SMARTNESS

United States Navy personnel must set and maintain the high standards of smartness in uniform appearance. The military image reflected by attention to detail is a key element in the public image of the Navy. Uniforms should be kept scrupulously clean, with lace, devices, and insignia bright and free from tarnish and corrosion.

No articles, such as pencils, pens, watch chains, key chain fobs, pins, jewelry, handkerchiefs, combs, large wallets, cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or similar -items, should protrude from or be visible on the uniform. Jewelry, tie clasps, cuff links, shirt studs, and earrings should be worn as prescribed elsewhere in these regulations.

GLASSES

The following is guidance for wearing of eyewear. 

. Prescription glasses-No eccentric or faddish glasses are permitted. Retainer straps are not authorized except for safety or FOD prevention. 

l Sunglasses-Conservative sunglasses are permitted, except in military formations. Retainer straps are not authorized except for safety or FOD prevention. 

l Contact lenses-Tinted contact lenses must be a natural color (blue, green, brown).

UNDERGARMENTS

Appropriate undergarments will be worn to preserve the dignity and appearance of the uniform.

CIVILIAN CLOTHING

Officers and enlisted personnel are permitted to have civilian clothing in their possession at naval activities ashore when authorized by the prescribing authority. Personnel aboard ship may have civilian clothing when authorized by the CO. Such clothing may be authorized for wear while leaving or returning to ships or stations, while awaiting transportation after permission to leave the ship has been given, while on authorized leave of absence, liberty, or in any off-duty status ashore. Commands are authorized to suspend the privilege of wearing civilian clothing for individuals who do not wear civilian clothing as outlined in this section, or who fail to maintain adequate uniforms properly. Regional commanders and the senior officers present may suspend the privilege of wearing civilian clothing to meet local conditions.

CASUAL CIVILIAN ATTIRE

Naval personnel should make sure that their dress and personal appearance are appropriate for the occasion and will not discredit the Navy. Current styles and fashions are authorized.

Tank-top shirts, white undershirts worn as. outergarments, cutoff shorts, and shower sandals are appropriate civilian attire for occasions such as picnics, athletic events, and other casual daytime activities, otherwise these items are not acceptable within the confines of a military installation.

WEARING UNIFORM ARTICLES WITH CIVILIAN CLOTHES

Military personnel may wear the following military uniform articles with civilian clothing:

Command ball cap

Belts with/civilian buckles

Four-in-hand necktie

Gloves

Socks/hosiery

Shoes

Underwear

All-weather coat/raincoat without insignia

Windbreaker without insignia

Sweaters (cardigan and blue pullover (government issue)

Watch cap

Purse

DRUG ADVOCATION PROHIBITED

Wearing or displaying clothing, jewelry, tattoos, and so forth, depicting marijuana or any other controlled substance, or advocating drug abuse is prohibited at all times on any military installation or under any circumstance that is likely to discredit the Navy.

CIVILIAN CLOTHES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Naval personnel stationed overseas or on liberty are authorized to wear civilian clothing under the following conditions. Additionally, when considered appropriate by the prescribing authority under Article 12201.2 of the Navy Uniform Regulations, earrings may be prohibited while in foreign countries. . If the laws of a country prohibit wearing foreign uniforms, civilian clothing must be worn. l Personnel traveling in a foreign country may wear civilian clothes, but wearing civilian clothes should not conflict with Article 1301.6 of the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations. Prescribing authorities are responsible for setting civilian clothes guidelines appropriate for foreign countries.

SUMMARY

In this chapter we studied the rules and regulations governing the Navy. We discussed U.S. Navy Regulations in terms of purpose, rights, and responsibilities. Some of the general regulations in the Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (SORM) were listed. Leadership and petty officer authority were also examined. We looked at the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations for both men and women. Types and classes of uniforms were discussed as well as care, special situations, and uniforms for security personnel. Finally grooming standards for both men and women were covered.