Washington, DC - The Navy announced several updates to Navy uniform policy and several uniform initiatives in NAVADMIN 310/17, December 22.
Policy updates include Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) qualification insignia, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) identification badge, Navy Working Uniform Type II and III (NWU Type II/III) embroidered shoulder patches, Navy Career Counselor identification badge, black v-neck pullover sweater, and revised occasion for wear of the NWU.
The following policy updates are effective immediately:
EDOs who have completed the Engineering Duty Qualification Program, to include command responsibilities and qualification standards, are authorized to wear the EDO breast insignia. Specifications, eligibility and availability of the EDO qualification insignia is clarified in this NAVADMIN.
Sailors assigned as staff members to NORAD are authorized to optionally wear the NORAD identification badge during the duration of their assignment.
Embroidered Navy-certified subdued matching NWU Type II and NWU Type III pattern "Don't Tread On Me" and reverse U.S. flag patches are authorized for optional non-tactical wear in garrison at unit commander discretion. Patches are available for purchase at Navy Exchange Uniform Centers and Uniform Call Centers beginning February 2018.
Authorized wear of the Navy Career Counselor identification badge is extended to qualified Full Time Support instructors of the two-week Reserve Career Information Course.
The black V-neck pullover sweater is designated as a unisex component authorized for wear by male and female Sailors. Manner and occasion for wear remains the same.
The policy governing the occasion for wear of NWUs is revised as follows: wear of NWUs is authorized for commuting and all normal tasks and associated short stops (i.e. child care, gas station, off-base shopping, banking and dining) before, during and after the workday. The NWU is not a liberty uniform. After working hours, NWU wear is not permitted while conducting official business when business attire is appropriate and participating in social events. Also, consumption of alcohol in NWUs on base is authorized except where regional commanders promulgate otherwise.
The following are Navy uniform initiative updates:
The 2017 Navy Boot Study is complete. Findings and recommendations from over 300 Sailors were reported to Navy leadership to support development of a short- and long-term solution for an improved general purpose safety boot. Future NAVADMINs will announce the progress and availability of the two safety boot enhancement projects.
The submarine sweater, worn by U.S. submarine Sailors since World War I, is an olive drab or brown, five-button, v-neck sweater made of 100 percent wool or 100 percent acrylic fabric. An improved design submarine sweater is being developed, but until it is available, submarine Sailors issued the original sweater as organizational clothing may continue to wear it under guidelines outlined in the NAVADMIN. The sweater is authorized for wear by personnel currently serving at Submarine Force commands or personnel serving at non-Submarine Force commands who are qualified in submarines.
The Navy Physical Fitness Uniform (PTU) is being enhanced with an optional running short, and a new color scheme and logo for the PTU shirt. A new design concept is under review and will be announced in a future NAVADMIN.
Lastly, upon Sailor feedback regarding Bates "LITE" dress shoe heel disintegration, Bates reformulated the chemical composition of sole material to rectify this defect and the Navy Exchange Command purged inventory of the affected shoes. Sailors who experience heel or sole failure (blowouts) of their dress shoes, or any other mechanical defect that occurs within 36 months of purchase from the Navy Exchange Uniform Centers, should return the shoes to the navy Exchange and address the issue with a uniform center associate.
