PHS Uniform Regulations and Guidance
Few things inspire pride and esprit-de-corps more than the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) uniform. By wearing the uniform, Commissioned Corps officers display a profound respect for their country, their service, and themselves. Uniforms promote the visibility and credibility of the Commissioned Corps to the general public and the Nation’s underserved populations, whom the PHS officers are devoted to serving.
The PHS uniform traces its roots back to 1871 when John Maynard Woodworth, the first supervising surgeon (now known as the Surgeon General), organized the service along military lines. The uniforms reflect the proud legacy and tradition of the more than 200-year-old service. Uniforms link today’s officers to their heritage and connect them to past officers. Since they represent the Commissioned Corps history and tradition, rigorous standards apply to wearing the uniform and every officer upholds those standards with pride.
Similar to the other services, the Commissioned Corps has several uniforms including the Service Dress Blues, Summer Whites, Service Khakis, and Operational Dress Uniform (ODU). Each uniform reflects the great responsibility and privilege that comes with being a commissioned officer.
For more information about proper wear of the uniforms, please consult the policy documents referenced below:
Inst 411.01: -- Required Wear of the Uniform
Inst 412.01: -- Uniforms and Appearance
Inst 413.01: -- Special Uniform Situations
Inst 421.01: -- Uniforms for Male Officers
Ordering Uniform Components
Uniform components can be purchased from the Navy Exchange or the Coast Guard Exchange. The Navy Exchange can be utilized to purchase items such as your service dress and daily uniform needs, outerwear, footwear, accessories and awards. Items can be purchased in person at an authorized location, or online with a verified account. The Coast Guard Exchange is the sole provider for the ODU but other items such as outerwear and accessories can also be purchased. Similar to the Navy Exchange, purchases can be made in person or online with a verified account.
Transition to the New U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Working Uniform
The Assistant Secretary for Health and Surgeon General have selected the Coast Guard Work Uniform (CGWU) Type IV as the next Commissioned Corps working uniform. The mandatory wear date for the new uniform is October 1, 2026, except for officers assigned to the USCG who have a mandatory wear date of October 1, 2025. All officers may begin to transition to the new uniform starting in September 2023.
During the transition period leading up to October 1, 2026, officers may purchase USCG-embroidered Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) blouses along with a newly created USPHS ODU patch. The patch, which will be available in September 2023 through the Navy Exchange website and local Southeast and Bethesda locations, will need to be sewn over the USCG-embroidered emblem. Please note that Commissioned Corps Instruction (CCI) 421.01, “Uniforms for Male Officers,” and CCI 421.02, “Uniforms for Female Officers,” state that the ODU must be phased out by February 1, 2023. This date is no longer feasible due to the supply issues and delays referenced above.