U.S. Navy Chaplains Ordered to Remove Rank Insignia from Working Uniforms
The U.S. Navy has ordered all chaplains to remove rank insignia from working and utility uniforms, effective June 10, 2026, implementing a March 24 directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The policy aims to emphasize chaplains’ religious role over their officer status. It applies to NWUs, coveralls, flight suits, and other utility attire, while staff corps insignia remain. The Pentagon is also reforming the Chaplain Corps to focus on religious duties, reducing religious affiliation codes from 200 to 31.
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U.S. Navy Chaplains Ordered to Remove Rank Insignia from Working and Utility Uniforms
The U.S. Navy has issued an administrative message ordering all chaplains to remove rank insignia from working and utility uniforms, effective June 10, 2026. This follows a March 24 directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that chaplains should be seen as clergy first and officers second. The policy applies to Navy working uniforms (NWUs), coveralls, flight suits, flight deck clothing, and 2-piece organizational clothing. Chaplains will retain their staff corps insignia. When in service or ceremonial uniforms, standard military courtesies and honors remain in effect. The Pentagon is also reforming the Chaplain Corps to focus on religious duties rather than therapy, and has reduced recognized religious affiliation codes from 200 to 31.
Military TimesNavy chaplains will remove rank insignia from all working and utility uniforms
The U.S. Navy has issued an administrative message ordering chaplains to remove rank insignia from all working and utility uniforms, effective June 10, 2026. This follows a March 24 directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that chaplains should be seen as chaplains first and officers second, emphasizing their 'divine calling.' The chaplain staff corps insignia will remain. When in service or formal uniforms, chaplains will still receive military honors and courtesies. The Pentagon is also reforming the Chaplain Corps to focus on religious duties rather than therapy, and Hegseth has reduced religious affiliation codes from 200 to 31.
Navy TimesU.S. Navy Chaplains Ordered to Remove Rank Insignia from Working and Utility Uniforms
The U.S. Navy has issued an administrative message ordering chaplains to remove all rank insignia from working and utility uniforms, effective June 10, 2026. This follows a March 24 directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that chaplains should be seen as religious leaders first and officers second. The change applies to Navy working uniforms, coveralls, flight suits, flight deck clothing, and two-piece organizational clothing. Chaplains will retain their staff corps insignia. When in service or ceremonial uniforms, standard military courtesies and honors are still required. The Pentagon is also reforming the Chaplain Corps to emphasize religious duties over counseling, and has reduced recognized religious affiliation codes from 200 to 31.
Military TimesNavy Chaplains Ordered to Remove Rank Insignia from Working and Utility Uniforms
The U.S. Navy has ordered chaplains to remove all rank insignia from working and utility uniforms, effective June 10, 2026, following a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued on March 24. The Navy administrative message specifies that rank insignia must be removed from Navy working uniforms (NWUs), coveralls, flight suits, flight deck clothing, and 2-piece organizational clothing, as well as outer garments and covers worn with these uniforms. Chaplains will continue to display their staff corps insignia. The policy change aims to emphasize that chaplains are chaplains first and officers second, with Hegseth stating they should 'be seen among the highest ranks because of their divine calling.' When in service or formal uniforms, chaplains will still receive military honors and courtesies. The Pentagon is also reforming the Chaplain Corps to focus more on religious duties rather than therapy, and has reduced the number of religious affiliation codes from 200 to 31.
Navy TimesNavy Chaplains Ordered to Remove Rank Insignia from Working and Utility Uniforms
The U.S. Navy has issued an administrative message ordering all chaplains to remove rank insignia from working and utility uniforms, effective June 10, 2026. This implements a March 24 directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that chaplains should be seen as clergy first and officers second. The change applies to Navy Working Uniforms (NWUs), coveralls, flight suits, flight deck clothing, and 2-piece organizational clothing. Chaplains will still display their staff corps insignia. When in service or formal uniforms, standard military honors and courtesies apply. In working uniforms outdoors, sailors and chaplains exchange greetings and salutes. The policy is part of a broader Pentagon reform of the Chaplain Corps, emphasizing religious duties over therapy and counseling. Hegseth also recently reduced religious affiliation codes from 200 to 31.
Military TimesNavy Chaplains Ordered to Remove Rank Insignia from Working and Utility Uniforms
The U.S. Navy has issued an administrative message ordering all Navy chaplains to remove rank insignia from working and utility uniforms, effective June 10, 2026. This directive follows a March 24 order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that chaplains should be seen as clergy first and officers second. The change applies to Navy working uniforms (NWUs), coveralls, flight suits, flight deck clothing, and 2-piece organizational clothing. Chaplains will continue to display their staff corps insignia. When in working uniforms outdoors, sailors and chaplains are to exchange greetings and salutes, and chaplains must salute officers regardless of rank. The Pentagon is also reforming the Chaplain Corps to emphasize religious duties over therapy, and Hegseth recently reduced religious affiliation codes from 200 to 31.
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