Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (Corps) Uniforms Submitted by LT Kyle Lyons, Uniform Policy Coordinator, 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   Q:  Where are officers supposed to wear pagers, cell phones, or personal data assistants (PDAs) while in uniform? A:  Officers may wear pagers, cell phones, or PDAs that are issued by the government, on the hip of any service or working uniform, behind the elbow. However, the item must be placed as not to be visible from the front. When wearing a dress uniform, the item must not be visible from any angle and not bulge or protrude from the fabric of the uniform (See http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM26_3_1.pdf) Q:  When can I start wearing the Navy Working Uniform (NWU)?  A:  At this time, a formal decision or policy has not been determined as to if or when the Corps may go to the NWU. The current Woodland Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) is not being phased out by the other services for at least another 24 to 36 months. Supplies may be limited at local uniform shops, but the Defense Supply Center, Navy Exchange (NEX) and the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) have assured us that there are ample supplies for online orders. Q:  May the black PHS t-shirt be worn off duty? A:  Yes, the PHS t-shirt worn with the BDUs may be worn off duty with civilian clothes, as can the Command Ball Cap without rank or bill ornamentation. Sweaters, jackets, coats, and other uniform components may be worn also with civilian clothes as long as there are no rank or distinctive uniform insignias worn as well.  Q:  What is the phase-out date for the Army Cardigan sweater?   A:  Both the Army Cardigan and Pull-over sweater will phase out and no longer be authorized effective 1 January 2009 (See http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/POM08_001.pdf)  Q:  Is there a specific way female officers are supposed to wear the belt?    A:  Besides ensuring the belt is through all of the loops on the uniform item, female officers are to wear the gold tip end of the belt to the RIGHT of the buckle (See http://dcp.psc.gov/eccis/documents/CCPM26_3_5.pdf)

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