Final answer:
While Cato the Elder described a biannual clothing allowance for laborers in ancient times, modern military sailors typically receive a clothing allowance annually after completing initial training for upkeep and replacement of uniforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you’re asking pertains to the clothing allowance for sailors, and you’re interested in knowing the specific interval at which this allowance is provided. The information you provided from Cato the Elder's 'On Agriculture' concerns the clothing allowance for laborers in a historical context, not sailors in the modern military, and it mentions an allowance of a tunic and a blanket every other year, along with sturdy wooden shoes every other year. However, if we are talking about modern practice, for military personnel in the United States, the clothing allowance is typically provided annually to enlisted members after the completion of their initial training.
An initial clothing allowance is given both at the beginning of their service and then service members may receive a replacement allowance annually thereafter. This system allows service members to replace and maintain their uniforms as needed. Notably, this annual schedule could potentially differ in other countries or organizations.