The Desert Naval Uniform Regulations

The United States Navy has a variety of uniforms for different occasions, including a desert uniform. Navy regulations specify the conditions under which service members must wear this uniform. The conditions for wearing a desert uniform are strictly enforced, and there are generally few exceptions.

Appearance

The desert uniform for the United States Navy is brown with a camouflage pattern. All outer clothing has this coloration, including the coat, jacket, pants and shirt. A desert uniform also has accessories such as hats, caps and helmet covers. Undergarments such as socks and undershirts need to be brown or olive green. The footwear for a desert uniform must be brown boots.

Occasions

Naval personnel generally must wear the desert naval uniform in combat zones or when performing physical labor in the field. They may also be required to wear this uniform when they are assigned to a joint command. Camouflage uniforms such as desert naval uniforms may be not worn while off-duty.

Exceptions

Authorized personnel such as superior officers may grant exceptions for the wearing of a desert naval uniform under specific circumstances. This may include wearing an outer shirt during cold weather or modifying the uniform to accommodate a pregnancy. Service members may not wear a desert naval uniform outside regulations without explicit approval.

Changes

The regulations for wearing a desert naval uniform are subject to periodic change. The most recent set of changes has been made, but has not yet been released as of 2011.