I don’t think we were ever supposed to wear utilities off base. This order doesn’t appear to change any rule so much as it eliminates some informal exceptions which appear to have crept in. Maybe the article isn’t clear, but Marine service and dress uniforms are deemed appropriate for off-base wear.
Bingo!
The USMC Utility Uniform is a WORK uniform. This Uniform SOP prohibits the wearing of the “Uts” off-base to establish a standard. Have you ever seen an Infantry Marine, Artillery Marine or Motor “T” Marine come out of the field on a Friday after a week of training? When I served, before you went on liberty you “cleaned your weapon, you cleaned your equipment, you cleaned your body!”