From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs:
NAVADMIN 314/12, released Oct. 19, announced the Chief of Naval Operations' (CNO) decision to terminate the Service Dress Khaki (SDK) initiative.
The NAVADMIN also reemphasized the optional wear of the Service Dress Blue (SDB) uniform as an acceptable alternative during summer uniform wear periods when participating in events, ceremonies and meetings where wearing a coat and tie is appropriate and when other uniforms are not prescribed.
"The Navy continuously monitors Sailors' uniform concerns and develops uniforms and design changes based on feedback received and research conducted," said Rear Adm. Tony Kurta, director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy. "After May 2012 when the contemporary design for SDK was approved for optional wear, the Navy continued to conduct research with product vendors and with the information gained and reviewed, the decision was made to cancel Service Dress Khaki."
The Navy made the decision to terminate pursuing the SDK uniform as an optional uniform due to factors identified during a comprehensive uniform assessment. These factors included the evaluation of quantities of SDK sets ordered/sold, wear test of several models evaluating quality, durability, appearance and fit, and estimated cost per uniform set to the individual.
The NAVADMIN 314/12 also reaffirmed E-7 to O-10 personnel may wear the SDB as a suitable alternative for wear in lieu of summer white and service dress white uniforms when a coat and tie is appropriate.
SDB uniforms may be prescribed for wear year-round to all official functions (when formal dress, dinner dress, or full dress uniforms are not prescribed) and civilian equivalent dress is coat and tie. This uniform is available for purchase in a quality light weight fabric.
