Workforce Policy and Plans Division, Office of Commissioned Corps Force Management
Please note:Any uniform questions can be sent electronically to LCDR Lyons at
james.lyons@hhs.gov or 240-453-6098
The nomination period for membership on the Uniform Advisory Committee (UAC) has ended. Officers who have been chosen will be notified shortly. As noted previously, not all professional categories or Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Operating Divisions, Staff Divisions, or non-HHS organizations to which Corps officers are assigned will be individually represented. Representation for the Professional Advisory Committees, the Surgeon General’s Policy Advisory Council, and the Junior Officer Advisory Group will include officers who will brief their respective constituents and provide a conduit to the UAC membership for consideration of comments or questions.
| Q: | Are Corps officers permitted to wear anodized medals on the ceremonial uniforms? |
| A: | For those who aren’t sure what anodized medals look like, here is a graphic depiction of the difference between an anodized medal and a standard (oxidized) medal.
Also, in reference to anodization, the mixing of anodized and oxidized skill or breast badges is also not authorized. Most badges come in either anodized or oxidized version and both versions are authorized for wear; however they must be of the same luster. For instance, any badge worn with the Field Medical Readiness Badge (FMRB), due to the FMRB being anodized gold, the other badge must also be anodized.
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| Q: |
I came into the Corps many years ago and I still have a sewn gold bullion Cap Device
for my combination cover. Is this authorized? |
| A: |
No, per Commissioned Corps Instruction (CC26.3.6), “Insignia and Devices,” dated
1 March 2009, section 6-5a, “Embroidered or sewn cap devices are not authorized.”
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| Q: | What are the rules for the Modified Service Dress Blue (MSDB) Sweater? |
| A: |
In most instances, the rules for the MSDB Sweater are pretty cut and dry. An officer may elect to remove the Service Dress Blue Jacket in his/her immediate office space or vicinity. Vicinity is usually defined as same floor or area that the office is in. This does not include going upstairs to visit another office, or going downstairs to the galley. Also, one cannot go outside with no jacket and wearing the combination cover (or no cover, as the case may be). The MSDB Jacket or Sweater may be worn pretty much anywhere, including outdoors. This is not appropriate for wear to high level meetings, ceremonies, or any other situations which would normally call for the complete Service Dress Blue uniform.
Nametags, ribbons, or other accoutrements/metal insignia are not worn on the Dress Shirt. Shoulder marks (soft shoulder boards) are required at all times. Male officers may elect to wear a tie bar/tack with appropriate insignia (Corps device or miniature rank insignia) or cufflinks (plain gold or Corps device), as an option.
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| Q: | In reference to the Corps’ ribbons/medals, what is the proper order of precedence, and can you show a picture of each ribbon? |
| A: | Ribbons and medals are always worn with the basic level of precedence, Individual Honor, Unit, Campaign/Service, and Training. Per CC26.3.3, “Wear of Ribbons and Medals,” dated 28 August 2008, the official order of Corps awards is as follows:
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HHS, Office of Public Health and Science |