Workforce Policy and Plans Division, Office of Commissioned Corps Force Management
Please note: Any and all uniform questions can be sent electronically to phsccuniform@hhs.gov
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A: No. Only authorized outwear as defined in current policy (Windbreaker, Reefer, Bridge Coat or All-weather coat) is authorized for wear. The M-65 Field Jacket, Extreme Cold Weather System Jacket/Pants or the Foul-weather poncho is authorized for wear with the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and not with other service or working uniforms. Also, military style Aviator/Flight Jackets, Bomber Jackets or other similar items are not permitted for wear with any Corps uniform (unless an officer is in a current flying billet or detailed to another uniformed service that authorizes Corps officers to wear the items due to current flying status). Post-tour wear of Aviator/Flight Jackets is not authorized, regardless of previous flying status.
Q: Where can I find the current Uniform, Personal Appearance and Grooming Standard policies?
A: The current policies and Personnel Policy Memorandums (PPMs) or Personnel Operations Memorandums (POMs) may be found online at http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/CCISToc.aspx?ShowTOC=Y in the ‘Uniform’ tab on the left. You may enter a key word or search items based on current selection options. Questions or clarification to current policy may be directed to the Commissioned Corps Uniform Helpdesk at phsccuniform@hhs.gov.
Q: May I wear the Army cardigan sweater outside or to go out for an errand?
A: No, the Army cardigan can only be worn indoors in your immediate office/work area. The Army pull-over and the Navy sweater may be worn outside, to/from work, attending meetings outside of your work place, to run errands, etc.
Q: When attaching my garrison cap under my belt for wear, how it is supposed to be placed?
A: Depending on the side worn on the hip, determines which side is showing. If wearing the garrison on the right hip, the rank should be showing, conversely, if worn on the left hip, the miniature cap device is showing. The opening for your head should never be facing forward. Also, there is no regulation or requirement as to which side to place the garrison cap when wearing on the hip.
When wearing either the khaki or the blue garrison cap, the miniature shiny metal rank device is worn on the right side, and the miniature all gold cap device, is worn on the left. Note: The PHS collar device, which is worn on the left collar of the khaki or winter blue uniforms, is not worn on any cover.
Q: In the uniform regulations, what does ‘worn squarely on the head’ mean?
A: Combination covers are worn approximately ½ inch above the eyebrows, and are worn not to show the forehead.
Garrison caps are worn approximately ½ inch above the eyebrows and hair is not visible from the front. With the crown of the cap worn centered on the top of the head, fore and aft, between the eyebrows.
Command Ball cap and BDU cover is worn approximately ½ inch above the ears and bottom edge parallel to the deck.
Of course, every head is different and measurements may be slightly different for each person, as to not cover the eyes or create a hazard.
Covers should never be worn flattened on the head, be as low/tight on the head as to create a ‘bulge’ through the top of the material.
Crown material of the garrison cap should be as closed as possible.
Covers should not be ‘cocked’ to either side, or worn ‘Gomer Pyle’ style, tilted back on the head, exposing a large portion of the forehead.
A simple method to align ones cover is to place the cover upon the head and adjust the front portion of the cover using the index and middle finger and first knuckle of either hand. The first knuckle of the index finger is placed against the tip of your nose and the tip of the index finger barely touches the bottom front edge or bill of the associated cover.
See photographs below. Special thanks to LCDR Jill Eich, LCDR Corey Dahl, and LT Russell Graham.
Female Covers
Male Covers
