The Marine Corps Times reported it’s been removed from cash register shelves at the front of Marine base exchanges.  The Marine Corps explained it is part of the Corps effort to further “professionalize” the force.  The publication which is independent of the Corps has featured several stories critical of the Marine Commandant and his handling of the Marine Corp urination video case.  This blog has featured  stories here and here surrounding the Commandant’s highly questionable behavior in prosecuting the case and punishing Marines. 

The publication is very popular with Marines and while Marine Officials would not respond to multiple requests for sales data,  information provided by Army and Air Force Exchange Services shows that Army and Air Force Times (sister publications) outsell other publications 10-to-1.  According to the new policy, cash register wire racks and bins “are only authorized to display Marine Corps Exchange promotional materials”.  Exchange managers were told to move the newspapers to make room for the commandant’s reading list and that of the “First Lady of the Marine Corps,” Amos’ wife Bonnie.  Those racks remained empty as of Feb. 6, nearly two months after the order to remove the newspapers was issued.

While Marine Corps Times continues to be sold in the book section of the exchange the timing and actions are extremely curious.  Payback?  Cindy Whitman Lacy, CEO and deputy director of business operations for the Marine Corps’ Semper Fit and Exchange Services Division, offered another explanation to the head of circulation for Military Times. Marine Corps Times, she said, is not consistent with the Marine Corps “brand.”   I guess asking honest questions is frowned upon…

UPDATE: “Reaction to the Marine Corps Times’ relocation demonstrated a clear misunderstanding of intent; therefore, the product will return to its original location pending the outcome and communication of a more comprehensive, purposeful plan based on our Commandant’s intent as it relates to an emphasis on professionalism within our Corps,” – Gen. John Paxton Jr., assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, statement released Wednesday 12 Feb 2014 USMC’s official Facebook page.