****************Now, if you were carrying openly WHILE IN UNIFORM, that is a different matter. While you have the individual right to carry openly, wearing the uniform reflects on the Service, and so your conduct is thereby regulated even when "off-duty". No drinking alcohol while in uniform; no protesting while in uniform; no endorsement of private organizations while in uniform; etc.************
First - great job Marine!! and thanks for your service!!
Second - This "LtCol needs to pull his head out of his A$$ He is way out of line.
I'm an Army COL, who has CC'ed for ~15 years and now that I'm in VA have started OC'ing. I haveeven been considering throwing my paddle holster over the belt and pulling up my uniform blouse over my SIG when I'm shopping on the way home from work (so I disagree w/ ForeignDude here). IMHO the unit/CD
R has no right to regulate your/my behavior off post. I also HATE being unarmed while at work, especially when I see the 'minimum wage' security guard watching the doors at the building I work in. eessh!!
Bottom line – your behavior, while off post, if it is in keeping with state, county and local laws is your business. The LtCol needs to go to school and 'get smart' on the state (country) he lives in. Ooh Rah!!