President Barack Obama makes U.S. Marine break military rules

Even though he is the commander in chief, there are some orders that even President Obama cannot give - as he found out on Thursday, much to the chagrin of a put-upon U.S. Marine.

Hosting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Rose Garden, the president requested two standing Marines to open umbrellas and protect them from the light rain that was falling.

However, according to Marine Corps regulations, not even the President of the United States can request a Marine to carry an umbrella without the express permission of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corp Manual, which is the bible for all soldiers serving, specifically states that a soldier's uniform dress code does not allow the carrying of an umbrella and 'no officer or official shall issue instructions which conflict with, alter, or amend any provision without the approval of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.'

Indeed, male Marines are informed never to carry an umbrella from the earliest phases of training.

Regulation MCO P1020.34F of the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations chapter 3, rules out any use or carrying of an umbrella while a Marine is in uniform.

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However, female Marines 'may carry an all-black, plain standard or collapsible umbrella at their option during inclement weather with the service and dress uniforms. It will be carried in the left hand so that the hand salute can be properly rendered.'
 

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-Adapted from Daily Mail