UNL NROTC | Midshipman Uniform Information

MIDSHIPMAN UNIFORMS

GENERAL.

The official NROTC uniform will be worn at all times and places specified by the Unit Commanding Officer or the Battalion Commander. Whenever worn, the uniform must be complete. The proper uniform to be worn on specified occasions will be promulgated as necessary.

a. Uniform of the Day. The Uniform of the Day is that uniform prescribed for wear by the Battalion Commander.

b. Marine Option Uniform. Marine Option Midshipmen will wear the standard Midshipman uniform. However, Marine Option Midshipmen will wear the Marine Corps Emblem (Eagle, Globe, and Anchor) in place of the fouled anchor on the collar, lapel, and cover of their uniform.

UNIFORM ISSUE.

The Unit Storekeeper of the NROTC Unit will issue each Midshipman required uniform items. Most items will be issued during Orientation Week; cruise specific items will be issued prior to summer training periods.

UNIFORM FIT AND WEAR.

a. General.

(1) All buttons shall be buttoned at all times.

(2) Pockets shall be kept free of bulky items.

(3) A gig line shall be maintained at all times.

(a) Males: with the right edge of the belt buckle.

(b) Females: with the left edge of the belt buckle.

b. Coat and jacket.

(1) Sleeve of coat/jacket shall fall to within 1/2 inch of the base of the bent thumb.

(2) Zippers shall be zipped up 3/4 of the way to the collar.

c. Shirt.

(1) Sleeve of the Long sleeve White shirt shall extend 1/8 inch beyond the coat sleeves.

(2) Shirts will be neatly tucked into the trousers in order to take up all excess material (military tuck)

d. Cover.

(1) All covers shall be centered, two fingers above the bridge of the nose.

(2) For the combination cover: the visor shall be polished, the chinstrap shall be tight, insignia shall be centered and the eagles shall be pointed upwards.

e. Shoes.

(1) Shoes (including edges) shall be kept highly polished.

f. Necktie.

(1) Males:

(a) A double Windsor knot shall be used; the tip of the tie shall fall within one inch of the top of the belt buckle.

(b) Tie clip shall be centered between the third and fourth buttons and parallel to the deck.

g. Nametags.

(1) Winter blues/Khakis/Summer Whites: centered 1/4 inch above the right breast pocket parallel to the top edge of the pocket (1/8 inch for Marine Option Midshipman).

(2) Service dress blues: 1/4 inch (1/8 inch for Marine Option Midshipmen) above and parallel to

where the right breast pocket would be.

h. Ribbons.

Proper wear of ribbons is explained in paragraph 807.

i. Specific guidelines for females.

(1) Jacket. The collar should fit closely around the neck with the upper part of the shirt collar exposed.

(2) Skirt. The skirt shall not fall more than 1.5 inches above or below the crease in the back of the knee.

(3) Hosiery. Hosiery shall be flesh-toned nylon, undecorated and seamless.

(4) Shoes. Shoe heels shall be neither greater than 2 5/8 inches, nor less than 5/8 inch in length (measure from the forward edge).

(5) Handbag, black. When worn with a strap, it should be carried over the left shoulder.

GENERAL GUIDELINES.

a. Image.

United States Navy personnel will set and maintain high standards of personal appearance. The military image reflected by attention to detail while wearing the uniform is a key element in the public image of the Naval Services. As was once said to a group of graduating Midshipmen,

Have an exalted pride in the uniform you wear and all that it represents. Wear it correctly; wear it proudly. Salute it with respect when you meet it; behave in it in a seemly manner, protect it when it is offended or in danger. It represents the fleet, The Nation, your home and your family. It is a symbol of all that is dear to you and of all that men are willing to die for.

b. No part of the prescribed uniform or equivalent shall be worn at the same time that civilian clothes are worn, except for articles which present NO distinct Naval appearance such as shoes, sock or raincoats.

c. Incomplete uniforms will not be worn.

d. Uniforms shall be kept clean, in proper repair and sharply pressed at all times. All hanging threads (Irish pennants) will be removed from the outside of the uniform.

ALTERATIONS AND DRY CLEANING.

a. Initial alternations shall be done at Navy expense. The Unit Storekeeper will give instructions regarding these during uniform issue. All subsequent alternations will be done at the Midshipman's expense.

b. Laundry/dry cleaning shall be done at Midshipmen's expense.

c. Upon disenrollment, Midshipmen shall return all issued uniform items.

d. Prior to commissioning, Midshipmen may not exchange uniform items for duplicates or new sets; Marine Option Midshipmen must return all items that are not part of the Marine uniform.

INSIGNIA.

a. Cap insignia.

(1) Combination cap Insignia on the combination cap shall consist of a cap device, chinstrap, and retaining buttons.

(2) Cap device - The insignia shall be a gold pin on fouled anchor. Marine Option Midshipmen will wear the large, gold, enlisted Marine Corps emblem in lieu of a gold pin-on fouled anchor.

(3) Garrison cap - Men - Insignia shall be a gold metal fouled anchor 1 1/16 inches in length with other dimension proportionate. The unfouled arm of the stock shall be to the front. It shall be pinned to the left side of the cap in an upright position with the center 2 inches from the front seam on the cap and 1 1/2 inches above the bottom edge. Marine Option Midshipmen will wear the gold, enlisted Marine Corps left-hand collar emblem.

(4) Garrison cap - Women - This insignia shall be the same as that worn by male Midshipmen. It shall be pinned to the left side of the cap in an upright position with the center 2 inch from the front of the cap and centered between the top and bottom edges of the cap apron. Marine Option Midshipmen will wear the gold, enlisted Marine Corps left- hand collar emblem.

b. Sleeve class insignia. Insignia shall be consist of horizontal stripes worn on the left sleeve of dress blue coast to indicate class. Stripes should be centered midway between the shoulder seam and the elbow. Seniors shall wear three stripes; Juniors shall wear two stripes; Sophomores shall wear one stripe; Freshmen shall not wear stripes.

c. Sleeve rank insignia.

(1) Midshipmen officers shall wear stripes of gold nylon braid and a gold star on both sleeves of the blue coat. The stripes shall be centered on the outer side of the sleeve with the lower stripe 2 inch above, and parallel to, the edge of the cuff. A gold embroidered five-point star shall be centered above the stripes with one ray pointing down, with the point 3/4 inch above the upper stripe.

(a) Captain - 6 stripes

(b) Commander - 5 stripes

(d) Lieutenant - 3 stripes

(e) Lieutenant Junior Grade - 2 stripes

(f) Ensign - 1 stripe

(2) Midshipmen Petty Officers shall wear a badge consisting of an eagle and an anchor, in combination with stars and chevrons, to be worn mid-way between the shoulder and the elbow on the right sleeve of dress blue coats.

(a) Master Chief Petty Officer. The badge shall consist of an eagle perched on the stock of the fouled anchor. The head of the eagle and unfouled arm of the stock of the anchor shall face to the front. Two stars shall be above the eagle, arranged horizontally.

(b) Senior Chief Petty Officer. Shall be the same as prescribed for Master Chief Petty officer, except there shall be only one star above the eagle.

(c) Chief Petty Officer. Shall be the same as prescribed for Senior Chief Petty Officer except that there shall be no stars above the eagle.

(d) Petty Officer. Shall be the same as prescribed for Company Chief Petty Officer except there shall be no rocker. The number of chevrons shall indicate either a 1^st class (3) or a 2^nd class (2)

d. Shoulder boards.

(1) Midshipmen will wear one of two types of shoulder boards. If a Midshipman holds a battalion officer billet, he/she will wear rank shoulder marks. Otherwise, shoulder marks will indicate class. Shoulder boards shall be worn on the coast of dress White uniforms, on a bridge coat, on the Long sleeve White shirt and on the Summer White shirt. If females are not issued female hard boards, they will wear soft boards on their Summer White shirt.

(2) Rank shoulder marks. The insignia to be worn on shoulder marks shall consist of a star, in combination with stripe(s), to indicate the wearer's rank.

(a) Captain. Shall wear six gold stripes 1/8 inch wide. A gold plated metal five pointed star shall be centered on the mark with one point toward and a 1/2 inch from the upper stripe.

(b) Commander. The same as prescribed for Captain, except there shall be five stripes.

(d) Lieutenant. The same as prescribed for Lieutenant Commander, except there shall be three stripes.

(e) Lieutenant Junior Grade. The same as Lieutenant, except there shall be two stripes.

(f) Ensign. The same as prescribed for Lieutenant, except there shall be one stripe.

(3) Class shoulder marks - Male - The insignia to be worn on shoulder marks shall consist of a metal fouled anchor (replaced by the gold, enlisted Marine Corps collar emblems for Marine Option Midshipmen), alone or in combination with stripes to indicate the wearer's class.

(a) Midshipmen, First Class. A gold metal fouled anchor with the unfouled arm of the stock to the front. In addition, one yellow stripe fiber braid parallel to the squared end of the board.

(b) Midshipmen, Second Class. The same as prescribed for Midshipmen First Class, except that there shall be two stripes placed diagonally across the shoulder board.

(c) Midshipmen, Third Class. The same as prescribed for Midshipmen, Second Class, except there will be one stripe place diagonally across the shoulder board.

(d) Midshipmen, Fourth Class. The same as prescribed for Midshipmen, Third Class, except there shall be no stripes.

e. Coat Collar Anchor Insignia and Coat Collar Star Insignia.

(1) Coat Collar insignia shall consist of plain gold anchors indicating Midshipman status and gold academic achievement stars to be worn on the collars of dress blue coats.

(1) Anchor Insignia. It shall be pinned on each collar tip of the coat so that the crown of the anchor is 1/2 inch above the notch of the lapel (males), and 1 inch from the bottom and centered (female). The centerline of the shank is to be parallel to and 3/4 inch from the outer edge of the collar. The lower end of the stock shall be outboard, and the stock shall be approximately horizontal. Marine Option Midshipmen shall wear the gold, enlisted, Marine Corps, left and right collar emblem in place of the anchor insignia.

f. Shirt Collar insignia.

(1) Shirt collar insignia shall consist of a gold fouled anchor, eagle, and bar insignia to be worn on the collar tips of winter blue and khaki shirts to indicate the wearer's class and/or rank.

(2) Anchor insignia. Shall be a gold, metal, pin-on, fouled anchor. Marine Corps Option Midshipmen shall wear the gold, enlisted, Marine Corps, left and right collar emblem in place of the anchor insignia where it appears. The right Eagle-Anchor insignia will be worn in place of the right anchor insignia, or Marine Corps emblem, on the right collar for Midshipmen Chief Petty Officers.

(3) Eagle-Anchor insignia. Shall consist of a gold, metal, pin-on, fouled anchor, surmounted by a spread eagle.

(4) Placement.

(a) Closed Collar Shirts (Winter Blue and Long sleeve Khaki): The anchor and eagle anchor insignia shall be pinned to the collar in a vertical position with the center of the insignia 1 inch from the front edge and 1 inch below the upper edge of the collar. The stock of the anchor shall be parallel to the upper edge of the collar and the eagle's head, and the unfouled arm of the stock shall be to the front. Note that the vertical axis of the device will not necessarily be parallel to the front edge of the collar.

(b) Open Collar Shirts (Summer Khakis): The insignia shall be centered 1 inch from the front and lower edges of the collar and positioned with the vertical axis of the insignia along the imaginary line bisecting the angle of the collar point. Marine Options will wear rank insignia parallel to the lower edge of the collar, 1 inch and centered.

(1)

Midshipmen, First Class of other than officer rank shall wear the eagle anchor insignia on both collar points.

(2) Midshipmen, Second Class shall wear the appropriate insignia on both collar points.

(3) Midshipmen, Third Class shall wear the appropriate insignia on the right collar point only. The left collar will be empty, unless other designated insignia is to be worn.

(4) Midshipmen, Fourth Class shall wear no insignia.

(5) Insignia indicating Midshipman Officer Rank. Shall consist of gold collar bars, to be worn on the collar tips of Winter Blue, Long sleeve and Summer Khaki shirts to indicate the wearer's rank.

(a) Closed collar shirts (Winter Blue and Long sleeve khaki): This insignia shall be pinned on the collar so that the center of the first bar is 1 inch from the front edge and 1 inch below the upper edge of the collar. The upper edge of the bars is to be parallel to upper edge of the collar. Note that the vertical axis of the device will not necessarily be parallel to the front edge of the collar.

(b) Open Collar (Summer Khaki). The insignia shall be centered 1 inch from the front and lower edges of the collar and positioned with the vertical axis of the insignia along the imaginary line bisecting the angle of the collar point. Marine Options will wear rank insignia parallel to the lower edge of the collar, 1-inch and centered.

(1) Captain. Shall wear six bars.

(2) Commander. Shall wear five bars.

(3) Lieutenant Commander. Shall wear four bars.

(4) Lieutenant. Shall wear three bars.

(5) Lieutenant Junior Grade. Shall wear two bars.

(6) Ensign. Shall wear one bar.

g. Women. Shall wear the same anchor, eagle-anchor, and bar pin-on insignia prescribed for male Midshipmen. Placement will be as follows:

(1) Closed Collar Shirts (Winter Blue and Long sleeve Khaki): shirt insignia shall be affixed to the collar so that the center of the device is approximately 2 inches from the fold line at the top edge of the collar, and 3/4 inch from the forward edge of the collar. The vertical axis of the device shall be parallel to the forward edge of the collar.

(2) Open Collar Shirts (Summer Khaki). Insignia shall be affixed on an imaginary line bisecting the collar point so that the center of the device is approximately 1 1/2 inches above the collar point, with the base of the insignia directly toward the center of the collar point.

h. Warfare designators. Any earned warfare devices shall be pinned 1/4 inch above the left breast pocket or ribbons. A second warfare badge shall be placed on the left pocket flap, 1/4 inch below the upper edge.

AWARDS/RIBBONS.

a. Placement of Ribbons. Ribbons shall be worn in a horizontal row with the lower edge centered 1/4 inch above the left breast pocket and parallel to the deck. Marine Option Midshipmen will wear their ribbons similarly except 1/8 inch above the pocket.

b. Order of Precedence. Ribbons and Medals precedence is from top to bottom and inboard to outboard. For example, the most senior award worn on the left breast pocket will be the highest and inboard. Award/ribbon precedence is listed in paragraph 1008 of this instruction.

c. Active duty ribbons and Midshipman ribbons cannot be worn simultaneously.

d. A description of ribbons and awards is contained in official Navy Regs.

e. Attachments to Ribbons.

(1) Wear bronze 3/16 inch stars on all Unit ribbons for the second and subsequent awards except as follows:

(a) Physical Fitness Award. The only attachment authorized is a gold 5/16 inch star for a perfect score.

(b) Captain's Individual Excellence Ribbon. A gold 5/16 inch star will be worn for second and subsequent awards.

(d) Honor company ribbons do not have any attachments.

(2) Silver 3/16 inch stars are worn in lieu of five bronze stars.

(3) Center a single device on the ribbon horizontally and vertically, with two rays of the stars pointing down as shown here:

(4) When wearing bronze stars in addition to silver stars, center the silver star while alternating placement of the bronze stars around the centered silver device. The first bronze star is inboard, second is outboard, alternating as such.

f. Academic Achievement Stars.

(1) On Service Dress Blue uniforms, stars shall be worn centered 1/2 inch above the lapel anchors with two rays of the star pointing down.

(2) On Service Dress White, Summer White, Khaki, and Winter Blue uniforms, the star shall be worn on the left breast pocket flap, centered 4 inch below the top of the pocket with two rays pointing down.

(3) If a warfare badge interferes with this placement, the star shall be worn centered on the pocket, 1/4 inch below the point of the pocket flap.

GROOMING.

a. Men (Navy Option).

(1) Hair will be neat, clean, and present a groomed appearance. Hair above the ears and around the neck will be tapered from the lower hairline upwards at least - inch and outwards no greater than - inch to blend with the hairstyle. Hair on the back of the neck may not touch the collar and any hair strands cannot be longer than four inches in length. Hair cannot touch the ears and collar, extend below the eyebrows when headgear is removed, or interfere with the proper wearing of headgear. The bulk of the hair shall not exceed two inches. Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of the hair protrudes from the scalp when groomed (as opposed to the length of the hair). The hairstyle and the type of hair must retain a constant and neatly groomed appearance.

(a) Dying of hair is prohibited. Hair color must remain the natural color.

(2) Varying hairstyles are permitted provided these styles meet the aforementioned criteria.

(3) Sideburns (if worn) shall be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut. Sideburns will not extend below a point level with the middle ear, will be of even width (not flared), and will end with a clean shaven horizontal line. Mutton chops, ships captain, or similar grooming modes are considered to be merely elongated sideburns and thus are not authorized. The length of hair will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.

(4) Beards of any fashion are not authorized. This includes partial beards, van dykes and goatees. Exceptions are permitted for documented medical reasons only.

(5) Mustaches are authorized. When worn it shall be well groomed and neatly trimmed at all times. No portion of a mustache will extend below the lip line of the upper lip or beyond a horizontal line extending across the corners of the mouth, and no more than a 1/4 inch beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corners of the mouth, indicated on the diagram above it must be contained within the lines B-B, C-C, and D-D

(6) Fingernails will not extend past the fingertips and will be kept clean.

(7) Jewelry is authorized for all male personnel. Jewelry shall not present a safety or FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard. Jewelry shall be worn while in uniform within the following guidelines.

(a) Rings. Only one ring per hand, excluding the wedding ring, is authorized,

(b) Earrings. Earrings are prohibited while in uniform, on a military installation or in the Armory; no article shall be attached through the ear, nose, or any other part of the body.

(d) Wristwatch/bracelets. Only one of each may be worn.

(e) Sunglasses may be worn, but not in formations. Eye and sunglasses shall be conservative in appearance.

b. Men (Marine Option).

(1) All of the aforementioned Navy rules apply except males hair will be evenly graduated from zero length at the hairline to a maximum of 3 inches on the top of the head.

c. Women (Navy Option).

(1) Hair will be clean and neatly arranged. When in uniform, the back of the hair may touch but not fall below the lower edge of the collar as indicated on the following diagram by line A. No hair shall show under the front brim of the combination hat or the garrison cap. Afro, natural, bouffant and other similar hairstyles are permitted but exaggerated styles including those with excessive fullness or extreme heights are not authorized. Without exception the bulk of the hair shall not interfere with the proper wearing of military headgear.

(2) Long hair, including braids, must be neatly and inconspicuously fastened, pinned, or secured to the head presenting an attractive hair style, and may not dangle free at anytime. Ponytails and pigtails are not permitted. Multiple braids are authorized.

(3) Hair ornaments, such as ribbons, will not be worn. Pins, combs or barrettes similar in color to the individual's hair color may be worn. Hair colorings must look natural and complement the individual. Visible hairnets will be worn only if authorized for specific duty. Hair pieces or wigs shall present a natural appearance, shall not interfere with the proper performance of duty, shall not present a safety hazard, and will conform to the grooming standards set forth in these regulations.

(4) Cosmetics will be conservative and in good taste.

(5) Fingernails shall not exceed 1/4 inch measured from the fingertip. Nail polish colors shall complement the skin tone.

(6) Female Jewelry. The wearing of jewelry is authorized for all personnel. Jewelry shall be worn in uniform within the following guidelines:

(7) Rings. Only one ring per hand shall be worn, excluding wedding/engagement rings.

(8) Earrings. One earring per ear (on earlobe) may be worn with any uniform. Nose rings are not authorized. Earrings shall be 6mm ball (approx. 1/4 inch) plain gold with brushed matte finish, screw on with posts. Small single pearl earrings are authorized for wear with Dinner and Formal Dress uniforms.

(9) Necklaces/Chokers. Only one necklace shall be worn and it shall not be visible.

(10)Wristwatch/bracelet. Only one of each may be worn. Ankle bracelets are not authorized.

d. Women (Marine Option).

(1) Grooming standards for female Marine Option midshipmen remain the same as those for female Navy midshipmen except that no earrings, hair ribbons, and other ornaments shall be worn.

CIVILIAN CLOTHING.

a. Midshipmen shall ensure that their dress and personal appearance are appropriate for the occasion and will not discredit the Navy.

(1) Tank tops, white undershirts worn as outergarments, cut-off shorts, and shower sandals are notable examples of civilian attire that is not appropriate.

b. Wearing Uniform Articles with Civilian Clothing. Naval personnel may wear the following uniform items with civilian clothes:

COMMAND BALL CAP

FOUR-IN-HAND NECKTIE

WINDBREAKER (W/O INSIGNIA)

WATCH CAP

BELTS W/CIVILIAN

BUCKLES

GLOVES

SHOES

RAINCOAT (W/O INSIGNIA)

CARDIGAN SWEATERS

PURSE