Uniform Question

[SlightlyCatholic]

I wanted to ask all of you about this picture and similar pictures that I've seen of servicemembers in their dress uniforms.

Here's the picture: http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=66868

This Sailor doesn't have his name plate on, and what I'm wondering is why. I'm not trying to be nitpicky, but I thought the nameplate was just as big a part of the uniform as ribbons or rating badges. Can anybody clarify this for me?

[txb&b]

I can't speak as to this picture, but I've seen many pics of sailors in uniform without their nameplate.

[HairyEyeball]

I can't speak to current regulations, but during my era, a 'nameplate' was not 'a part of the uniform' - either in my Marine Corps or in the Navy. One caveat: Individual commands did, on occasion, require them; sometimes different units sported different colors, and some individuals transfering units were 'advised' by their new 'Shirt' that wearing one would result in the individual being disciplined for being out of uniform.

[Skylark]

I have never worn a nameplate with my Dress Bluess. I'm not sure if I've ever seen anyone wear a nameplate with theirs either.

[Javelin66]

Wearing a nametag with your dress blues is like wearing a 'hi, my name is' tag on a tuxedo.

In the Army, nametags are worn on service uniforms but not on formal uniforms and are not required on any uniform after retreat.

[mrkltmn]

Current Navy Regulations say that Name tags are optional, including on the Service Dress Blues.

[SlightlyCatholic]

Ok, well there's my answer. Thanks everyone.

[OleDoc]

When I was in, it was never worn on the Dress Blues.

[Wolfy]

On the Essex I never saw sailors wear nametags, with the exception of the Command Master Chief and some of the higher ranking Navy officers.