The Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps is one of the seven Uniformed Services of the United  States.  Commissioned Corps officers may be authorized by the agency to which they are assigned and/or local uniform authority (LUA) to wear various uniforms, uniformed articles/components, and accessories.  The personnel instruction, Commissioned Corps Personnel Manual (CCPM) Pamphlet No. 61, "Uniform Handbook", Parts 1, 2, and 3, which gives guidance on the correct wear of the PHS uniform can be found at http://dcp.psc.gov/DCP_pubs.asp.  PHS uniform items may be purchased from most U.S. Navy installations or the U.S. Navy Uniform Support Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Items such as PHS T-shirts, sweat clothing, mugs, bags, decals, etc., may be purchased through the PHS Officer Supply and Device Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Navy and Marine Corps
Uniform Support Center
Mail Order Program
Suite 200, 1240 Gator Blvd.
2nd Floor, Bldg 3126
Norfolk, Va 23521-2315
1-800-368-4088
1-757-502-7450
Fax: 1-757 502-7532
http://www.navy-nex.com

PHS Officer Supply and Device Center
1770 Physicians Park Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816
(225) 756-3793 voice
(225) 756-3810 fax
http://bphc.hrsa.gov/nhdp/PHS_Officers_Device_Supply_Center_Main_Page.htm

Lighthouse Uniform Company
P.O.Box 19213
1532 15th Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98108
(800) 426-5225
http://www.lighthouseuniform.com

Ribbons, name tags, ribbon bars, medals and attachments are available through the Sheltered Workshop Program:

USPHS Sheltered Workshop Program
Gillis W. Long Hansens Disease Center
ATTN: V.J. Langlois
Carville, LA 70721
(505) 642-4752

An officer called to active duty with the PHS for the first time is entitled to a one-time uniform allowance of $250.  This dollar amount will not cover all uniform expenses but will allow you to  purchase a basic uniform of some type.  Every officer is required to own a Service Dress Blue Uniform (see pictures below of officers in uniform).

In addition to reviewing CCPM  Pamphlet 61, "Uniform Handbook", new officers are recommended to attend the Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC) to gain an in-depth knowledge of correct uniform wear, required grooming standards when in uniform, and uniformed service customs and courtesies. A listing of available course dates is maintained on the web site of the Commissioned Officer Training Academy at  http://dcp.psc.gov/COTA/OBCD.aspx

Pictures of Officers in Uniform

Service Dress Blues

Service Khaki

Summer Whites

The following links will guide a new officer through the rules and regulations.