Is there a regulation or order that prohibits Marines from reading something on their cell phone while walking in uniform?

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 21:24:22 -0400

The closest thing I can find is paragraph 1004.4c below pulled from MCO 1020.34H (May 2018), which only mentions talking on the phone.

"In order to maintain good order and proper military courtesies, conversations on cellular phones (to include the use of the earpiece), while walking in uniform, indoors or outdoors, are prohibited. The use of electronic equipment (i.e. portable audio devices) is not authorized while exercising in uniform except as authorized per command/facility regulations."

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Jul 3 at 2018 10:50 AM

1SG Charles Hunter — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 10:50:17 -0400

Duh... If talking on a cell phone is distracting enough to be prohibited, reading a text is logically included in the prohibition. Same rationale: if you don't see the person entitled to courtesies, you are negligently failing to render said courtesies.