US Chief of Naval Operations Approves Uniform Changes

NORFOLK, Va. (Nov. 7, 2008) In this file photo, a sailor wears the Navy working uniform (NWU) while shopping at the Naval Air Station Oceana Navy Exchange. The NWU is intended for year-round wear and will be the standard working uniform ashore by October 2010. The NWU will replace working utilities, tropical working uniforms, wash khakis, winter working blue, aviation working green, and non-tactical/environmental usage of camouflage utility uniforms. Unless otherwise prescribed by the regional commander, the NWU is authorized to be worn at all facilities on base. (U.S. Navy Photo.)

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2009 -- The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) approved several uniform policy changes proposed by the Navy Uniform Board in NAVADMIN 271-09.

The changes include authorizing sailors to wear the aviation flight deck boots (non-spark safety boots) with the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) while outside the flight deck or flight line working environment.

Sailors must conform to official NWU manner of wear and the boots must present a well-maintained and professional appearance when worn with the NWU.

Sailors issued aviation flight deck boots are still required to purchase and maintain the black nine-inch NWU boot.

"The Uniform Board considers many suggestions and changes to uniforms and wear regulation," said Capt. Vince Drouillard, branch head within the Navy's personnel, plans and policy division. "These approved changes are the result of fleet feedback and research to ensure uniforms meet mission requirements and uphold Navy traditions."

Beginning Nov. 1, women are authorized cosmetic permanent makeup for eyebrows, eyeliner, lipstick and lip liner. The permanent makeup must be in good taste and blend naturally with the skin tone. Lipstick colors will be conservative and complement the sailor. Still prohibited are exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles.

The NAVADMIN states permanent makeup is an elective medical procedure accomplished by qualified medical professionals to enhance sailors' natural features. Sailors should carefully consider the risks and liabilities involved with the procedures and ensure they plan and research their options thoroughly.

"Sailors should be very familiar with the extent of the procedure, the possibilities of side affects, the potential need for time off for recovery and having a reputable organization and facility conduct any procedures," said Drouillard.

Guidelines for requesting the procedures and administrative guidance for sailors will be published in an upcoming NAVADMIN before the Nov. 1 implementation date.

In another change, sailors assigned to the staff of United States Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) are now authorized to wear the optional AFRICOM staff identification badge during their assignment to the command. The badge may be worn on all uniforms, with the exception of working uniforms.

Women will wear the badge centered one-quarter inch above the left pocket or one-quarter inch above authorized ribbons, medals and breast insignia. Men will wear the badge centered on the left breast pocket. Beginning immediately, the badge will be available for purchase through Navy Exchange Uniform Support Center by calling 800-368-4088 or 757-502-7450.

The NAVADMIN re-designates the Naval Air Crewman Qualification insignia as the Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist (NAC) insignia. The insignia description and composition remains the same and will be worn in the primary or secondary position as described in Uniform Regulations. Sailors will use NAC following their rate as their warfare designation (e.g. AW1 (NAC) Williams).

Qualified sailors can now wear a maximum of two warfare and qualification devices within a single category such as Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS), and NAC Warfare Specialist. Warfare insignia will continue to take precedence over qualification insignia as prescribed in uniform regulations.

(From a Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs news release.)