Navy Announces Rollout and Wear Dates for Upcoming Uniform Changes
09 October 2015
The Chief of Naval Personnel released NAVADMIN 236/15 Oct. 9, 2015, which announces several key uniform changes. The Navy has been working to meet Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' plans to redesign several uniform elements for Sailors that improve uniformity across the force as well as improve the function and fit of their uniforms. Several wear-tests have been conducted, and the Navy has incorporated Sailors' feedback into the final uniform and cover designs announced today.
NAVADMIN 236 provides detailed information on the upcoming uniform changes and rollout plans, including:
* Unisex covers:
o Effective immediately, the Alternative Combination Cover (ACC) and current male combination cover for officers and CPOs can now be worn by both men and women in service dress uniforms.
o The ACC is now available in Navy Exchange (NEX) Uniform Stores and through the call center.
o All Officers and Chiefs will be required to wear either the ACC or current male Combination Cover Oct. 31, 2016.
o The enlisted white hat, or Dixie Cup must be worn by E6 and below in service dress whites (Oct. 31, 2016) and service dress blue (Jan. 1, 2020).
o Recruit Training Command (RTC) will begin issuing the Dixie Cup to all recruits beginning April 2016.
* Redesigned E-6 & below Service Dress Blue (SDB).
o Beginning Oct. 1, 2016, Recruit Training Command (RTC) will begin issuing the redesigned SDBs for E6 and below.
o Jumper style for both men and women.
o The jumper will incorporate a side zipper and the slacks will have a front zipper to help with changing in and out of the uniform.
o Both men's and women's uniform pants will have the traditional 13 buttons, though they will not be functional.
o Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, the enlisted white hat, or Dixie Cup, must be worn by both men and women in the E-6 and below Service Dress Blue uniform.
o The redesigned uniform for men will be added to existing stock until the old style inventory is gone.
*Redesigned E-6 Service Dress White (SDW) with Navy Blue Piping
o New SDW for E6 and below with navy blue piping will be issued at RTC beginning Oct 1, 2017.
o Jumper style for both men and women.
o The jumper will incorporate a side zipper and the slacks will have a front zipper to help with changing in and out of the uniform.
o Mandatory wear date for SDW is Oct. 31, 2021.
o Beginning Oct. 31, 2016, the enlisted white hat, or Dixie Cup, must be worn by both men and women in the E-6 and below Service Dress Blue uniform.
* Choker style women's Officer and Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Service Dress White (SDW) Coat will be worn by both men and women.
o It will be available through Navy Exchange uniform stores and call center beginning Jan. 1, 2017.
o Mandatory wear date is Jan. 1, 2020.
o The ACC or current male combination cover will be worn with the new choker coat.
* Lightweight NWU Type I for Officers and Sailors
o Will be available April 2016 at NEX Uniform Centers in Guam and Hawaii, and through the call center for Diego Garcia and Singapore.
o Beginning Oct. 1, 2016 RTC will issue to recruits
o Sailors can wear these lighter NWU uniform items with all current NWU Type I uniform components.
o Gray-tinted garment label will used to identify the lighter version of the NWU Type I.
o Current NWU Type I will no longer be manufactured and the lightweight NWU Type I will become the standard uniform.
o The current NWU Type I will be phased out as stock is depleted.
* New Navy Fitness Suit for all Officers and Sailors.
o Navy Fitness Suit has dark blue jacket and pants with gold Navy logos and silver reflective piping. It is 100 percent nylon.
o May be worn off duty
o Will be issued to recruits at Great Lakes Beginning Oct. 1, 2016.
o The fitness suit will be available for purchase in NEX uniform stores and call center beginning January 2017.
o Mandatory wear date is Jan. 1, 2020
* Expansion of the allowable styles of purses that women may carry in uniform. Highlights include:
o Purses must be between 5 1/2 to 16 inches wide, 5 1/2 to 14 inches high, and 2 to 6 inches deep.
o Must match shoes in black, brown or white in leather or synthetic leather.
o Must match shoes in plain black, brown or white in leather or synthetic leather.
o Rectangular or square with zipper or magnetic closure with or without flap.
For more details on all the uniform changes and requirements see
NAVADMIN 236/15 at
www.npc.navy.mil