Sailors can hear you now
 |  The Navy will allow female sailors to buy civilian purses and clip cell phones to their belts. |
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Navy sailors won't have to pat themselves down or search their Navy regulation purses to find their ringing cell phones for much longer.
Uniform regulation changes announced Monday allow all sailors to clip electronic devices such as cell phones, PDAs or pagers to their belts.
The changes also allow them to carry gym bags or briefcases while in uniform and give women the freedom to choose pants instead of skirts.
In addition, female sailors will no longer be issued a regulation Navy purse but will be allowed to choose civilian handbags that fit the Navy's criteria.
The changes, which are effective October 1, are the first from the Navy's Task Force Uniform, which will unveil other changes in the future.
The task force surveyed more than 40,000 sailors to determine which uniform changes are needed most. Sailors were asked 35 multiple-choice questions about their uniforms and accessories.
The changes to the Navy uniform are not as sweeping as the change announced in June by the U.S. Army.
The Army announced 20 changes to the combat uniform -- not accessories -- that included removing the color black from camouflage. The uniform is more relaxed and includes suede boots that don't need to be polished.
The Navy task force will also test new uniforms that include a variety of colors and designs.
