Deck department sailors stand in formation for a seasonal dress uniform inspection aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway conducting Afloat Training Group 1.4 basic phase training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tommy Lamkin/Released)
NAVADMIN 164/12 announced the chief of naval operations’ (CNO) approval of a number of changes to uniforms and uniform wear policy.
“These uniform changes are the direct result of sailor and leadership feedback,” said Rear Adm. Tony Kurta, director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy. “Updating Navy uniforms is part of outfitting the 21st Century sailor, ensuring our sailors have practical uniforms they want and that represent our proud naval heritage while reflecting advances in clothing technology and design.”
An improved design of the male E1-E6 Service Dress Blue (SDB) Uniform, incorporating a side zipper on the jumper and a hidden center zipper on the trousers, is approved.
The uniform is scheduled to begin distribution in October 2015, at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, and Fleet availability is expected by October 2018.
The E1-E6 men’s and women’s Service Dress White (SDW) jumper approved design improvements include incorporating a side zipper, front and rear yoke, Navy blue piping on the flap, and sleeve cuffs with Navy blue piping and button fasteners.
The contemporary design for Service Dress Khaki (SDK) is approved for optional wear.
A number of changes to the Navy flight suit occasion and manner of wear are contained in the NAVADMIN, including changes to the approved colors for undershirts and aligning the manner of wear of the one-piece flight suit with the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I.
Among the changes to NWU policy approved in the NAVADMIN is the option to wear a nametape on the left shoulder pocket flap of the NWU Type I Parka, beginning July, 17. These nametapes will be purchased at the sailor’s expense during the optional period.
Nametapes will become mandatory Oct 1, 2013. Sailors will receive a clothing replacement allowance to help purchase one additional nametape for the parka.
Other changes to the NWU policy include the approval to wear as an optional item a nylon webbing rigger belt and NWU pattern foul weather Gore-Tex trousers. The optional rigger belt will be a one and three-fourth inch wide, one-piece adjustable nylon webbing, metal or plastic buckle. Belts worn by E-1 through E-6 personnel will be black, while belts worn by E-7 and above will be tan/khaki.
Sailors will be able to buy the NWU pattern foul weather Gore-Tex trousers for wear during inclement weather to and from home and work. Personally purchased trousers will not be worn to perform official or assigned duties. The trousers will be available for purchase at selected Navy Exchange Uniform Centers, on-line and 1-800 call centers beginning Oct. 1.
In June 2013, an optional redesigned khaki maternity blouse with adjustable waist tabs and slightly shorter length will be available in regular and long sizes. The blouse will become a mandatory, as needed, item in 2015.
The NAVADMIN also approved several insignia and badge additions and changes including standardizing the design and reducing the number of Navy Security Forces Identification badges from eight to three badges: U.S. Navy Security Forces, U.S. Navy Corrections Specialist and U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms.
A Strategic Sealift Officer Warfare Insignia (SSOWI) for wear by officers who have successfully completed the qualification requirements will be available May 2013. The United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) identification badge is authorized to be worn by officers and enlisted assigned to USCYBERCOM beginning July 17.
Also beginning July 17, the Marine Corps Combatant Diver (MCD) breast insignia is authorized for wear on Navy uniforms by sailors that successfully meet all qualification requirements stipulated in MILPERSMAN article 1220-101, (U.S. Marine Corps Marine Combatant Diver Breast Insignia and Designation).
Illustrations of the new uniform items and insignia, as well as instructions on how to submit uniform changes to the Uniform Board, can be found on the Navy Uniform Matters Office website.
For complete information on the approved uniform policy changes read NAVADMIN 164/12.
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From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
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