Military Clothing Regulations

All branches of the military have regulations concerning the military clothing service members wear. The main reason for uniform regulations is to provide uniformity for each branch of the service. Regardless of the reasons for the regulations, they are strictly enforced among each member of the U.S. military. Members of the service who don't follow the regulations are subject to disciplinary action, according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which is a set of disciplinary guidelines that every branch of the service must follow.
Navy
The U.S. Navy has strict dress code requirements for sailors both on and off base. For example, uniform pants aren't to be worn off base, unless the sailor in question is in a Navy vehicle on military assignment. The Navy also requires that sailors wear their hats anytime they are outdoors; however, the hats must be removed upon crossing the threshold into a building. The color of uniform worn is dependent upon the season. Whites are considered summer attire and blues are considered winter attire. The dates for each season are dependent upon the location of the base.
Army
Unlike the Navy, the Army allows soldiers to wear camouflage uniforms off base. According to the Army Times, the U.S. Army is transitioning its uniforms. These changes include adopting a black beret as the official head wear and switching from dress green uniforms to dress blue uniforms. This process started in 2007 and will take until 2011 to become fully implemented. Soldiers can stay up to date on these changes by reviewing AR 670-1.
Air Force
The U.S. Air Force governs the dress codes of its soldiers through Air Force Instruction 36-2903. This document includes information about changes the Air Force is making to its uniforms. For example, the USAF is issuing a new combat uniform to its airmen through 2011. Unlike past uniforms, airmen won't be allowed to wear sister service patches on this uniform. It also reduces the number of airmen who are allowed to wear flight suits. Air Force Instruction 36-2903 provides detailed information for all airmen on the specifics of uniform preparation, including when sleeves can be rolled up and how to do so.
Marine Corps
The U.S. Marine Corps is a division of the Navy, known for its 'polished' appearance. In an effort to keep up with that image, the USMC has issued guidelines for what Marines can wear on base and off base, regardless of duty status. These instructions include prohibiting Marines from running errands in camouflage uniforms. It also prohibits Marines from wearing certain civilian clothing, such as lingerie style tops and low rise pants. The Marine code not only stipulates what Marines can wear, it also specifies certain conduct standards. For example, a Marine in uniform can't eat while walking; he or she can't chew gum or use any tobacco products and are prohibited from participating in any fundraising activities.
Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has the most relaxed uniform regulations of all the service branches. For example, members of the Coast Guard don't have to wear name tags in most cases, which is a marked difference between the USCG and other service branches. Also, members of the Coast Guard are allowed to decide whether they want 'military creases' in their uniforms. In other service branches, these creases aren't optional; in fact, some Navy and Marine uniforms come with creases already sewn into the fabric.