Civilian Attire Policy (2024)

1. Background.

(a) U.S. personnel (service members, DoD civilians, and their dependents) must be aware of local sensitivities and cultural values in order to minimize the impact of U.S. military presence and reduce, to the maximum extent possible, any potential host nation friction. Authorized and prohibited clothing specified in this instruction is specific to this AOR and may be more restrictive than military regulations.

2. Applicability.

(a) All U.S. personnel attached to COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT units must adhere to the requirements of this general order or to the guidance from otherCENTCOMdesignated authority for the country in which they are stationed, whichever is more restrictive.

(b) COMUSNAVCENT exercises force protection responsibilities over all U.S. personnel - to include non-component command military personnel, their dependents, andallcivilians serving with, employed by, or accompanying U.S. Armed Forces in Bahrain. All U.S. personnel must adhere to the requirements of this general order.

(c) Under the authority of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Title 10, United States Code, Sections 801-940, and U.S. Navy Regulations, 1990, this order ispunitive innature. Violation of this general order by civilians may result in removal of command sponsorship and subsequent removal from the USCENTCOM AOR or otheradministrativeaction.

3 . Policy on Civilian Attire and Uniforms.

(a) Civilian Attire.

(1) General.
It is impossible to cover all combinations of attire. The goal is to clearly define acceptable attire for U.S. personnel, (and dependents over age 12) in order to project a good impression to host nation populations, as well as reinforce COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT’s policy of “Liberty as a Mission.” Civilian attire shall present a neat, conservative appearance.

(a) Neither males nor females shall wear clothing of design or fabric that could be considered revealing (e.g. low-cut tops exposing substantial cleavage, clothing made of sheer, see-through fabrics without solid fabric underneath).

(b) Slacks, denim pants (jeans), skirts, dresses, shorts and collared shirts are generally acceptable for liberty; however, some hotels
and clubs expect patrons to dress more formally (e.g., dress slacks, coat, and tie) and will not allow access unless personnel are properly attired. Paragraphs 3a(2)–(10) provide comprehensive guidance on the standard of civilian clothing to be worn outside U.S. military installations in areas under the cognizance of COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT.

(2) Always Prohibited

- Male piercings while operating in the AOR are unauthorized!
- Female piercings other than a maximum of two earrings per ear;
- The wear of traditional host nation attire by U.S. military members (except those of the Muslim faith) such as the male thobe and guttra or female abaya. Females and males visiting mosques are exempt;
- Any clothing found to be offensive by a reasonable person.

(3) Head gear

Authorized: (MALE)
Ball caps, visors, wool watch caps/beanies; Religious males are authorized appropriate head covering.

Prohibited: (MALE)
Bandannas; Du-rags; Cloth head coverings other than authorized above when worn alone (can be worn under bicycle or motorcycle helmets).

Authorized: (FEMALE)
Ball caps, visors, wool watch caps/beanies; Scarf to protect from UV light (while transiting); Religious females are authorized appropriate head covering.

Authorized: (MALE)
Jeans and slacks; casual shorts:

- Must be no shorter than 4 Inches above the knee

Prohibited: (MALE)
Any clothes that expose undergarments.

Authorized (FEMALE)
Jeans, slacks and Capri Pants, leggings; Skirts, dresses and casual shorts:

- Must be no shorter than 4 Inches above the knee

Prohibited: (FEMALE)
Skirts or dresses worn shorter than 4 Inches above the knee (unless worn over leggings); Any clothes that expose undergarments.

(6) Shoes (ALL HANDS)

Any footwear is authorized provided it is neat in appearance and appropriate to the occasion.

(7) PT Attire (ALL HANDS)

U.S. military PT Uniform (PTU) is prohibited off base.

Authorized off Base:
Loose fitting shorts or pants; T -Shirts (no undershirts)

Prohibited off Base:
U.S. military PT Uniform (PTU) is prohibited off base.

(8) Mobile Phone and Headphones

Mobile phones may be used in uniform but will not interfere with the proper render of military honors and courtesies. Headphones, including those used with mobile phones, are not authorized while in uniform. In civilian attire, headphones will be in only one ear while on base transiting.

(9) Traditional Host Nation Attire

Traditional host nation male attire (thobe and guttra) and host nation female attire (abaya) shall not be worn in public or at social events (private or public) by U.S. militarypersonnel except those of the Muslim faith. In addition, no member of the Armed Forces may be required or encouraged by U.S. authorities to wear the abaya or any part of the abaya garment anywhere in the COMUSNAVCENT/ COMFIFTHFLT AOR. Females and males visiting mosques in accordance with limitations of Tab B to Appendix 4 to Annex E of this OPORD are exempt.

(10) Ramadan

Additional deference to host nation customs and norms must be observed during Ramadan. In addition to the above clothing restrictions, during Ramadan U.S. personnel shall not wear clothing that exposes the shoulder or knees or is overly revealing. Only authorized exemption is during exercise/PT. Personal behavior ashore must be above reproach and should always demonstrate deference to local customs. Specific guidance regarding Ramadan customs and laws are located in Paragraph 8 of Tab B to Appendix 4 (Liberty Policy for All Hands in the CONUSNAVCENT Area of Responsibility) of this Annex.

Military Uniforms

(1) General. Personnel shall not wear military uniforms nor any military uniform components on liberty when off a U.S. military compound. Military uniforms will not be worn in public or in the public areas of hotels or commercial establishments unless on official business or specifically authorized by COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT, U.S. Embassy, or other CENTCOM designated authority.

(2) Military Uniforms in Transit. Unless specifically authorized by COMUSNAVCENT or listed as an exception below, wearing a military uniform in transit from a private residence or hotel to any military installation is prohibited. During transit off base, uniforms will be kept covered in an opaque bag or garment bag. The following are exceptions to wearing uniforms in transit:

(a) NWU Type III uniforms may be worn in a “Dressed Down” condition during transits between places of duty such as NSA Bahrain, the Aviation Unit, Mina Salman pier, and Isa Air Base. “Dressed Down” requires the blouse and headgear to be removed. Personnel traveling in official vehicles with darkened windows may remain bloused.

(b) Personnel transiting while in uniform shall not leave the vehicle unless physically within the facility compound or an emergency.

(3) ID Cards. All personnel in civilian clothes will have their DOD Armed Forces Identification card in their possession, but not openly displayed.

I am an expert with a deep understanding of military regulations and cultural sensitivities, particularly in the context of U.S. military presence in different regions. My expertise is grounded in firsthand knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the policies governing the conduct and attire of U.S. personnel stationed abroad.

Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article you shared:

Background:

U.S. personnel, including service members, DoD civilians, and their dependents, must be aware of local sensitivities and cultural values to minimize the impact of the U.S. military presence.
Clothing regulations specified in the instruction are specific to the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and may be more restrictive than general military regulations.

Applicability:

All U.S. personnel attached to COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT units must adhere to the general order or guidance from other CENTCOM-designated authorities, with the more restrictive rule taking precedence.
COMUSNAVCENT has force protection responsibilities over all U.S. personnel in Bahrain, including non-component command military personnel, dependents, and civilians. Violation of the general order may result in punitive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Policy on Civilian Attire and Uniforms:

Civilian Attire:
- The goal is to define acceptable attire for U.S. personnel and dependents over age 12 to project a good impression and support the policy of "Liberty as a Mission."
- Restrictions on revealing clothing, including low-cut tops and sheer fabrics.
- Prohibitions on specific clothing items and accessories.
Head gear:
- Authorized and prohibited headgear for both males and females.
Shirts:
- Authorized and prohibited shirts for both males and females.
Pants/Slacks/Shorts/Skirts:
- Authorized and prohibited bottoms for both males and females.
Shoes:
- Neat and appropriate footwear is authorized.
PT Attire:
- Prohibition of U.S. military PT Uniform off-base and guidelines for authorized PT attire.
Mobile Phone and Headphones:
- Guidelines for the use of mobile phones and headphones in uniform and civilian attire.
Traditional Host Nation Attire:
- Restrictions on wearing traditional host nation attire in public or at social events for U.S. military personnel, except those of the Muslim faith.
Ramadan:
- Additional clothing restrictions during Ramadan, emphasizing deference to local customs.

Military Uniforms:

General prohibition on wearing military uniforms off a U.S. military compound during liberty.
Exceptions and guidelines for wearing military uniforms in transit, including exceptions for specific uniforms and conditions.
Requirement for personnel in civilian clothes to have their DOD Armed Forces Identification card in possession but not openly displayed.

This summary provides an overview of the key concepts and policies outlined in the article regarding the attire and conduct of U.S. personnel in a specific AOR. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on certain points, feel free to ask.