1941 United States Navy Uniform Regulations
With Changes Applicable To The Coast Guard
(206 Images)

About 1941 United States Navy Uniform Regulations

Uniform regulations are key to understanding who, when, where, and how different types of uniforms were worn. Moreover, they put forth the standards for the physical appearance of the uniform, including design characteristics, fabric, buttons, as well as other specific features that should be exhibited. While published uniform regulations play an essential part in maintaining a standard of appearance for military organizations, it should be understood that acceptable attire was also dictated by the situation at hand and was constantly under review and revision, especially during times of war. Furthermore, uniforms were constantly evolving and being replaced by new, improved types. This was another process that was greatly accelerated during times of war. Temporary and permanent changes were typically addressed by the high command through the issuing of orders, bulletins, and communiques as they occurred. When enough permanent changes were accumulated, it typically warranted the publication of an updated set of regulations.

Beginning in the late 1930's and through 1941 there was considerable activity across all of the US military branches to modernize and improve uniforms. This was especially the case with field uniforms in light of the eruption of open conflict in Europe and Asia. The Navy was extremely active in these endeavors and by 1941 had adopted numerous changes including design improvements to existing uniforms, adoption of new specialized winter clothing, as well as changes to insignia and buttons. An example of one of these design changes occurred 1941 and affected officer's cap devices and buttons. The result was the repositioning of the eagle's head to face right instead of left. Thus by the end of 1941, changes to the Navy uniform lineup were of such significance that it warranted publication of updated uniform regulations. The 1941 regulations would supersede those last published in 1922.

The 1941 Navy uniform regulations are divided into a number of sections that provide the collector, historian, and enthusiast with a vast array of valuable information. Highlights from the various sections include the following:

• Beginning Addendum...Coast Guard Changes - With a few exceptions, the Coast Guard wore the same patterns of uniforms as the Navy. Otherwise, the main differences involved the style and placement of the insignia. The changes listed in this section explain the differences between the Coast Guard and Navy Uniforms of the period. This section supersedes the Coast Guard uniform regulations of 1930.
• Chapter 1...General Information - Contains general information as to who is authorized to wear the Navy uniform; expectations for neatness and cleanliness; how the Uniform of the Day is determined, who it applies to, and who is exempted.
• Chapters 2 through 7...Service, Mess & Dress Uniforms - Lists the specific articles of clothing required to make up each designated uniform for various classes of personnel, gives the occasions on which the various uniforms shall be worn, as well as a description of each article of clothing including its general characteristics. The various classes of personnel covered include Officers, Chief Warrant and Warrant officers, chief petty officers, other enlisted men, bandsmen, and officers' cooks and stewards.
• Chapter 8...Sleeve & Cuff Markings for Enlisted Men - Provides detailed descriptions of the sleeve and cuff marks for all enlisted men. This includes rating badges for petty officers and apprentice chiefs. This section also describes branch marks, specialty marks, cuff marks, service stripes, and brassards.
• Chapters 9 through 14...Aviation, Submarine, Working, Tropical, Winter, & Foul Weather Uniforms - These sections cover uniforms used by a particular branch of service or that are prescribed according to specific weather conditions. Like chapters 2 - 7, these sections list the required articles of clothing used to make up each of the designated uniforms, gives the occasions on which the various uniforms shall be worn, and includes specific descriptions of each uniform article.
• Chapter 15...Decorations, Medals, Badges, & Ribbons - Includes all categories of adornments and the manner in which they should be worn, including the order of arrangement and location on the uniform.
• Chapter 16...Naval Reserve & Merchant Marine Uniforms - Lists the required uniforms naval reserve officers must possess, as well as uniforms and insignia for the Merchant Marine service.
• Chapter 17...Nurses Corps Uniforms - States the initial requirements for the Navy Nurses Corps outfit and includes detailed descriptions for the various articles of clothing.
• Chapter 18...Care & Maintenance - Covers general care and maintenance of uniforms, including detailed sections on moth prevention, removing tarnish from insignia, and removing verdigris from copper and brass.
• Chapter 19...Quick Reference Tables - This chapter contains key information arranged in several quick reference tables including the type and number of garments officers were required to keep, as well as a very useful chart showing which clothing items made up each of the required uniforms for officers.
• Appendix...Additional Regulations & Laws - Provides a reference to a variety of laws and regulations found in Navy, as well as US Code that pertain directly to the naval uniform.
• Annex A through L...Specifications for Clothing Items - Contains detailed descriptions for the various articles of clothing that make up each of the uniforms for officers, warrant officers, chief petty officers, bandsmen, officers' cooks & stewards, aviation, and choreware. Specifications are given for styling, fabric type, garment dimensions, button size, and more.
• Plates 1 through 94...Illustrations - This section provides illustrations of the various articles of clothing for Officers, Chief Petty Officers, Enlisted Men, Bandsmen, and Nurses. It also shows specialized clothing used for winter, wet weather, and the Submarine Service. There are also plates covering officer's caps and hats, shoulder marks, epaulets, sleeve stripes, as well as swords and associated accoutrements. In addition this publication is replete with illustrations of the various insignia used by the Navy, including corps devices, aiguillettes, insignia, rating badges and service stripes, specialty and distinguishing marks, buttons, rank devices, medals, and ribbons.

The global nature of the Second World War saw the deployment of US military personnel all over the world. This situation brought about the need for a wide range of uniforms that could outfit men and women in just about any type of climate condition. Advancements in military machinery and the advent of specialized forces further increased the need for improved or additional types of uniforms. Conversely, the expediencies of war and the necessity to prioritize the production of combat uniforms caused the use of some existing types of uniforms to be suspended or eliminated. This was particularly the case with ceremonial and other ornate types primarily worn on special occasions. Thus, it should be understood that while the 1941 uniform regulations provide a solid guideline for the basic Navy uniforms of the period, the story and scope of these uniforms during the WW2 period was fluid and rapidly changing.

For example, not long after the publication of these regulations, much of the officer's array of full dress, evening dress, and mess uniforms were no longer required purchases. As a result, regular service uniforms were often used as substitutes in the occasions that these more ornate uniforms were typically worn. Other expensive and resource heavy items were eliminated from the uniform code as well, such as the officer's sword and belt. In another example, the enlisted man's white dress jumper was dropped shortly after publication of the 1941 uniform regulations. Many other uniform articles underwent slight modifications to make them cheaper and easier to produce. Other uniform articles appearing in this publication were gradually being replaced by improved designs during the course of the War. This was especially the case with special wet weather and winter types. Additionally, ground and landing party combat uniforms were largely developed after 1941. However, most of the uniforms shown in the 1941 regulations were produced in such quantity that they remained in use throughout the entire War years. Thus, one should use this reference with confidence knowing that the uniforms depicted within represent a significant contribution and proportion of the many types used by the US Navy during the War.