Marines and Sailors cannot wear their uniforms to events that further political activities, further private employment or commercial interests, or when an inference of official sponshorship for the activity or interest could be drawn.
Except when authorized, Marines and Sailors cannot wear their uniform when participating in public speeches, demonstrations, assemblies, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or any public demonstration which may imply service sanction for a cause that furthers personal or partisan views on political, social, economic or religious issues.
Former Marines, or Marines in the Individual Ready Reserve, who separated under honorable conditions, may wear their uniform only during the following times:
• Military funerals, memorial services, weddings and inaugurals.
• Parades on national or state holidays; or other parades or ceremonies of a patriotic character in which any military unit is taking part.
Authorization to wear the uniform should be granted by a commanding officer when reasonably assured that the service member’s appearance in uniform at the particular event, viewed objectively, is not for the purpose of lending substantial weight or significance to privately held convictions or interests; would not be so construed by an observer; and that the demonstration, assembly or activity does not relate to matters in public controversy.
Whoever wears the Marine Corps uniform without authority, in any place within the jurisdiction of the United States will not be fined more than $250 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.