CCPM Pamphlet No. 61, "Information on Uniforms" - available on line at the DCP website in 3 parts as PDF file at http://dcp.psc.gov/

US Navy "Uniform Regulations" - also available on line at http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/.www/subject.html#U

1. When can the Service Dress Blue uniform be worn?

The Service Dress Blue Uniform may be worn year round, when in travel status, while attending official meetings, representing PHS, participating in ceremonial activities, or in other appropriate circumstances. All officers are required to own and maintain a Service Dress Blue Uniform.

2. What is the difference between the Service Dress Blue Sweater Uniform and the Service Dress Blue Uniform?

The Service Dress Blue Sweater (SDBS) Uniform is worn during normal office work at the duty station. It is the same as the Service Dress Blue Uniform except the sweater is worn instead of the jacket. A necktie is required with both uniforms. The Blue Windbreaker Jacket is an authorized optional outer garment with the SDBS. Also, male officers may wear the Blue Garrison Cap with the SDBS. The White Combination Cap may be worn with either uniform. Female officers may wear the Beret or White Combination Cap with either uniform.

3. Some officers wear a uniform with a long sleeve dark-blue shirt that has an open collar. Is this an appropriate uniform?

Yes. The uniform described is the Winter Working Blue Uniform. Unlike the Winter Blue Uniform, the Winter Working Blue Uniform does not require a tie. The Winter Working Blue uniform is also worn without ribbons. Because it is considered a working uniform, it may only be worn in situations where other uniforms would be unsafe or become unduly soiled. It should only be worn off a site between the officer's duty location and his/her place of residence.

4. What is the Indoor Duty White Uniform? Isn’t it the same as the Summer White Uniform?

The Indoor Duty White Uniform may be worn by officers assigned to duties in clinical or laboratory settings. It is the same as the Summer White Uniform but without ribbons. The Indoor Duty White is a working uniform and is not appropriate for wear when circumstances indicate that a service uniform should be worn, such as meetings scheduled in advance with official visitors or members of the general public.

5. When is the "Salt and Pepper" uniform worn?

The Summer Blue Uniform, also known as the "Salt and Pepper" (i.e., short sleeve white shirt and dark blue trousers/belted skirt), may be worn in Atlanta and at field stations year round.

6. When are the formal uniforms, the ones that look like civilian evening dress, worn?

There are two formal uniforms: Formal Dress and Dinner Dress. The Formal Dress Uniform may be worn at appropriate formal evening functions (i.e., white tie). The Dinner Dress Uniform may be worn at appropriate dinner and social functions (i.e., black tie). The Dinner Dress Uniform must conform to the appropriate season.

7. When can the black V-neck sweater be worn?

The Army Black V-neck Sweater is a component of the Service Dress Blue Sweater (SDBS) Uniform and may be worn whenever it is appropriate to wear the SDBS Uniform. The Army Black V-neck Sweater is an optional item of wear with the following seasonal uniforms: Summer Blue, Summer White, and Summer Khaki. The Army Black V-neck sweater may also be worn with the Indoor Duty White, Winter Blue, and Winter Working Blue uniforms. It is not authorized for wear with the Service Dress Blue uniform.

8. Can soft shoulder boards be worn with the shirt to the "Salt and Pepper?"

No. Soft shoulder boards are only worn with the white shirt of the Service Dress Blue Uniform or with the Army Black V-neck Sweater. Hard shoulder boards must be worn with a uniform that requires shoulder boards and has a shirt as the outer garment, such as the Summer Blue Uniform ("Salt and Pepper") and the Summer White Uniform.

9. If a female officer has both the skirt and the slacks of the uniform, which is appropriate to wear?

Either. If a female officer has both a skirt and slacks, the officer may choose which to wear.

10. Since certain items are prescribed for wear with the various uniforms and others are prohibited, when is the CDC identification badge worn?

The CDC identification badge must be worn with the PHS uniform while on the duty station premises. The badge should be clipped to the pocket or lapel or on a chain around the neck. However, badges must be removed when leaving the duty station premises.

11. Does a uniform have to be worn when traveling in space available status?

No. A uniform is not required for space available travel.

1. Poorly fitting uniforms

2. Outdated uniforms - old fabric, worn items

3. Sloppy appearance - wrinkled, soiled, faded or tarnished

4. Wearing non-regulation civilian items as uniform items (shoes, coats, handbag, hosiery)

5. Hair - need a cut, or (for women) improperly put up or put up sloppily with pins showing

6. Missing uniform items; and/or incomplete or mismatched uniform components (ties, fabrics, sweater)

7. Incorrect (or reversed) shoulder boards or shoulder boards not worn when required - Shoulder boards should be worn such that the anchor on each side points forward. Whenever a shirt with epaulets is worn, the appropriate shoulder boards should be worn also. If wearing a shirt without epaulets (for example, with SDB), the officer should not leave his/her office without wearing the SDB jacket.

8. Improper ribbon wear or precedence out of order - Correct order of precedence may be found on the DCP web site under "Links of Interest" ()

9. Insignia pinned on incorrectly - Orientation of insignia differs with different uniforms. For example, when wearing long-sleeved shirts, collar devices should be oriented with the vertical axis parallel to the front edge of the collar. When wearing short-sleeved shirts, collar devices should be worn at an angle such that the vertical axix falls along a line bisecting the angle of the collar point.

10. Jewelry (earrings, rings, necklaces, etc)

11. Pagers/beepers/cell phones - worn when not authorized (such devices may only be worn when they are issued by the Institute for work-related purposes).

1. When walking with other officers, is the superior officer to be to the left or to the right of the lower ranking officer?

To the right.

2. If you need to address another officer from another military branch, what is the proper way to do it? Should you go up to them and say Sir or Ma’am? Should you try to call them by Rank? Can to speak to them directly if they are a superior officer?

Sir or Ma’am is always appropriate. Call them by rank if you can. You should address a superior officer first in greeting; and it is acceptable to speak to them directly, saluting as you approach and depart.

3. What is the proper thing to do if you see other military people in a shop or restaurant or airplane terminal or hotel? Are you to salute them? How should you acknowledge them?

PHS officers follow US Navy customs in which we do not salute indoors. If you are in a situation of obvious encounter (passing or standing near) it is appropriate and respectful to greet them politely.

4. Are you really supposed to put your hat (cover) on every time you get out of the car? For example, while pumping gas?

Yes. PHS regs include this line: (Regarding covered areas) "Any transit to other areas, or any transit in which a vehicle is used, requires an officer to be covered. The same general guidelines as above apply to officers assigned to CDC field stations."

Overhead awnings at gas stations are not considered "cover."

5. Are the NIOSH parking lots in Cincinnati considered "covered" areas? Are we required to wear our hat (cover) between our car and the building?

The parking lots at NIOSH Cincinnati have been declared "covered" areas, which means it is not necessary to wear a hat (nor salute) while in these areas.

6. How do we recognize members of the military branches and their uniforms to know when to salute?

For the Navy combination cap, look at the headgear - gold chin strap is an officer; black is enlisted. If they are enlisted, they will surely salute - more readily than you expect. If an officer, it’s better to salute in error than to omit in error.

7. What are the differences in custom between the Air Force/Army and Navy as far as wearing caps and saluting under cover? What should you do if you are saluted under cover?

Customs are very similar, actually. None of the services salute indoors, except in special circumstances, such as first reporting to the Commanding Officer upon arrival for your tour of duty or when summoned for a specific reason, including disciplinary action. When passing outdoors, Navy custom is to salute, even for officers of equal rank. I have received different reports from former USAF officers about this point, but all services salute upon greeting as a general rule. When indoors, a salute, if rendered, could be acknowledged verbally, but it is not normal to return the salute when uncovered.

8. Can the blue windbreaker be worn with the khaki uniform?

No. The khaki windbreaker should be worn.

9. Can the windbreaker and the Army V-neck sweater be worn together?

Yes.

10. Has the khaki uniform been approved for indoor wear year round?

Yes.

11. How do you tell if you have the right size garrison cap? And why don’t garrison caps follow the same sizing as combination caps?

Lower edge should be parallel to ground and front edge no lower than 1" above eyebrows. Similar sizes should work, but most important thing is to get a good fit.

12. How do you tell when it is time to retire a uniform or uniform part?

Use the general appearance idea and common sense. If it’s frayed or unusually shiny or fabric is out of date, then it should be replaced. (Or if it doesn’t fit anymore.)

13. At what point do you replace the awards ribbons as they become worn and soiled from taking them off and putting them on?

When they become noticeably soiled or worn, so as to deteriorate their appearance. Worn edges are common on the sleeve side.

14. What is Certified Navy Twill?

CNT is a 100% polyester fabric common for Summer Khaki and Summer white uniforms.

15. Why can’t I just use my black civilian pants as uniform pants in my Salt and Pepper?

Authorized uniform items must meet exact specifications. Normally, civilian items don’t match color or style (cut, pocket design, pleats, creases, etc) of the specifications and thus aren’t acceptable.

16. Are gloves required when wearing the windbreaker or other outerwear?

No. If gloves are worn, they must be plain black without any decoration.

17. Are umbrellas authorized?

Yes. They must be black.

18. What are the rules about carrying briefcases, backpacks, etc.?

There is no prescription about the type of briefcase which may be carried. Backpacks may be carried in hand, but not worn over the shoulder. Whenever possible, items should be carried in the left hand so as to keep the right hand free for saluting.

19. Can I wear a protective helmet while riding my bike in uniform?

Yes. A protective bicycle helmet may be worn instead of cover.

20. What are the advantages of getting ultra-thin ribbons?

Lighter, permanently mounted, and for certain garments, able to use magnets to attach.

21. What should I do if I spill something gross on my white uniform or shirt?

Go home and get a clean one, or change out of the uniform.

22. Should I tell another officer that he has his ribbons out of order? What if he is my boss?

Use your best judgement. If it is a stranger, it may not be appropriate to call her on it. Never bring it up in public, only in private, with the possible exception if you are a supervisor. If it is your boss, the chances are better that you should speak up - tactfully, in private. But again, use your best judgement.

23. If officers are not wearing their uniform correctly, to whom should we report this?

Probably to their supervisor, or to a senior officer in the organization. PHS regs include this comment:

"All officials of PHS and other agencies to which officers are assigned having responsibility for the supervision of commissioned officers shall assure that officers under their direction wear the uniform properly and adhere to the grooming standards contained herein. Officers who wear the uniform improperly or who exhibit a careless attitude toward their personal appearance bring discredit to themselves and to the Service and subject themselves to disciplinary actions. Therefore, individual officers and officials should exert their personal influence, where necessary, as a means of encouraging fellow officers to wear the uniform properly."

24. What are the rules for wearing the uniform while on travel?

If traveling in uniform, you should generally wear the Uniform of the Day at the destination point. If unsure, SDB is always appropriate.

You are not required to wear a uniform for Space A travel.

PHS officers are generally not permitted to wear the uniform outside the United States.

25. What are the rules for wearing the uniform at scientific meetings?

An officer should wear the uniform at a scientific meeting when he is representing the PHS, particularly if giving a presentation (unless the meeting is outside the United States). Follow the cue of attendants from other military services who may also be in attendance.

26. Is it appropriate to wear the uniform to non-official functions (such as weddings)?

Yes.