UNIFORM POLICY

The distinctive Navy uniform is visual evidence of the authority and responsibility vested in the individual by the United States Government. Frequent wearing of the uniform reflects the personal pride of all Navy personnel.

Uniform Requirements

The initial uniforms required by enlisted personnel will be provided at the recruit training centers.

All naval personnel should maintain their full requirement of authorized uniforms and are forbidden to possess or wear any other than the authorized uniform or insignia of their respective grade, corps, or rating or to wear decorations, medals, badges, or their ribbons in any way other than that prescribed. A listing of required uniforms can be found in chapter 7, Table 7-1-1 for enlisted males E-1 through E-6 and chapter 8, Table 8-1-1 for enlisted females E-1 through E-6 of the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations.

Traveling in Uniform

When traveling in uniform on leave, TAD, transfer, and so forth, the service dress blue uniform may be worn during any season of the year. If traveling within a geographic area, either the uniform of the day of the destination area or service dress blue should be worn as the travel uniform. If traveling between geographic areas, either the uniform of the day as prescribed for the destination or service dress blue should be worn as the travel uniform for the entire trip. Working uniforms are not normally authorized for official travel, but area coordinators may authorize working uniforms in specific geographic regions or situations when warranted by local conditions.

GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION.-

Navy personnel in a duty, leave, or liberty status will wear an appropriate uniform when traveling in any DOD owned or controlled aircraft unless civilian attire is authorized due to local extenuating circumstances for political or personal safety reasons or as required by the USAF Foreign Clearance Guide. This policy applies to personnel traveling on military and Military Airlift Command (MAC) contracted (Category B) civil aircraft departing from military airfields and commercial gateways.

COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION.-

When traveling on commercial international flights,

Navy personnel in a duty, leave, or liberty status will wear an appropriate uniform or civilian clothing as required by the USAF Foreign Clearance Guide. For travel in the United States, Navy personnel using a commercial mode of transportation may wear an appropriate uniform or civilian clothing.

COMMUTING.- The prescribing authority may authorize working uniforms for commuting to and from work. Commuting is defined as a direct route from place of residence to place of work by means of a private vehicle. No stops are authorized when commuting in a working uniform.

UNIFORM LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND DIRECTIVES

The wearing of the uniform by members of the naval service is governed by various laws, regulations, and amplifying directives issued by competent authority. Applicable laws may be found in the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations. Those regulations that are governed by Navy Regulations have been previously mentioned in this chapter.

CARE OF THE UNIFORM

The longest service of the various articles of the prescribed uniform can be obtained only by proper care and maintenance. No matter how well-fitting a uniform is when new, especially the coat, it will not continue to look its best or keep its shape unless it is carefully put on and kept buttoned. The carrying of large or heavy objects in the pockets will destroy the shape of the best uniform. Uniforms should always be kept on hangers when not in use. If uniforms are to be put away for a long time and left undisturbed, thoroughly clean, then pack away in an airtight plastic bag with a packet of desiccant (drying agent) enclosed to afford maximum protection.

The basic guideline in caring for the uniform is to keep the cloth clean. Dirt accelerates the rate of wear. Accordingly, prompt removal of spots and frequent washing and dry cleaning are recommended. In view of the use of synthetic fibers in some uniform articles, consult a professional cleaner before attempting to wash or clean any garments, if unfamiliar with the cloth.

Uniform Stencils

Articles of clothing should be legibly marked with the owner's name and service number, using black marking fluid for marking white clothes and chambray and utility blue shirts, and white marking fluid for marking blue clothes and dungaree trousers, or with indelible ink when labels are provided for the purpose. Markings should be made with a 1/2-inch stencil, stamp, or suitable black and white embroidery. If garment labels are provided, the name and service number should be legibly printed thereon. For male _{and female personnel E-1} - E-6, required articles of clothing and accessories should be marked according to U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations.

Transfer of Uniforms

No transfer or exchange of uniform clothing or enlisted personnel should be made without the authority of the CO.

Government-owned Uniforms

Government-owned clothing will be stenciled with the letters USN. In addition, to facilitate identification, a brief stenciled marking (letter, numeral, or combination of both) may be appended to the basic marking.

Organizational Clothing

Organizational clothing is any clothing that is issued to an individual by a naval activity on a loan basis and, therefore, remains the property of the Navy and is returned to the activity when the individual is transferred. Organizational clothing issued to personnel may be worn as required by prescribing authorities for specific work situations only.

CORRECT WEAR OF THE UNIFORM

As an MA, you will be most concerned with the general regulations for the correct wearing of clothing articles. A full listing of articles is found in chapters 3 through 8 of the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations.

SPECIAL UNIFORM SITUATIONS

Special uniform situations occur frequently throughout fleet units. As an MA endeavoring to enforce uniform regulations, you must be familiar with the regulations governing these special situations. The following are two examples of special uniform situations.

Reflectorized Materials

Reflectorized materials may be applied to the uniform and furnishings for night visibility when prescribed by competent authority.

Naval Personnel on Duty With Other Services

Naval personnel on duty with Army or Air Force organizations should wear naval uniforms appropriate to those prescribed for personnel of the service concerned. Refer to chapters 10 and 11 of the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations for more information on special uniform situations.