The Navy has lifted its ban on sailors keeping their hands in their pockets — a policy rule that drew wide dislike and some internet mockery.
The change was announced Wednesday, along with a host of uniform changes that include the return of a beloved cover for female sailors and loosening of the rules around PT uniforms.
An administrative message said the decisions were the result of “sailor feedback, command-sponsored requests and direction from Navy leadership.” Among the raft of uniform tweaks and changes were also authorizations for chaplains to wear their new warfare insignia and for the Navy’s forthcoming warrant officer drone pilots to wear their wings.
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Still, the biggest change for all sailors is the Navy decision on the hands-in-pockets ban.
“Sailors are authorized to have hands in their pockets when doing so does not compromise safety nor prohibit the proper rendering of honors and courtesies,” the service memo said.
The rule was most fiercely policed in the Navy’s boot camp and training schools and led to a host of memes, social media posts, and complaints that often derided the rule and the chief petty officers seen as the enforcers of the policy.
However, the rule, and the complaints, were not unique to the Navy.
Meanwhile, female sailors are the recipients of many of the new changes rolled out…
