Last week, the United States Navy issued a new notice on uniform wear, offering greater flexibility for service members. The update, which went into effect on Monday, was meant to provide some flexibility for personnel.
The wearing of Service Dress Blues (SDB) jacket or Eisenhower jacket in office buildings and workspaces is now optional throughout the fleet for sailors E-7 and above.
It will allow for the “walking within the confines of a building without the SDB Jacket or Eisenhower jacket covering the white shirt and tie,” the notice explained.
“Additionally, the black garrison cap is authorized as an acceptable substitute for the combination cover for wear with the SDB coat or Eisenhower jacket,” the memo added. “This will allow individuals flexibility in what to wear when working in an office setting while wearing SDBs. Additionally, it allows an individual to determine which cover makes the most sense for the situation.”
Sailors E-1 to E-6 will be unaffected by the update, and will continue to wear the dark navy blue wool suit – known as the “Crackerjack” – in winter for formal occasions.
Pentagon NWU Type III Wear
The update specifically addressed what U.S. Navy uniformed personnel may wear within the Pentagon.
“In coordination with the Acting Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), effective 4 May 2026, NWU Type III wear is authorized in the Pentagon,” the memo explained.
The Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III features a woodland digital camouflage pattern developed for temperate, jungle, and woodland environments. It features a four-color scheme and is worn with black boots, a coyote-brown undershirt, and a matching cap.
The change was made to ensure that all U.S. Navy service member uniforms align with those worn in the Department of Defense’s headquarters by other members of the Joint Force, the service memo explained.
It is also part of “an effort to continue to instill a warrior ethos in our Sailors.”
Pentagon and NCR Considerations
Personnel assigned to the Pentagon headquarters staffs within the National Capital Region (NCR) are authorized to wear the NWU Type IIIs when commuting to and from work using privately owned vehicles, government conveyance, public commuter transportation – including metro bus, metro rail, rideshare, commuter vans, taxis, and ferries – and in the “slug lines” outside the Pentagon.
“Wear is also authorized in office environments at headquarters staffs within the NCR unless otherwise directed,” the memo stated.
However, the directive did specify that “Flight suits are not included in this NWU Type III authorization,” and “are only authorized in the NCR for personnel in an actual flight duty status for that day.”
Moreover, the directive stated that NWU Type IIS worn in the Pentagon must be in good serviceable condition and not exhibit tears, excessive fading, or other visual damage.
Members assigned to the Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, and other non-Department of the Navy organizations within the Pentagon should wear the “prescribed uniform of the day … per your respective leadership’s policy.” In addition, the Service Dress Uniforms will remain required for duty, including meetings and conferences, outside of the Pentagon, such as Capitol Hill engagements.
The U.S. Navy – In Khaki, White, and blue
The United States Navy’s modern concept of Service Dress Blues can be traced back to 1877 when the service replaced its American Civil War-era “sack coat.” The uniform was updated in the 1890s, which included a special full dress. In the 1920s, a double-breasted blue service coat became standard with officers, typically worn with a white shirt and black four-in-hand tie.
During World War II, a single-breasted heavy cotton twill jacket with shoulder boards was worn with cotton twill trousers over a long-sleeved cotton shirt with a black necktie as “Service Dress Khaki.” It allowed for cleaning in shipboard laundry facilities. The uniform was dropped in 1975 to reduce the number of items in an officer’s sea bag, but was reintroduced in 2008 for summer months and in tropical climates. However, cost considerations led to its cancellation for full-scale reintroduction, and the Navy has since dropped it. Service Khaki (Peanut Butters) is authorized as a petty officers’ and officers’ (E-7 and above) working uniform on ships.
The U.S. Navy also continues to wear Summer Whites, but it is also restricted to E-7s and above.
