Was asked the other day by a young LCPL. if Marines were permitted to travel (ie: Through civilian airports etc.) in their Delta's (Class D uniform, kahaki short sleeve shirt w/ribbons and dress blue trousers).
At first I was quick to say "yes, of course" then the more I thought about it, I always traveled in class A service uniform, as I dont think I ever traveled in Delta's, and still think of Deltas as a "Recruiters" uniform of the day.
So naturally I told the LCPL I would get back to him with a definite answer,.....needless to say I scoured Marine Corps uniform regs, and learned a ton, (like when and who can wear the summer white trousers, hom many braclets a WM can wear, how marines now CAN shave their heads if so desired, and all sorts of other cool info that as an NCO I am ashamed to admit I did not know) BUT...........I saw nor found ANYTHING that addressed permitted uniform for travel ! I did finf that Marines are authorized to wear cammies while traveling enroute or from a cobat theater of operations, but found nothing that addressed the LCPL's exact question,......."can a Marine travel in his/her "D" delta uniform? After asking several other NCO's I kept getting the same answer as the one I gave the LCPL, "Yes, sure,...I Think so?"
Can anyone put a definite to this question? I appreciate in advance for any insight, as I already sent off an email to the uniform board asking where this info can be obtained. I am more than accepting that I am simply an idiot for not finding this info on my own, but with that, one would be surprsied how many fellow NCO's could likewise not give a definite answer to this.
My inclination is to say yes, he CAN travel in his Delta's, but at the same time, in my 10 years, I have only traveled in my A's, and always think of the Deltas as a recruiters uniform?
Anyway, thanks in advance for any insight or definitive info.

The blue dress "B" uniform consists of the same items as blue dress "A" except that ribbons are worn in lieu of medals. This uniform is authorized for leave and liberty.

The blue dress uniform with long sleeve khaki shirt (without coat), and tie for male Marines and tab for female Marines, is designated as blue dress "C." Commanders may prescribe blue dress "C" as the uniform of the day for specified occasions or duties. Commanders may prescribe this uniform for honors, parades, and ceremonies on and off the military activity. This uniform is authorized for leave and liberty.
The blue dress uniform with short sleeve khaki shirt (without coat) is designated as blue dress "D." Commanders may prescribe blue dress "D" as the uniform of the day for specified occasions or duties. During the winter uniform period, commanders may, at their discretion when the weather requires, authorize blue dress "D" as the uniform of the day. Commanders may prescribe this uniform for honors, parades, and ceremonies where climatic conditions preclude the comfortable wear of the blue dress "A" or "B" uniforms. This uniform is authorized for leave or liberty.

The bolded line 'authorized for leave and liberty' is the key in regards to traveling while in uniform.

So yes, you provided him with the correct answer once you get back to him. The regulation should you wish to provide to him is MCO P1020.34G

The Marine should also check with his command in case the command has a prescribed or preferred CONUS liberty uniform.

Remember things have changed due to war on terrorism. OCONUS travel is in civilian clothing.

Gunny

As usual, thanks for your insight! I must confess, I did read MCO P1020.34G but was misinterpeting the "authorized for leave or libery". I was looking for something that specifically mentioned authorized uniforms while "traveling". I now realize my error as "leave or liberty" pretty much covers it all.
Just thought maybe their was an MCO that clearly made reference to Marines traveling (ie: airports, bus stations etc.)?
But thanks again, it's amazing how much you learn when you actually read through the uniform regs!!!
Much appreciated Gunny

Glad to help. I seem to remember that there is a DOD wide travel regulation that stipulates or mention military traveling OCONUS, that they be in civilian clothes. If you have access to Marine OnLine, it may be covered in there?