Uniform

Our cadets and adult volunteers are privileged to wear the uniform of the United States Navy. This is an amazing honor the Navy has given us, and we should be grateful and respectful. Because many of our cadets are indistinguishable from Navy Sailors and adult volunteers in uniform look like commissioned officers, it is essential that all are keenly aware that in uniform we represent the U.S. Navy.

In uniform, cadets should be on their best behavior, stand tall, and be prepared to address others with respect.

Adults are never required to wear a military uniform. When adult volunteers choose to wear the officer’s uniform, you must look sharp and act professionally. U.S. Navy Sailors, indeed all of our military, inspire respect and awe not only with their skills and knowledge but also by their appearance.

All Cadets and parents should be familiar with our Uniform Regulations. We wear the uniform with pride and keep it clean and neat. When we wear the uniform we represent not only the Sea Cadet Corps but also the US Navy and grooming standards must be impeccable. Below is a quick reference guide to uniforms and where to find uniform items not supplied by the division.

The good judgment of leaders at all levels is key to enforcement of NSCC grooming policy. Hair, grooming, and personal appearance while in uniform shall present a neat, professional appearance. The primary
considerations are a neatly groomed appearance for the hairstyle and the type of hair that the member has.

Males. This policy applies to male members in uniform or when wearing civilian clothes in the performance of duty. Keep hair neat, clean and well groomed. Members may wear varying hairstyles if they meet the criteria of maximum length and bulk, tapered neck and sides, and correct wear of
military headgear.

Taper hair above the ears and around the neck from the lower natural hairline upwards at least ¾ inch and outward not greater than ¾ inch to blend with hairstyle.
Hair must not be longer than four inches. It must not touch the ears, collar, extend below eyebrows when uncovered, show under front edge of headgear, or interfere with properly worn military headgear.
Bulk is the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp. It must not exceed two inches.
Hair coloring must look natural and complement the individual. Do not wear faddish styles or outrageous multicolored hair.
The NSCC recognizes the unique quality and texture of curled, waved, and straight hair. Where the ¾ inch taper at the back of the neck is not practicable, cut for a graduated appearance. This may combine the taper with a line at the back of the neck.
Members may cut, shave, or clip one natural, narrow, fore and aft part.
Do not wear plaited or braided hair in uniform or in a duty status.
If worn, keep sideburns neatly trimmed and tailored in the same manner as the haircut. Sideburns shall not extend below a point level with the middle of the ear, shall be of even width and shall end with a clean-shaven horizontal line. Do not wear flared sideburns, "muttonchops", "ship's captain", or similar styles.

Females. This policy applies to female members in uniform or when wearing civilian clothes in the performance of duty. Hairstyles must present a professional, balanced appearance. Do not wear styles with shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), those with designs cut, braided, or parted into the hair, or those dyed using unnatural colors.

Hairstyles must not interfere with the proper wearing of headgear, protective masks or equipment. Headgear must fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. Hair must not show from under the front edge of the headgear.
Except when wearing a bun or ponytail hairstyle, hair must not protrude from the opening in the back of the ball cap except when wearing a bun or ponytail hairstyle. For example when wearing the recruit ball cap, or the NSCC ball cap when authorized by the unit Commanding Officer or COTC.
Do not wear lopsided or extremely asymmetrical hairstyles. Angled hairstyles have no more than a 1-1/2 inch difference between the front and the back length of hair.
Members may wear layered hairstyles that present a smooth and graduated appearance. Hair length, when in uniform, may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1-1/2 inches below the top of the jumper collar.
Keep long hair, including braids, neatly fastened, pinned, or secured to the head. Bangs must not extend below the eyebrows. Do not wear widely spaced or protruding braids. Do not wear pigtails
Single braid, French braid, or a single ponytail may be worn in NWU, khaki service uniform or while in PT uniform.
Except for documented medical conditions, hair length must prevent the scalp from being readily visible. Minus the bun, hair bulk as measured from the scalp must not exceed 2 inches.
The bulk of the bun must not exceed 3 inches when measured from the scalp. Bun diameter must not extend beyond the width of the back of the head.
Wigs, hairpieces, and extensions must be of a natural hair color and match the current color of hair.
Fit and quality of wigs, hairpieces and extensions must present a natural appearance and conform to grooming standards. Tints and highlights must be natural and similar to the current base color.

Sea Cadets

NSCC CADET FLASH, CHEVRON AND RATING BADGES

League Cadets

NLCC CADET FLASH, CHEVRON AND RATING BADGES

Boots and Shoes

The division has a limited supply of dress shoes and boots. Most of them are used and may look acceptable on the inside, but the insoles and soles are well worn. We recommend that families buy a comparable shoe and boot. Cadets may have dress shoes already at home that could comply with regulations. Please send a picture of them so we can see if they comply.

Dress Shoes

Official uniform specifications: "Worn by NSCC/NLCC cadets. Plain toed, oxford style black, low quarter, lace shoe, made of smooth leather (No synthetic high gloss material). The heel shall be an outside heel 3/4 inch - 7/8 inch high with a flat sole."

Here a couple of stores where similar looking shoes can be purchased at a reasonable price. Amazon, Walmart, etc. may also have good deals.

Galls.com. Search for "leather oxfords". Recommended options listed below. Not exact match to Navy style but better priced. Bates (previous Navy vendor) and Altama (new Navy vendor) are very expensive. For comparison the cheapest price at the official Navy Uniform store is currently $63.18. These can only be ordered by military personnel.

Option 1. Option 2.

Rothco.com. Same comments as above.

Option 1.

Boots

Official uniform specifications: "Black all leather safety boots (steel toed) are the standard boots worn with the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III, and Type I while shipboard or at trainings with environments mandating safety shoe wear. Authorized black boots include 9-inch or 8-inch high boots"

Boots are a bit more complex to find. They need to be leather (for shining) and you should avoid if possible boots that have zippers, mesh sides, big treads ("jungle boots"). Ask around with other cadets to see where they have found similar boots.

Galls.com. Search for "leather boots" or "combat boots". Some options are listed below. Not exact match to Navy style but better priced. Bellville (Navy vendor) are very expensive. For comparison the cheapest price at the official Navy Uniform store is currently $101.17. These can only be ordered by military personnel.

Rothco.com. Same comments as above.

Military Uniform Supply.