NSCC/NLCC Uniform Manual: Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL REGULATIONS

1101.1 POLICY. The purpose of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Uniform Regulations is to:

Provide descriptions of all authorized U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) uniforms and components.

Provide guidance for prescribing uniform wear in order to present a uniform image, Corps wide.

Ensure that NSCC personnel present a proud and professional appearance that will reflect positively on the individual, the NSCC, the maritime services, and the United States .

The Executive Director will periodically issue changes and updates to these regulations, primarily to keep the Corps uniform policy consistent with the U.S. Navy's and to meet the Corps requirements.

NSCC personnel (officers, uniformed instructors, midshipmen and cadets) are authorized to wear appropriately modified versions of some, BUT NOT ALL, uniforms prescribed in U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665[current release]). The modifications will be such as to clearly identify the wearer as a member of the Naval Sea Cadets Corps. Uniforms, insignia or other uniform devices not specifically addressed in these NSCC Uniform Regulations are prohibited.

Uniformity within the unit is paramount. It is the Corps goal to have all unit members in like uniforms. The very word “uniform”-one form, implies a desire for a common, correct and appropriate dress for military attire.

1101.2 APPLICABILITY. The provisions of this manual apply to all personnel who are authorized to wear the NSCC uniform or the alternative NSCC civilian attire. It is issued for information and guidance, and compliance is required when wearing NSCC uniforms.

1101.3 DEFINITION. Uniform - the dress of a unique or distinctive design, worn by members of a particular group, and serving as a means of identification.

1101.4 ENFORCEMENT. These regulations describe authorized NSCC uniforms. NSCC uniforms are distinctive visual evidence of the authority and responsibility vested in the Corps by the Navy. The Executive Director is the prescribing authority that determines when and where the uniforms in this manual are appropriate to wear. Uniforms and components shall be worn as described in these regulations. NSCC personnel must present a proud and professional appearance that will reflect positively on the individual, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the maritime military services and the United States . All personnel shall comply with these regulations. Exemplary military appearance should be the norm for all NSCC uniformed and non-uniformed personnel. All adult leaders and cadets must take in upon themselves to ensure that uniforms are worn correctly, are in good physical condition and are replaced as they become unserviceable. Additionally all NSCC are required to comply with published height/weight standards so as to appropriately reflect the respect for our country's and our Navy's uniform.

1101.5 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Unique requirements: NSCC personnel should reference U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665[current release]) or host military commands for amplification of certain uniform issues, i.e., uniform fabric or other restrictions associated with the wearing of NSCC uniforms aboard ships, etc.

Seasonal or other local restrictions: To the extent possible, NSCC personnel will conform to the uniform policy established by the cognizant Navy Area Coordination Authority. In attempting to comply with Navy Area Coordination Authorities, and others charged with enforcing uniform policy, NSCC NHQ Representatives and Regional Directors should bear in mind that NSCC personnel receive no uniform allowance, or any other reimbursement to defray costs of uniforms. They cannot authorize, locally, the wearing of uniforms that are not authorized in this manual.

Demeanor in Uniform: It is inappropriate for NSCC personnel, while in uniform, to walk or stand with their hands in their pockets as it detracts from military smartness. Additionally, NSCC personnel shall not smoke or use any tobacco product nor consume beverages or food while walking in uniform.

1102 - Headgear

1102.1 GENERAL. The cap or hat is considered an integral part of the uniform. Uniform headgear will not be required to be worn when ships are at sea outside harbor limits, except on specific watches specified by the Commanding Officer, and on special ceremonial occasions specified by the Commanding Officer or appropriate authority. Uniform headgear shall be worn in port, with suitable relaxations for appropriate work or when safety prohibits wear, i.e., foreign object damage (FOD).

1102.2 OUTDOOR WEAR. When outdoors, personnel in uniform shall remain covered at all times except when ordered to uncover, or during religious services not associated with a military ceremony. Personnel remain covered during invocations or other religious military ceremonies such as change of command, ships' commissioning and launchings, and military burials, etc. The chaplain conducting the religious ceremony will guide participants following the customs of their church.

1102.3 INDOOR WEAR. Indoors, personnel will normally remain uncovered at all times unless directed otherwise by appropriate authority for a special situation/event. An NSCC officer or cadet in a duty status and wearing a guard belt may only remove headgear indoors when entering dining, medical or FOD hazard areas or where religious services are being conducted.

1102.4 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES. Personnel are permitted to remove their cap or hat when traveling inside a private automobile off base. A cover shall be mandatory when entering/leaving or within a military reservation, except where the wearing of the cap is impracticable or hazardous, the good judgment of the individuals concerned may require the cap to be removed. A military cover may be removed when riding a bicycle on or off base. A safety helmet is recommended