1501 - Uniform Standards

CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS

SECTION 5:	UNIFORM STANDARDS	Article

1.	STANDARD PHRASEOLOGY	1501.1
2.	REGULATION CLOTHING AND INSIGNIA	1501.2
3.	AUTHORIZED FABRICS	1501.3
4.	SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARD SAMPLES	1501.4
5.	UNIFORM REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT	1501.5
6.	CONTINUING REVIEW	1501.6

1501. UNIFORM STANDARDS

1. STANDARD PHRASEOLOGY. When making official references to the uniforms, insignia, and grooming standards in any official publication, the terms set forth in these regulations shall be used.

a. Basic Uniform Components. Uniform items required as part of the basic uniform. These are the minimum items which must be worn unless the prescribing authority directs otherwise.

b. Prescribable Items. Uniform items which may be directed or authorized for wear with the basic uniform. Prescribable items may be worn with basic uniform at the individual's discretion unless otherwise directed.

c. Optional Items. Uniform items purchased at the wearer's expense, which may be worn with the basic uniform, but which are not prescribable. Optional items may be worn with the basic uniform at the individual's discretion unless otherwise directed.

d. Conspicuous. Obvious to the eye, attracting attention, striking, bright in color. Should blend with (not stand out from) a professional appearance in uniform. What is conspicuous on one person may not be noticeable on another. If attention is naturally drawn to or distracted from the professional appearance, it is conspicuous.

e. Conservative. Not conspicuous or detracting from the professional appearance while in uniform.

f. Faddish. A style followed for a short period of time with exaggerated zeal. Styles are enduring, fads are generally short in duration and frequently started by an individual or event in the civilian community. Fads are generally conspicuous and detract from a professional appearance.

g. Compliments Skin Tone. A conservative color which contributes to the wearer's natural skin tone. Conservative colors are generally inconspicuous and do not detract from a professional appearance in uniform.

h. Phase-Out. Discontinue wear.

2. REGULATION CLOTHING AND INSIGNIA

a. LABEL. Uniform clothing, equipment and accessories issued or sold through the Navy Supply System are regulation and will be labeled like the following sample:

Name: Name: Service No.:
Trousers, Blue, 100% Wool Serge
Contract No.: DSA 100-00-0-000
Name of Supplier: The Trouser
Manufacturer

b. CERTIFICATION. All other uniform components and accessories will conform to the specifications for regulation items. The purchaser is responsible for ensuring that each garment meets approved specifications. Garments having the following label are certified to be regulation:

This garment is warranted to meet or exceed the requirements established by the U.S. Navy Certification Program and was produced under certification #00-000-00 for basic materials warranted by the manufacturer to have been produced in accordance with sample under current certification.

UNIFORM CERTIFICATION

All authorized insignia shall be stamped with a certification number and the following information will be included on packaging:

U.S. NAVY CERTIFICATION #0-000

This item is warranted by the manufacturer to meet the applicable government requirements.

Where gold or silver are specified for insignia, synthetic metal base substitutes, certified by Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, are authorized.

Uniform components acquired from other than Navy approved sources must conform to all military specifications regarding fabric, style, and appearance. The purchaser is responsible for ensuring that each garment meets approved specifications.

3. AUTHORIZED FABRICS

a. Only those fabrics which are approved by the Chief of Naval Operations are authorized for the manufacture of naval uniforms. Presently approved fabrics are listed on <Table 3-1-3>.

4. SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARD SAMPLES

a. The Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command ensures that specifications for all articles of uniform and insignia prescribed for naval personnel are prepared and maintained for approval of the Chief of Naval Operations. The standard regulation samples of uniforms and insignia, made in accordance with military specifications and approved by the Chief of Naval Operations, shall be maintained at the U.S. Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility. All articles issued to personnel in the Navy must conform to the standard sample and its specification.

b. Regulation samples of enlisted uniforms may be requested from the Commander, Defense Personnel Support Center, 2800 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19101.

c. Specifications governing Navy uniform articles, insignia and accessories may be obtained from the Officer in Charge, Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Post Office Box 59, Natick, MA, 01760.

d. Do not deviate from the approved specifications without specific authorization of the Chief of Naval Operations.

5. UNIFORM REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT. The Chief of Naval Operations charged the Navy Uniform Board to continually review Navy uniform matters and use the following specific qualitative factors, applicable to all uniforms, to evaluate suitability of current uniforms and those proposed for replacement.

a. Versatility. Flexibility and adaptability in terms of:

(1) Number of personnel wearing uniforms.

(2) Varied climates.

b. Safety. The ability to protect and not present a hazard to personnel.

c. Ease of Maintenance. Laundering, cleaning, upkeep, and tailoring requirements.

d. Storage. Amount of space required for stowage.

e. Cost. Purchase price and maintenance costs.

f. Durability. Ability to present a neat appearance over a long period of time.

g. Tradition. Historical acceptance and longevity within the naval service.

h. Recognition. The ease with which observers recognize the uniform and the member's rank.

i. Military Appearance. How well the uniform displays a smart, crisp image.

j. Compatibility. Interchangeability among other uniform components.

k. Contemporary Appearance. Attitude of military members toward the uniform.

l. Comfort. Perceived physical satisfaction during wear.

6. CONTINUING REVIEW. The Navy Uniform Board will continually review the uniform situation in the Navy. Significant changes in styles, technical improvements in fabrics, problems reported by field commanders, and wearer's views will be considered in the review.