PHS Uniform Component Availability Update

Navy Uniform Support Center (USC) is aware of the PHS uniform component shortages and is aggressively working to replenish stock at the Call Center and in local sales outlets. Their inventories, as well as those immediately available from suppliers, are not able to keep pace with the demand. By the beginning of next week, USC hopes to have inventory levels that will support the ongoing requirements. They have placed very large orders for all PHS related insignia items in light of the recent events on the Gulf Coast. Everyone involved is actively adjusting production schedules to build inventory far above the amounts called for in conjunction with historical data. Your patience is appreciated.

USC realizes there will be individuals deployed in the short term without some of the requested and required items. Therefore, USC is also aggressively working to get the new PHS black BDU T-shirts with YELLOW seal and lettering and PHS command ball cap expedited with a possible delivery in 2 weeks. The transition period for the PHS black T-shirt is until January 1, 2006, during which time the Army brown T-shirt is still authorized.

USC understands that there are also actions in progress to get local sales outlets in this impacted region functional as quickly as possible. USC will ensure these PHS items required to support the deployed individuals in those areas will be available to them.

The only authorized PHS command ball cap will be available through USC, both at the Call Center and local stores. This is the same ball cap issued at the Presidential Inaugural deployment in January and is authorized. It has yellow "US PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE" lettering in an arch over the front panel of the hat. No other colors, embroidery, or seals appear on the authorized ball cap. Other "PHS" ball cap sources, such as Lighthouse, Device Center, and COA Branches, sell "PHS" caps as "Pride" items, not for official uniform wear. Updates on availability will be communicated as soon as available, at which time officers will be able to place orders with USC.

Officers deploying are to be in PROPER and COMPLETE uniform while on duty. This means all the proper components. Only complete uniforms are to be worn. For the BDU this includes: cloth rank patch (on right) and PHS device patch (on left) on the collar points, USPHS tape above left pocket, name tape above right pocket, brown or PHS black T-shirt, BDU pants bloused in black combat boots, utility coat worn untucked, and Navy/Marine cammo cap with full size bright rank device centered on the front face panel. No other additions, omissions or substitutions are proper. If you do not have all the components of the BDU, do not wear it. The working khaki (poly/wool or poly/cotton versions) is authorized for this deployment.

The PHS black ball cap is authorized for this deployment only if the Commander of the PHS unit with authority designates and ALL the officers on the team have the ball cap. Otherwise, all officers on the team will wear the Navy/Marine cammo cap.

 

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