Can I Wear a Backback in Service Dress

Midshipmen Uniform Regulations

5101. General Information

1. General.

   The primary consideration is to have a neatly groomed appearance while wearing Navy uniforms. Grooming standards are based on several elements including neatness, cleanliness, safety, military image, and appearance. The standards established are not intended to be overly restrictive nor are they designed to isolate midshipmen from society. The limits set forth are reasonable, enforceable, and ensure the personal appearance contributes to a favorable military image. The difference between men's and women's grooming policies recognizes the difference between the sexes; sideburns for men, different hairstyles and cosmetics for women. Establishing identical grooming and personal appearance standards for men and women would not be in the Naval Academy and Navy's best interests and is not a factor in the assurance of equal opportunity.

2. Smartness

   1. Image.

      Midshipmen must set and maintain high standards of smartness in uniform appearance. The military image reflected by attention to detail, while wearing the uniform, is a key element in the public image of the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Navy.

   2. Cleanliness.

      Uniforms shall be kept scrupulously clean, with laces, devices, insignia and belt buckles bright and free from tarnish and corrosion.

   3. Articles.

      NO ARTICLES SHALL PROTRUDE FROM OR BE VISIBLE ON THE UNIFORM, including such items as pencils, pens, watch chains, key chain fobs, pins, jewelry, combs, large wallets, cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or similar items (ID Cards, Jewelry, tie clasps, cuff links, shirt studs and earrings shall be worn as prescribed elsewhere in these regulations).
      Communications devices may be warn as described below.
      
      1. Communication devices (e.g. cell phones, blackberries, pagers, etc.) are authorized for use and wear while in uniform (to include walking) in the manner prescribed as follows:
         1. Communication devices (or the cover on them) shall be black in color and conservative in design and shall not distract from the appearance of the uniform.
         2. Only one communication device is authorized for wear and can only be worn on the belt of Working Blue, Summer White and Service Khaki uniforms aft of the elbow.
         3. Wearing of communication devices on Service Dress uniforms is not authorized.
         4. Communication devices will not be visible from the front and worn in such a manner as to impede the normal wear and appearance of the uniform (e.g. sagging, bunching, bulging, protruding etc.). COMDTMIDNINST 1020.3C
         5. The use of portable communication devices shall not interfere with the rendering of military courtesies and honors nor violate local, state and federal laws.
         6. When not being worn on the uniform and in use, communication devices will be placed at the side of the leg and in the appropriate hand when rendering salutes, greetings and other military courtesies/honors.
         7. The use of an earpiece, blue tooth technology, headsets or hands-free device while in uniform indoors or outdoors is prohibited.
         8. The use of blue tooth technology, headsets and other hands-free devices are only allowed in uniform in a vehicle when authorized by local, state and federal law.
         9. Communications devices shall not be worn on the uniform for any outdoor formation, to include football game march-over.
      2. Civilian bags (e.g., computer bags/briefcases, gym bags, garment bags, etc., this does not include women's handbags/purses) may be worn with working and service uniforms as prescribed in the manner below:
         1. Backpacks may be worn over both shoulders or hand carried in the left hand to facilitate saluting while wearing Service Khaki, or Working Blue Uniforms. Midshipmen are authorized to wear backpacks with Reefers when worn over Working Blue. Backpacks must be solid black in color. The matching NWU Type I/III pattern backpack is authorized for wear with the NWU Type I/III as well as a solid black backpack. No personal ornamentation shall be attached on or to the backpack. Midshipmen are authorized to carry one water bottle or sports drink in the side pocket of the backpack and a white towel attached to the outside of the bag for physical education class.
         2. Computer bag and brief case; may be worn across the left shoulder of service and working uniforms to facilitate saluting. When wearing a bag, the strap may be worn across the left shoulder (fore and aft) with the bag hanging on the same side of the body. The case or bag will not be worn with the strap and bag on opposite sides of the body (diagonally). This also applies to Blue & Gold jogging suits, team warm-ups, and PE gear.
         3. All bags/brief cases worn with the uniform must conceal its content and be either solid black or navy blue in color. There shall be no personal ornamentation attached on or to the bag/brief case.
         4. While in dress uniform (e.g., Service Dress Blues), civilian bags will be hand carried only.
         5. Sea bags may be worn with all uniforms with the exception of Ceremonial or Dinner Dress Uniforms.

   4. Glasses

      1. Prescription Glasses.

         No eccentric or faddish glasses are permitted.

      2. Sunglasses.
         

         Conservative sunglasses are permitted, except in military formations. Frames may be conservatively colored, subdued and complementary in nature to the uniform.

      3. Contact Lenses.

         Tinted contact lenses must be a natural color (blue, green, brown, etc).

   5. Undergarments.

      Appropriate undergarments shall be worn to preserve the dignity and appearance of the uniform.

   6. Tailoring of Uniforms.

      Uniforms may be tailored to provide a well-fitting, professional military bearing. They shall not be altered to the extent of detracting from the military appearance, nor shall they be tailored to the point of presenting a tight form fit.

3. Care of the Uniform.

   The longest service of the various uniform articles can be attained only by proper care and maintenance. This information is presented to help prolong the useful life and distinguished appearance of uniforms and equipment. Even new, properly fitted uniforms will not continue to look their best or keep their shape unless they are cared for properly. Carrying large or heavy objects in pockets will destroy the shape of the best uniform. Uniforms shall be stored on hangers. If uniforms are to be stored for a long time, they should be cleaned thoroughly, then packed away in an airtight plastic bag with a packet of desiccant (drying agent) for maximum preservation.

• Chapter 5 - Grooming Standards
• General Information
• Personal Appearance

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Source: https://www.usna.edu/UniformRegs/Chapter5-GroomingStandards/index.php

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