An early use of "frock" (15th century) referred to the long habit characteristically worn by monks. Through the centuries, frock came to describe various loose garments of some length. The "frock coat," which was a long-skirted garment coming almost to the knees, became a popular fashion for men in the early 19th century and was quickly adopted for military uniforms. It is feasible that the frock coat was so called because the length was reminiscent of earlier clothing articles.
There is an alternative explanation for the term "frock coat." An ornamental closure, called a "frog," which consisted of a spindle-shaped button passing through a loop of material or braid, was typical on military uniforms at least as early as the mid-18th century. The expression could have evolved from frog coat to frock coat.
Our assumption is that the current usage of "frocking" is in some way related to the officer's frock coats. The verb form "to frock," relating originally to the monk's cloak, meant "to invest with priestly office or privilege." Perhaps this idea of establishing position by the donning of a particular garment is resurrected here. Another explanation for the link between the term and the practice is that the early undress uniform for a midshipman was a short coat whereas that for a lieutenant was a frock coat. When a midshipman was appointed to act in the capacity of a lieutenant, he wore the uniform of the latter. In this instance, it could be said he was "frocked."
Regarding the practice of frocking itself, there are various instances in Navy Regulations at least as early as 1802 of personnel assuming the uniform of the next higher rank, not necessarily with higher pay, when appointed by proper authority to assume the duties and responsibilities of that rank prior to actual promotion. These appointments were sometimes temporary as when it was necessary rapidly to swell the ranks during war time, especially in the Civil War. Other instances concerned a commander's need to fill an unforseen vacancy for which there was no one of equal rank. In this case, a junior who was qualified for promotion would assume the uniform and duties pending approval by the Navy Department.
The practice that we currently refer to as frocking has been in common usage in one form or another throughout the Navy's history. There does not seem to be a definite point however at which the practice was first established. The original use of the term "frocking" to describe the current policy is also unclear, but probably is of recent vintage as it does not appear in earlier documents (18th-19th century). The 1974 version is the earliest Bureau of Naval Personnel Manual to contain the policy itself and refer to it as "frocking."
Another tidbit of Naval Trivia! MMCM(SS) Greg Peterman USN Retired
Originally posted by mmcmss: The 1974 version is the earliest Bureau of Naval Personnel Manual to contain the policy itself and refer to it as "frocking."
Another tidbit of Naval Trivia! MMCM(SS) Greg Peterman USN Retired
Thanks, Chief. I was wondering where and when this bit of Pomp and Circumstance got passed down to the lower POs, as it wasn't done when I was in.
'Frock' is still commonly used in the UK for Womens Clothing, denoting a one-piece dress; my Mother had summer and winter frocks.
The current policy on frocking was instituted in 1972 for the following reasons. The E7/8/9 selectees of that year faced about 2 1/2 years waiting to be advanced. This was because of the rapid drawdown at the end of the Viet Nam conflict and the attendant budgetary limitations. The decision was made by CNO, ADM Elmo Zumwalt to let this group of selectees wear the uniform/insignia but not receive the pay until the budget allowed. The policy was later extended to the lower petty officer grades in the mid 70's if I remember correctly. I had a good friend, a BM detailer at BuPers, who turned down "frocking" to E9 during the first ceremony held for that reason. He told the Chief of Naval Personnel that he would put it (second star) on when he got paid for doing so.
Frocking is good for those who plan to fill a brand new billet at a new unit for the next higher pay grade. My OSC came here "frocked". Would it have made a difference in his image if he had come here an OS1, maybe. Doesn't change anything. What is the difference between a "Chief" and a "Brand-new Chief"? Another topic!
Originally posted by neena215: Frocking is good for those who plan to fill a brand new billet at a new unit for the next higher pay grade. My OSC came here "frocked". Would it have made a difference in his image if he had come here an OS1, maybe. Doesn't change anything. What is the difference between a "Chief" and a "Brand-new Chief"? Another topic!
While it may not have made any difference to the team he was sent to lead, it would definitely make a difference in how he was seen by the officers and other Chiefs on board in his initial interactions. walersailor above made note of an E8 waiting to go to E9; in that case no duties or station were changing, so the perceptions don't come into play. Me -- went to bed as an E4 on November 15, got up on November 16 as an E5 -- frocking not needed in the 60's.
