Desert Camouflage and Navy Uniform Regulations

All branches of the U.S. military have different uniforms for different situations. The Navy is no exception to this rule. There are dress uniforms, day-to-day uniforms and seasonal uniforms. In addition there are situational uniforms for special circumstances. There are regulations for all of them and they are quite extensive.

• The wearing of the desert utilities will only be by order of the commanding officer of the station where the sailor is stationed. Typically this will not be in normal Navy personnel stations. The uniform can be worn to and from duty or to run small side errands in doing so. Any other type of clothing such as hats will be a local command decision and will also have a desert camouflage pattern. All other clothing will include tan undershirts, black or green socks, brown boots with brown laces and black belts.


• All personnel must have personal grooming that meets with Navy regulations as well. The uniforms must be washed on a regular basis. Their hair should be cut above the ears and women should have conservative haircuts. There is to be no beards and if any mustaches they must be within regulations specified. Females should only use natural makeup.


• All branches are going to a unified single camouflage uniform in 2011. The current desert camouflage utility will be replaced with that one at that time.


• All materials and insignia that must be sewn on the utility uniform must be done with a certain color thread. Most of these will be with brown thread with a few exceptions. Those are specified with the insignia being sewn on.