12 Years of USN Service Now Earns Gold Stripes

On March 19, 2019, the NAVADMIN announced that the wear of gold stripes would no longer be based on conduct over 12 years, but simply, 12 years of service. The announcement reads:

“Effective 1 June 2019, the requirement for enlisted Sailors to obtain 12 years of service along with continuous good conduct and minimum performance evaluation to qualify for wear of gold rating badges and service stripes is rescinded. All enlisted Sailors with 12 cumulative years of naval active or active reserve service are authorized to wear gold rating badges, and gold service stripes in lieu of red rating badges and stripes.”

It goes on to explain:

“The 12 years of service may be active or drilling reserve time in the Navy, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve. Time counts excluded from this calculation are delayed entry programs, inactive reserves and broken service. Underbroken service conditions, resume the cumulative time count upon active dutyreenlistment or upon enlisting in the drilling reserves. Gold rating badges and service stripes may be worn on Service Dress Blue, Dinner Dress Blue Jacket, Dinner Dress White Jacket and Full Dress Blue uniforms only. Petty officers entitled to wear gold rating badges and service stripes wear gold chevrons on their cap device, and the epaulets of the black relax fit jacket worn with the Service Uniform.”