The US Navy has announced the expansion of hairstyles for women along with several other uniform policy changes and updates.
Among the several hairstyle changes is the authorization for women to wear locks.
Women can also wear their hair in a single braid, French braid, or single ponytail in service, working and physical training uniforms.
In addition, women may now wear a hair bun that does not exceed or extend beyond the width of the back of the head.
Other uniform changes include the approval of the Optional Physical Training Uniform (OPTU) that consists of a navy blue high-performance shirt and five-inch running shorts. The uniform is expected to be available at Navy Exchange Uniform and Customer Care Centers starting October 2018.
The US Navy is also developing a standard navy blue Physical Training Uniform (PTU) that will be phased into the seabag issue at Recruit Training Command in the next 12-18 months.
The Black Relax-Fit Jacket has been designated a unisex item and sailors can wear the men or women’s jacket sizing that best suits their uniform requirements.
To allow for greater visibility female sailors have the option to wear identification badges on the right side above the pocket of their uniforms.
Wear testing of the improved female officer and chief service uniform skirts and slacks will be complete this summer.
As explained, new uniform policies are the result of fleet feedback and the ongoing efforts to improve navy uniforms, uniform policies and sailor appearance.