Nov. 23, 2007
Q: Can we walk and talk on a cell phone in uniform if it does not get in the way of saluting?

A: Thanks for your input and obvious concern for helping keep up our military standards of appearance around the base. We need even more people to become concerned about this issue if we are going to improve. On this particular question, however, I’m going to stand by my original answer. Unless the practice of walking and talking on a cell phone becomes specifically prohibited by Navy regulations or other authority, we will not enforce it on this base. The cell phone has basically replaced the beeper as the way key personnel are notified of important issues, and it would be very difficult for our Security personnel and courtesy patrols to try to ascertain whether cell phone conversations are for official business or personal in nature. Cell phones should not be used when crossing the street. In accordance with U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations, the use of wireless communication devices, (e.g. cell phone, PDA, pagers, etc.) will not interfere with the proper rendering of military courtesies and honors. It is also the driver’s responsibility to exercise caution in the vicinity of crosswalks and intersections.