Prior to 2004, enlisted male personnel had the option of wearing a silver tie tack or tie clasp with the black four-in-hand tie that was a required component of the Winter Blue uniform. Regulations at the time stated that the tack or clasp could be “decorated or plain with appropriate insignia to which the wearer is entitled.” For enlisted personnel in the rates of E-1 to E-6, this includes the authorized headgear insignia of a spread eagle, with the initialism “USN” placed above the eagle’s head and centered between the eagle’s wing tips. (Note: E-4 to E-6 also have distinct headgear insignia for the Garrison Cap, Ball Cap, and Eight-Point Hat that includes their rate insignia.)
Please note that current regulations do not authorized the wear of tie clasps or tie tacks by Sailors in the ratings of E-6 and below because none of their uniforms includes the requisite long tie, either as a basic or optional component. We carry these silver tie tacks and tie clasps for enlisted Navy personnel for veterans who take pride in maintaining their uniform and wish to keep it in “squared-away” condition even though their time of active service has come to an end.
When the silver tie tack or tie clasp is worn, it is placed an inch below the center of the four-in-hand tie, horizontally positioned with the “USN” upright.