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CHAPTER 1

GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY TO PRESCRIBE

SECTION 3: TRAVEL UNIFORM

SECTION 4: DIRECTIVES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO UNIFORMS

SECTION 5: UNIFORM STANDARDS

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1101 POLICY
1102 HISTORY
1103 ENFORCEMENT
1104 HEADGEAR
1105 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
1106 CLOTHING ALLOWANCES AND DEPOSITS

  1. GENERAL INFORMATION

  2. POLICY. The purpose of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Uniform Regulations is to: (1) Provide descriptions of all authorized U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) and Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) uniforms and components. (2) Provide guidance for prescribing uniform wear in order to present a uniform image across the NSCC. (3) 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 NSCC uniform policy consistent with the U.S. Navy's and to meet the organization’s requirements.

    1. Applicability. The provisions of this manual apply to all personnel who are authorized to wear the NSCC uniform or the alternative NSCC civilian attire. NSCC personnel (officers, 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 Series). The modifications will be such as to clearly identify the wearer as a member of the Naval Sea Cadets Corps. Wearing of uniforms, insignia or other uniform devices not specifically addressed in this or other NSCC manuals or instructions is prohibited.

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

  3. HISTORY. Since its inception in 1962, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps has had the honor and distinction of wearing the uniforms of the United States Navy. This uniform carries with it a long history and a sense of tradition. As the uniforms of the Navy continue to evolve, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps will continue to follow.

  4. ENFORCEMENT. These regulations describe the authorized NSCC/NLCC uniforms. NSCC uniforms are distinctive visual evidence of the authority and responsibility vested in the Naval Sea Cadet 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 only be worn as described in these regulations. Additionally all NSCC personnel 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.

  5. HEADGEAR

    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 or on special ceremonial occasions specified by the Commanding Officer or appropriate authority. Uniform headgear shall be worn in port or at drill locations, with suitable relaxations for appropriate work or when safety prohibits wear.

    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.

    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, FOD hazard areas or where religious services are being conducted.

    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 installation, except where the wearing of the cap by the driver is impracticable or hazardous, and the good judgment of the individuals concerned may require the cap to be removed. A military cover may be removed when riding a bicycle or motorcycle on or off base. A safety helmet is required in its place.

  6. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

    1. Unique requirements. NSCC personnel should reference U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations (NAVPERS 15665[Series]) or host military commands for amplification of certain uniform issues, such as uniform fabric or other restrictions associated with the wearing of NSCC uniforms aboard ships.

    2. Demeanor in Uniform. It is inappropriate for NSCC personnel, while in uniform, to walk or stand with their hands in their pockets, use any tobacco products, consume beverages or food, or wear headphones while walking in uniform, as it detracts from military smartness. The use of mobile phones or personal electronic devices should never interfere with the ability to render a proper salute, interfere with operations security, or personal safety.

    3. Shipboard Wear. The wearing of certain types of uniforms in a shipboard environment should be considered. Specific items like polyester materials, Corfam/Patent Leather shoes, and skirts require special consideration and should be reviewed and/or approved with the prescribing authority prior to boarding ships.

  7. CLOTHING ALLOWANCES AND DEPOSITS. NSCC members are not entitled to nor receive any allowance for the purchase of uniforms. A uniform deposit may be collected from the member and will be returned to the individual at the time of disenrollment or discharge when all items issued are returned within a reasonable time.

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY TO PRESCRIBE

1201 GENERAL
1202 PRESCRIBING AUTHORITY
1203 CHAIN OF COMMAND
1204 PRESCRIBED UNIFORMS
1205 REGULATIONS

  1. AUTHORITY TO PRESCRIBE

  2. GENERAL. NSCC personnel shall wear the uniform of their respective rate or rank as prescribed by the designated uniform prescribing authority.

  3. PRESCRIBING AUTHORITY. In accordance with OPNAVINST 5760.5(Series), the Secretary of the Navy has authorized members of the Sea Cadets to wear appropriately modified versions of the Navy officer, midshipman, and enlisted uniforms as prescribed in the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations. Additionally, cadets may wear previously authorized Navy uniforms that may not be currently in use. The modifications, designed to clearly identify the wearer as a member of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, are issued by the Executive Director, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and approved by COMNAVCRUITCOM. Navy and Naval Reserve personnel, including retired personnel, may wear their Navy uniforms when participating in the program.

  4. CHAIN OF COMMAND. The chain of command, NHQ Representatives, Regional Directors, and Unit Commanding Officers will ensure compliance with uniform policy, as issued by the prescribing authority. This includes all occasions when personnel are in uniform, whether at drill locations, training evolutions, or transiting to any such evolution.

  5. PRESCRIBED UNIFORMS. Prescribing authorities select uniforms, the individual does not. It is essential that suitable uniforms for ship and shore, dress and work are prescribed. Each unit commanding officer should consider its unique drill environments, tenant commands, climatic conditions, geographic location and public exposure. Generally, there will be only one uniform of the day authorized for wear at a given time and location. All NSCC personnel must wear either the uniform of the day or appropriate civilian attire prescribed by the activity's prescribing authority. Military and civilian attire must present a neatly groomed and socially acceptable appearance. When warranted by local circumstances, the prescribing authority may prescribe an alternate uniform. In that case, only the minimum number of uniforms required to meet local conditions will be prescribed. A specific uniform will be prescribed for functions involving the civilian community. Unit Commanding Officers may address special uniform requirements to the Executive Director, if a waiver is necessary, via the chain of command.

  6. REGULATIONS. To the extent possible, NSCC personnel will conform to the uniform policy established by the local cognizant naval authority. In attempting to comply with local naval authority, and others charged with enforcing uniform policy, 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.

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS

SECTION 3: TRAVEL UNIFORM

1301 GENERAL
1302 ADVANCED TRAINING
1303 GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION
1304 COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION
1305 COMMUTING

  1. TRAVEL UNIFORM

  2. GENERAL. When traveling to and from drill locations and authorized NSCC activities, the uniform of the day should be worn.

  3. ADVANCED TRAINING. For travel within a region, wear either the uniform of the day as prescribed for destination or Service Dress uniform for the entire trip. For travel between regions, appropriate civilian attire is authorized. A change to the uniform of the day at destination is required to conduct business, or Service Dress uniform may be worn for the entire trip. Working uniforms are not normally authorized for travel, but Regional Directors may authorize working uniforms within specific geographic regions or situations when warranted by local conditions.

  4. GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION. NSCC personnel traveling aboard any military aircraft, bus, van, etc., will wear the appropriate uniform or civilian attire as prescribed by the aircraft commander, vehicle driver, etc. Those who wear a uniform will observe regional travel requirements. NSCC personnel must ensure that their dress or personal appearance is appropriate for the occasion and conforms to required standards set forth in Chapter SEVEN. Members wearing civilian clothing will ensure it is warm enough for in-flight operations, route and/or destination.

  5. COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION. In line with Navy and Department of Defense policy, when traveling on commercial flights, buses and trains to and from advanced training, NSCC personnel will wear appropriate civilian clothing, unless otherwise directed by appropriate authority. Uniforms will never be worn on international travel. Personnel should verify the uniform of the day at the point of arrival.

  6. COMMUTING

    1. General. The prescribing authority may authorize working uniforms, for commuting to and from drill locations. Commuting is defined as a direct route from place of residence to place of drill by means of a private vehicle.

    2. Authorized Brief Stops. Working uniforms may also be worn for brief and appropriate stops off-base during commutes, such as:

      1. Obtaining gas or other essential driving aids
      2. Picking up/dropping off dry-cleaning;
      3. Automatic teller machines;
      4. Picking up vehicles at repair shops or gas stations;
      5. Drive-thru windows where exiting the vehicle is not required;
      6. Convenience store or drug stores; and
      7. Business conducted in financial institutions.

    3. Unauthorized Stops. NSCC members are prohibited from wearing working uniforms as a liberty uniform off-base or during inappropriate circumstances such as:

      1. Restaurants, pizza parlors, bars, lounges, etc.;
      2. When dealing with public officials (police, courthouse, attorneys);
      3. While attending school classes or activities;
      4. Commercial airports, bus, or train stations for travel or entering to pick up or drop off passengers;
      5. Retail/rental stores, shopping malls, and shops for shopping or paying bills;
      6. Grocery stores/supermarkets;
      7. Movie theaters, mini-golf, or other similar entertainment/ recreational or sporting activities.

    4. Organizational Clothing. Wear of organizational clothing, such as Navy coveralls, foul weather coats, etc., are not authorized while commuting.

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS

SECTION 4: DIRECTIVES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO UNIFORMS

1401 GENERAL
1402 NSCC REGULATIONS
1403 OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5760.5(Series)
1404 DISTINCTIVE INSIGNIA

  1. DIRECTIVES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO UNIFORMS

  2. GENERAL. Various regulations and amplifying directives issued by competent authorities govern the wear of Navy uniforms by NSCC personnel.

  3. NSCC REGULATIONS. NSCC Regulations, Chapter FOURTEEN applies:

    1. Section 1410.1 NSCC cadets, officers, instructors and midshipmen are authorized to wear Navy uniforms appropriately modified by NSCC insignia, so as to clearly identify the wearer as a member of NSCC. Failure to wear the appropriate NSCC insignia is grounds for dismissal from the NSCC.

    2. Section 1411.2 Cadets who willfully fail to comply with NSCC Uniform Regulations will be separated from the NSCC. Commanding officers may take this action without the concurrence of National Headquarters.

  4. OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5760.5 (SERIES). The Secretary of the Navy has authorized members of the Sea Cadets to wear appropriately modified versions of the Navy officer, midshipman, and enlisted uniforms as prescribed in the U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations. Additionally, cadets may wear previously authorized Navy uniforms that may not be currently in use. The modifications, designed to clearly identify the wearer as a member of the Sea Cadets, are issued by the Executive Director, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and approved by COMNAVCRUITCOM. Navy and Naval Reserve personnel, including retired personnel, may wear their Navy uniforms when participating in the program.

  5. DISTINCTIVE INSIGNIA

    1. NSCC Regulations

      1. Section 1430.1: NSCC insignia will be worn to modify Navy uniforms as prescribed in NSCC Uniform Regulations. Wearing of NSCC insignia is mandatory.

      2. Section 1431.2: The wearing of Navy uniform insignia, other than authorized rank insignia and earned Navy/Coast Guard/DOD ribbon awards, breast insignia and appurtenances, is not permitted.

    2. Placement. Proper type and placement of distinctive NSCC insignia is outlined in Chapter FOUR of this manual.

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS

SECTION 5: UNIFORM STANDARDS

1501 STANDARD PHRASEOLOGY
1502 REGULATION CLOTHING AND INSIGNIA
1503 UNIFORM REVIEW

  1. UNIFORM STANDARDS

  2. STANDARD PHRASEOLOGY. When making official references to the uniforms, insignia, and grooming standards in any official publication, the terms set forth in these regulations shall be used.

    1. Basic Uniform Components. Uniform items required as part of the basic uniform. These are the minimum items which must be worn unless the prescribing authority directs otherwise.

    2. Prescribable Items. Uniform items which may be directed or authorized for wear with the basic uniform. Prescribable items may be worn with basic uniform at the individual's discretion unless otherwise directed.

    3. Optional Items. Uniform items which may be worn with the basic uniform, but which are not prescribable. Optional items may be worn with the basic uniform at the individual's discretion unless otherwise directed.

    4. Conspicuous. Obvious to the eye, attracting attention, striking, bright in color, should blend with (not stand out from) a professional appearance in uniform. What is conspicuous on one person may not be noticeable on another. If attention is naturally drawn to or distracted from the professional appearance, it is conspicuous.

    5. Conservative. Not conspicuous or detracting from the professional appearance while in uniform.

    6. Faddish. A style followed for a short period of time with exaggerated zeal. Styles are enduring; fads are generally short in duration and frequently started by an individual or event in the civilian community. Fads are generally conspicuous and detract from a professional appearance.

    7. Complements Skin Tone. A conservative color which contributes to the wearer's natural skin tone. Conservative colors are generally inconspicuous and do not detract from a professional appearance in uniform.

    8. Phase-Out. Discontinue wear, no longer issued or authorized.

  3. REGULATION CLOTHING AND INSIGNIA

    1. Label. Uniform clothing, equipment and accessories issued or sold through the Navy Supply System are labeled accordingly as regulation issue.

    2. Certification. All other uniform components and accessories will conform to the specifications for regulation items. The purchaser is responsible for ensuring that each garment meets approved specifications. Garments should have a label that certifies them to be regulation.

    3. Commercial Resources. In the cases of smaller cadets, uniform components acquired from commercial sources should conform to all military specifications regarding style, and appearance. The purchaser is responsible for ensuring that each garment meets approved specifications.

    4. Insignia. NSCC insignia is procured commercially from the sole-source providers contracted by National Headquarters. These are the only source for official NSCC insignia.

  4. UNIFORM REVIEW. The Executive Director is responsible for reviewing NSCC uniform matters, with input from the field, to evaluate suitability of current uniforms and those proposed for replacement. At the Executive Director’s discretion uniforms may be phased-out or new and/or replacement uniforms authorized and incorporated into this manual that are required or developed by the U. S. Navy.