The U.S. Navy is set to broaden the distribution of its two-piece, flame-retardant uniform in 2024, designated as the primary uniform for sailors at sea. This update, confirmed by Navy officials, means more personnel will be equipped with the enhanced garment, officially known as the 2-Piece Organizational Clothing uniform, or 2POC.
Sailors are authorized to wear the 2POC uniform across various settings including aboard surface ships, submarines, and flight decks. Its usability extends beyond operational duties, as it is also permitted during commutes and while off base, offering a versatile and practical option for daily wear.
The initial rollout of the 2POC began in December 2022, targeting U.S. Fleet Forces units, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier among the first recipients. By November of the following year, half of the ships on the East Coast had been supplied with the new uniform, according to Fleet Forces Command.
Building on this progress, the Navy is significantly expanding distribution to the Pacific Fleet. Nearly half of the orders for the 2POC have been allocated to West Coast ships, with the U.S. Pacific Fleet projecting that all sailors in the Pacific region will be outfitted with the 2POC by fall 2024. This widespread distribution underscores the Navy’s commitment to equipping its entire fleet with this advanced uniform.
In Europe, the USS Paul Ignatius destroyer has already received the 2POC. Naval Forces Europe-Africa anticipates further distribution to other Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe destroyers, as well as to the command-and-control ship USS Mount Whitney and the expeditionary sea base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams throughout 2024. This demonstrates a global approach to the uniform’s deployment, ensuring sailors across different theaters benefit from the enhanced protection and comfort it offers.
The distribution process is strategically managed using priority lists from each type commander, considering both operational tempo and maintenance schedules of the units. This ensures that the uniforms are allocated efficiently to where they are most needed, minimizing disruption to naval operations.
Functionally, the 2POC uniform is constructed from a tri-fiber blend, featuring flame-resistant fabric comparable to the Improved Fire Retardant Variant uniform. This material technology is crucial for sailor safety, providing essential protection in potentially hazardous environments.
Similar to the rollout of the Improved Fire Retardant Variant uniform, all sailors serving on surface ships and submarines will receive at least two sets of the 2POC at no cost. An additional set will be provided for deployment, ensuring sailors are adequately equipped for both routine duties and extended operations. This no-cost provision highlights the Navy’s investment in sailor well-being and operational readiness through superior uniform technology.
