The Admiral Farragut Academy, like many institutions with a naval tradition, incorporates the wearing of distinctive uniforms as part of its educational program. Among these, the Navy Service Uniform, often referred to as the “Admiral Uniform” within the school community, holds a prominent place. This uniform is not just clothing; it represents discipline, tradition, and belonging for Upper School students.
Understanding the Navy Service Uniform
The Navy Service Uniform (NSU) is a core component of the dress code for Upper School students, typically worn one to three times per week. It is distinct from other uniforms such as Travel Gear and Physical Training attire, each serving different purposes and occasions. For students enrolled in Naval Science courses, the first set of NSUs is provided by the Naval Science department, including alteration fee coverage. Students not enrolled in these courses are required to purchase their NSU from The Anchor Campus Store, bearing responsibility for any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit.
The NSU is designed for regular school days and activities, providing a smart and professional appearance while maintaining practicality. It is essential to wear the uniform correctly, adhering to the guidelines outlined in the official NJROTC Cadet Field Manual to project the intended image of precision and unity.
Key Components of the Navy Service Uniform
The Navy Service Uniform comprises several specific items, each contributing to the overall formal and recognizable look. These components include:
- Black Pants: These are standard black uniform pants, providing a foundation of formality and uniformity.
- Black Belt and Proper Buckle: A black belt with a regulation buckle is crucial for a crisp and neat appearance, cinching the waist and adding to the structured silhouette.
- White Crew Neck T-shirt: Worn as an undergarment, the white crew neck t-shirt provides a clean base layer beneath the khaki collared shirt.
- Khaki Collared Shirt: This is the defining garment of the NSU, a khaki collared shirt that distinguishes it from other uniform types.
- Black Garrison Cap: The garrison cap, often not pictured but mandatory when outdoors, is a key identifier of the Navy Service Uniform, adding a touch of naval tradition.
- Black Socks: Plain black socks are required to maintain uniformity from head to toe.
- Black Shoes: Black uniform shoes, specifically available at the Ship’s Store, are mandatory for the Navy Service and Salt & Pepper uniforms, ensuring a polished and regulation appearance.
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Other Uniforms Worn by Upper School Students
While the Navy Service Uniform is central, Admiral Farragut Academy’s Upper School students also utilize other uniforms tailored for different activities and occasions:
Travel Gear: Worn one to three times a week, Travel Gear offers a more relaxed yet still presentable option. It consists of khaki shorts or black pants, a khaki or black belt, an AFA polo shirt, white socks, and black or blue athletic shoes. This uniform is typically worn on Mondays and for field trips, offering greater comfort and flexibility.
Salt & Peppers: This more formal uniform is reserved for special occasions such as Picture Day, Parades, and Graduation. It includes black pants, a white shirt, a black belt with a proper buckle, a white crew neck t-shirt, a white-collared shirt, a black garrison cap, black socks, and black shoes. Notably, NJROTC and AFA Ribbons and awards are exclusively worn on the Salt & Pepper uniform, and only NJROTC authorized ribbons and medals are permitted on the Navy Service uniform.
Physical Education & Physical Training Gear: A designated P.E. or P.T. uniform is worn once a week for physical activities. This comprises a gold Navy t-shirt (tucked in), navy blue athletic shorts (worn at the natural waist), and white socks, designed for comfort and practicality during exercise.
Conclusion
The “admiral uniform,” or Navy Service Uniform, is an integral part of the Upper School experience at Admiral Farragut Academy. Alongside Travel Gear and Physical Training uniforms, it ensures students are appropriately and smartly dressed for all aspects of school life. Understanding the components and proper wear of each uniform is crucial for students to embody the values of discipline and unity that Admiral Farragut Academy instills. For detailed guidance on wearing these uniforms correctly, resources such as the NJROTC Cadet Field Manual and visual guides are readily available.
