Before Marines drive off base in"cammies," they ought to read All Marine Message 035-07, effective July 25.

The order reiterates restrictions for wearing the Marine Corps combat utility uniform during off base errands such as stopping for gas or banking. It also defines how it will be worn throughout the year.

"The utility uniform is to only be worn in the field and Garrison; not in a civilian environment, unlike how the Army sports their digital uniforms at the mall,"said Lt. Col. T.V. Johnson, the public affairs officer for the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The ALMAR also marks the conclusion of a transitional phase for the Marine digital uniform. Wear of the desert and woodland utilities will be divided into two seasons. During the summer season, Marines will wear desert uniforms with sleeves rolled up. During the winter season, woodlands will be worn sleeves down. For Marines who wear flight suits, tan suits will be worn in the summer and green in the winter.

"The uniforms were designed for different environments. The greens fade in the summer, but the deserts were built for that,"said Sgt. Maj. Steven J. Lara, the sergeant major for the 1st Marine Logistics Group.

Commanders will prescribe the appropriate uniform for the field and tactical environment. Commanders of bases located in hot environments also have the option to allow their Marines to wear sleeves up year round.

This order enhances uniformity for all Marines from private to general, according to ALMAR 035/07.

"Before the uniform order, Marine Corps combat utility wear would vary from command to command, region to region,"Johnson said.

As the new orders state, as Marines, our uniforms and military appearance are an important part of our identity and have traditionally marked us as the nation's most distinctive military service.