Is this authorized in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (Corps)?
No. The uniform naval personnel were wearing is the new Navy Service Uniform which is for junior enlisted and petty officers only. This uniform is for E-1 through E-6 and is not worn by Chief Petty Officers (CPO) (E-7 through E-9), Warrant Officers, or Commissioned Officers in the Navy. However, there has been some field testing by the Navy to possibly permit female officers, Warrant Officers, and CPOs to wear the untucked khaki blouse, similar to the picture above, with the regular service khaki uniforms. This is similar to uniform options in the Air Force and Army for female members. This has not been finalized by the Navy and no decision by the Corps has been sought, pending the outcome of the Navy’s wear-testing results. Q: I recently saluted a more senior Corps officer and she saluted me while holding a coffee cup in her right hand. Is this appropriate? A: No. Officers are reminded that unless they are carrying something in both arms/hands or there is some medical reason to carry
