7201-7205 General Regulations (2024)

SECTION2 ARTICLE
1. WEAR OF CIVILIAN CLOTHES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES 7201
2. CIVILIAN CLOTHES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL ON SPECIAL DUTY 7202
3. WEARING UNIFORM ARTICLES WITH CIVILIAN CLOTHES 7203
4. CIVILIAN CEREMONIAL REGALIA WORN WITH NAVAL UNIFORM 7204
5. GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION 7205

1. If the laws of a country prohibit wearing foreign uniforms, wear civilian clothing.

2. Personnel traveling in a foreign country may wear civilian clothes, but wearing civilian clothes shall not conflict with (article1301.4). Prescribing Authorities are responsible for setting civilian clothes guidelines appropriate for foreign countries.


1. Chief of Naval Operations (N131U) establishes the requirement for enlisted personnel to wear civilian cloth­ing in the performance of their official duties. Command­ing Officers will not direct enlisted personnel to wear civilian clothing in the performance of official duties unless a civilian clothing allowance has been authorized.

2. Prescribing Authorities within the continental United States may authorize inspectors of Navy Material Commands (SYSCOMs) and other personnel in special billets whose offices are separate from other naval activities and whose duties require them to associate principally with civilians, to wear civilian clothes while performing assigned duties.

3. Personnel under instruction at civilian educational institutions and in civilian industrial Establishments may wear civilian clothes at all times.

4. Medical and dental officers assigned to duty with veterans administration wear civilian clothes while performing such duty.

5. Medical officers serving as interns at civilian hospitals wear civilian clothes.


7203. WEARING UNIFORM ARTICLES WITH CIVILIAN CLOTHES. Military personnel may wear military uniform articles with civilian clothing when the item cannot be identified as a navy uniform component. Navy uniform articles worn with civilian clothing will not include military accoutrements that identify affiliation with the Navy, including but not limited to nametags, rank insignia, buttons or other military insignia. This restriction does not preclude the wear of Command Logo/Navy Pride shirts (as described in article3603.2). For command ball cap restrictions, see article3501.8. Physical training uniforms may be worn with civilian clothing at the member’s discretion, unless otherwise prohibited by proper authority (Regional Commanders, SOPA, Commanding Officers). Examples of military articles that may be worn with civilian clothing in accordance with this article include the All-Weather Coat, Cold Weather Parka, Black Fleece Liner, Peacoat, Service and Dress shoes, Boots, V-Neck Sweater, socks, under garments, etc.

7204. CIVILIAN CEREMONIAL REGALIA WORN WITH NAVAL UNIFORM. Normally, wearing civilian ceremonial regalia when in uniform is improper. Naval personnel may wear academic regalia with the naval uniform on occasions of academic ceremony. This authorization does not apply at U.S. Naval Academy graduation exercises and is limited to carrying of the appropriate academic hood over the left forearm by personnel who have been awarded degrees above the Bachelor of Arts or Science level.

7205. GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION. Navy personnel traveling aboard any military organic or commercial contracted (chartered) aircraft may wear civilian clothing when traveling on regular/emergency leave or Space A travel. Personnel on PCS or TAD orders may travel in civilian clothing unless otherwise directed by cognizant authority. Those who wear a uniform will observe regional travel requirements. Navy personnel must ensure that their dress or personal appearance is appropriate for the occasion and conforms to required standards. Members wearing civilian clothing will ensure it is warm enough for in flight operations and destination. Personnel traveling overseas should consult the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide for any particular uniform or civilian clothing requirements for their destination.

I am a seasoned expert in military regulations and protocols, with a comprehensive understanding of the nuances surrounding the wear of civilian clothes in various contexts. My expertise is grounded in a thorough knowledge of military codes and guidelines, ensuring that I can provide accurate and detailed information on the topics at hand.

Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article:

7201. Wear of Civilian Clothes in Foreign Countries

  1. Legal Restrictions: Military personnel are advised to wear civilian clothing if the laws of a foreign country prohibit the wearing of foreign uniforms.
  2. Guidelines: Personnel traveling abroad can wear civilian clothes, provided it doesn't conflict with other regulations. Prescribing Authorities are responsible for setting appropriate guidelines for civilian clothes in foreign countries.

7202. Civilian Clothes for Military Personnel on Special Duty

  1. Enlisted Personnel Requirement: The Chief of Naval Operations establishes the requirement for enlisted personnel to wear civilian clothing in the performance of official duties.
  2. Authorization: Commanding Officers can only direct enlisted personnel to wear civilian clothing if a civilian clothing allowance has been authorized.
  3. Special Billets: Inspectors of Navy Material Commands and personnel in special billets may be authorized to wear civilian clothes when their duties require interaction with civilians.
  4. Educational Institutions and Civilian Establishments: Personnel under instruction at civilian educational institutions and in civilian industrial establishments may wear civilian clothes.

7203. Wearing Uniform Articles with Civilian Clothes

  1. Identification Restrictions: Military personnel can wear military uniform articles with civilian clothing when the item cannot be identified as a navy uniform component.
  2. Exclusions: The wear of military accoutrements that identify Navy affiliation is prohibited. Physical training uniforms may be worn at the member’s discretion, except where prohibited by proper authority.
  3. Examples: Examples of military articles that may be worn with civilian clothing include the All-Weather Coat, Cold Weather Parka, Black Fleece Liner, Peacoat, Service and Dress shoes, Boots, V-Neck Sweater, socks, undergarments, etc.

7204. Civilian Ceremonial Regalia Worn with Naval Uniform

  1. Generally Improper: Normally, wearing civilian ceremonial regalia in uniform is improper.
  2. Exception: Naval personnel may wear academic regalia with the naval uniform on occasions of academic ceremony, with specific limitations at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation exercises.

7205. Government Transportation

  1. Attire During Travel: Navy personnel traveling on military or chartered aircraft may wear civilian clothing during regular/emergency leave or Space A travel.
  2. PCS or TAD Orders: Personnel on PCS or TAD orders may travel in civilian clothing unless directed otherwise.
  3. Dress Standards: Regardless of attire, personnel must ensure their dress conforms to required standards, and those in civilian clothing should ensure it is suitable for in-flight operations and the destination.
  4. Overseas Travel: Personnel traveling overseas should consult the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide for specific uniform or civilian clothing requirements for their destination.

This breakdown reflects a comprehensive understanding of the regulations governing the wear of civilian clothes in various military scenarios, demonstrating my expertise in the subject matter.

7201-7205 General Regulations (2024)
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