Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (Corps) Uniforms Submitted by LT Kyle Lyons, USPHS, Uniform Policy Coordinator, Workforce Policy and Plans Division, Office of Commissioned Corps Force Management Please note: Any uniform questions can be sent electronically to LT Lyons at james.lyons@hhs.gov or 240-453-6098     Spring and Summer Uniforms The transition to the spring and summer uniforms was effective 6 April 2009. Please see Personnel Operations Memorandum (POM) POM 09-002 for specific guidance. http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/POM09_002.pdf Q:  I was recently at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and I noticed several naval personnel wearing khaki shirts and black pants. Is this authorized in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (Corps)? A:  No. The uniform naval personnel were wearing is the new Navy Service Uniform which is for junior enlisted and petty officers only. This uniform is for E-1 through E-6 and is not worn by Chief Petty Officers (CPO) (E-7 through E-9), Warrant Officers, or Commissioned Officers in the Navy.  However, there has been some field testing by the Navy to possibly permit female officers, Warrant Officers, and CPOs to wear the untucked khaki blouse, similar to the picture above, with the regular service khaki uniforms. This is similar to uniform options in the Air Force and Army for female members. This has not been finalized by the Navy and no decision by the Corps has been sought, pending the outcome of the Navy’s wear-testing results. Q:  I recently saluted a more senior Corps officer and she saluted me while holding a coffee cup in her right hand. Is this appropriate? A:  No. Officers are reminded that unless they are carrying something in both arms/hands or there is some medical reason to carry items on the right side, then bags, purses, luggage and yes, coffee cups, are to be carried in the left hand, or in the case of bags, purses, and luggage, worn properly over the left shoulder. See Commissioned Corps Issuance, CC26.3.1, Uniforms and Appearance, at http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM26_3_1.pdf. Backpacks may only be worn on both shoulders if in a working uniform (Working Khaki, Battle Dress Uniform (BDU), Coveralls) or when riding a bicycle or motorcycle. Backpacks are not authorized for wear on both shoulders when wearing any service uniform (Service Khaki, Service Blue, Summer White, or Service Dress Blue/White). Q:  Which belt is worn with the coveralls? A:  The khaki belt is worn with the coveralls. You may wear either the plain cloth or the webbed belt. The gold tip and gold plain or decorated belt buckle is required. The buckle shall line up correctly with the ‘gig’ line of the zipper seam of the coveralls. Q:  I read in Navy Times that the Navy is doing away with the Command Ball Caps. Are we? A:  At this time, there are no plans to remove the Command Ball Cap from our sea bag. Officers are required to own the 8-point BDU cover as a required component of the BDUs. The Command Ball Cap is a prescribable item that may be required for wear, based on the needs of the mission, or as determined by the National Uniform Authority. Q:  Is the Working Khaki uniform authorized for routine daily wear in an office setting? A:  For routine daily wear, such as in a normal duty/office setting, in which the possibility of ruining or damaging a uniform is unlikely, the answer would be no. However, if the officer is involved in activities in which the uniform may become unduly soiled (e.g., field inspections, construction, working in austere or hazardous environments) or if officer safety is of a concern (e.g., protection from fire), the Working Khaki uniform or perhaps the BDU, may be appropriate. Q:  Are covers required when working near aircraft or on an active flight line? A:  No. Covers, be it garrison caps or Command Ball Caps, may cause catastrophic Foreign Object Damage (FOD) if inadvertently introduced into an aircraft engine. Covers are not to be worn when loading/unloading patients/materials near any aircraft with the engines/rotors in operation. Additionally, ID cards, lanyards, hairpieces, wigs, jewelry, and various other items may pose a FOD risk and should be removed as well.

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