

If you were inspected by Maj. Gen. Smedley D. Butler, would he be able to find you guilty of being out of clothing regulations?

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