Desert Camouflage & Navy Uniform Regulations
The U.S. Navy has a number of uniforms, many of which a service member might be required to wear at some point. Each uniform has its own regulations, and it is sometimes difficult to keep up with what is required for each. Since the Navy's switch to camouflage uniforms, even more questions have arisen about appropriate dress. The Desert Camouflage Utilities (DCUs) are rarely worn, and sailors are often unsure about the regulations attached to them.
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When to Wear
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The Desert Camouflage Utilities are not the default uniform of the U.S. Navy. They are worn only at certain duty stations. These are generally locations that have a hot and arid climate; for example, a sailor stationed in Iraq would probably be required to wear the Desert Camouflage Utilities. The commanding officer of the duty station will inform a sailor if this uniform is required, or will give the sailor permission to use it.
Sewing
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Anything that needs to be sewn onto the Desert Camouflage Utilities should be done in a certain color thread. Almost everything should be sewn on with brown thread, with a few exceptions. Sailors should use black thread for collar insignia, unless they are an ensign, lieutenant commander, or W2-W4. These sailors should use either the brown thread (ensigns and lieutenant commanders), a combination of green and brown (W2), or a combination of green and black (W3, W4). White name tapes should be used.
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Other Clothing
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All hats and helmets will be approved by the individual command, and will sport a desert camouflage pattern. As for supplemental clothing, sailors should wear tan undershirts, black or green socks, brown boots (with brown laces), and black belts. Sailors are permitted to wear the Marine Corps brown sweater between their undershirt and utility shirt.
Grooming
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As with any other station, personal grooming must hold up to Navy standards. All uniforms should be washed regularly. Men's hair should be cut above their ears, and women should sport conservative haircuts. Mustaches must fall within regulation style and length, and beards are not permitted. Women should wear only natural-looking makeup.
Replacement
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In 2009, the Navy began switching over to the New Working Uniform, which replaces several uniforms with a single camouflage one. This was done to help conserve space while on deployment, as well as to create unity with other branches of the armed services. The Desert Camouflage Utility, however, is not one of the uniforms replaced at that time. The Navy plans to issue a new new Working Uniform to replace the Desert Camouflage Utilities around 2011.
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References
- Photo Credit us navy granite image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
