The Navy released an updated uniform policy Jan. 26, primarily affecting the eligibility to wear Navy Security Forces (NSF) identification and patches. Among them:
• Security limited duty and chief warrant officers, chief masters-at-arms, and corrections specialists can wear NSF badges and patches only when working in specific field-related jobs.
• April 1 is now the target date for distributing the new Navy Fitness Suit to recruits, because of production delays. The service had wanted to have the uniform ready by last Oct. 1.
• Pushing back the deadline for wearing alternate or unisex combination dress covers for female officers and chiefs to Oct. 31 2018 from Oct. 31, 2016.
• Allowing female officers and chiefs to wear men’s SDB trousers, until a suitable redesign of women’s trousers becomes available.
• Guidelines for the wear of SDB uniforms by enlisted sailors E-1 through E-6 and below, which include a bar on wearing the white hat.
• Guidelines for wearing rank on the Cold Weather Parka.