Again, caving into the nice Muslims instead of going on the offensive. If they think this is going to make them less radical, they’re wrong. Signs of weakness just encourage them.
Not particularly new. In the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s only E-7 and above were permitted to wear uniforms off base, even at home in the good ole USA. We certainly were not permitted to do so at forward bases.
Some call it caving and some call it protecting the troops in what is inherently a non-combat arena. Unless they arm all the troops and allow them to carry while in uniform (not a usual habit) and consider a weapon to be part of the uniform, it is best to keep a low profile.
ROE are bad enough in active combat zones - can you imagine the fallout if troops who normally don't carry arms (almost seems oxymoronic) start shooting up the town?