Blue Digitals

[ChaplainC]

So I just wanted to ask, what does everyone thinks about the Blue digitals? I rather like the look, but, I wanted other opinions...

Blessings

ChaplainC

[jeffersj]

With regard to the digital pattern, that'll take some getting used to.

As for the style, the Navy should have gone that route when they dumped utilities back in the late 1970's and went with dungarees.

[ty5486]

I disagree entirely. I loved wearing dungarees when I was enlisted, and really think the digital blues (we call them aquaflage) look silly. I personally don't think anyone in the contiguous US, not training in the woods needs to wear cammies. I work at a joint command, in a building, where we do paperwork, and all the other services are wearing cammies pretty much every day. I don't understand that. I hear people say "oh, but they're so comfotable." Well, I happen to think my uniform is just fine, and it looks a darn site more professional than what they're wearing (what is up with the Air Force's green boots???). The blue cammies don't match anything but the ocean, they aren't cheaper than what we're wearing now, and they look more sloppy, so why the change? I loved wearing the working kakhis on the ship, and I'll miss them when I go back. I'm not sure who was interviewed that said they prefer them, but I'm afraid it was a CNO "yes man..."

[Shep]

I agree. The uniform is pretty awful looking and not very functional. If we "had" to have a cammie uniform why didnt we just go with grey. The folks who will wear it the most will be E-1 to E-6 and theyre the same folks who will mostly likely get paint on it, most likely our favorite color.....haze grey! Now we'll have to wear a uniform that doesnt match anything that is in its surrounding which is what I always thought camoflage was used for in the first place.

[ty5486]

When I get back to a sub (next year) I'll either have to wear that, or the "poopy suit" (coveralls). I guess there is the changeover time, but soon my working kakhis will be extinct...what's up with that?

[ChaplainC]

I thought that they were coming out with a coat for the working khakis. Or am I mistaken? Pretty sure I read something about that in the Navy Times a month or two ago...

[ty5486]

They are working on coming back with the dress khakis, but the aquaflage will replace the working khakis. Seems like the dress khaki without jacket will be for office work or something.

[ChaplainC]

I love the "aquaflage" Let this serve as good warning I am going to use that one, funny stuff.

I thought they were only making a dress khaki so they could have that stay as a work uniform. Oh well, such is life I guess.

I also have to say, as a chaplain, I really am glad that you can do the suede or shiny boots with the aquaflage. I personally like my boot shiny, and it shows that I have a pride in my uniform, which a lot of chaplains do not. So, it is nice that those guys who do not want shiny can go for it, but, nicer that those who want it can keep it. unlike the army or Air Force. No idea what the jar heads are doing...

[MIGUELH22]

I agree. The uniform is pretty awful looking and not very functional. If we "had" to have a cammie uniform why didnt we just go with grey. The folks who will wear it the most will be E-1 to E-6 and theyre the same folks who will mostly likely get paint on it, most likely our favorite color.....haze grey! Now we'll have to wear a uniform that doesnt match anything that is in its surrounding which is what I always thought camoflage was used for in the first place.

Personally, I think it is about time we got some new uniforms. I'm tired of having the seasonal switch. Moreover, I'm DOUBLY tired of taking my whites to the cleaners ever two or three days! In regards to the "aquaflage" I have to admit I am a fan. While it may not be "functional" in some people's opinion it is a load better then current utilities in my eyes, and the fact that they made digicamis in blue is entertaining, to boot! In regard to the fact that it is camoflauge, it is my understanding that the reasoning behind it is simply that every other branch has digicamis, and the Navy wanted a uniform that was more in line with the other branches - I guess to "fit in" more?

[ty5486]

I understand what you are saying, but if I'd wanted to look like a different branch I would have joined that branch. I liked the uniforms when I was enlisted, but I understand the frustration with the whites. I've always said the whites are "the most nervous uniform in the military." I always liked the fact that we were different, why would we want to be like the other branches? And with the Air Force wearing cammies to work in office buildings...I don't ever want to be confused with those guys...but that's just my own personal preferrence. Even if they were only replacing the utilities I'd think it was a bad plan. How about we spend all the money we're dumping on "uniform investigation" on moral and retention...just a thought.

[RT04]

I have always felt that the blue coverall should be the standard working uniform - with the same on/off-base wear and standardization as the flight suit (obviously when clean and presentable). It looks 'Navy', is extremely easy to wear and maintain and is very comfortable (more so than a flight suit). I'm not a fan of cammies. I've had to wear our current DCU's here in Kuwait and what I would give to have a set of wash khakis or my flight suit. I think the 'aquaflage' hiding paint line is a weak selling point for going this route. If this is such a bid deal, then commands should have issued coveralls specifically for painting to protect sailors' uniforms (gee, that's what civilian painters do...).

[ChaplainC]

Nah. most civilian painters just wear white shirts and white pants. I have not seen many in coveralls. Mind you this is ten plus years of construction experience, including working as a superintendent for a home builder for a while.

You know, I personally hate the idea of wearing the digitals to work all the time. The Air Force's CSAF (recently fired) thought that it was a good idea that everyone wear the BDU so that everyone was "fit to fight" and that all of us were at war, not just part of the military. But I personally do not think it is all that helpful. I have met a lot of folks who like it, and say the BDUs are more comfortable. Me, I would rather be in my blues all day than in BDUs. Now, when I am with the cops for a day then I will dress up in the battle rattle and wear all the gear they are wearing, but, other wise, I would just assume wear what is comfortable, and for me that is blues.

I do like the flight suit, they are swell, but going to the head is a bear!

Blessings.

[ty5486]

As I have said before, when in an office it seems to me that we'd want our people to look professional, cammies don't look professional. It's that simple to me. Of course even when the Air Force wears their blues they rarely wear ribbons/devices. It seems to me that the Air Force doesn't want to look like military, but rather business people when they wear their blues...

[sweetvanity]

i was talking to my bf (who is in the navy) last night and asked him what he thought of the blue camis... he questioned if it would be a safety issue when dealing with a man-overboard situation the sailor will blend in that much better in the water. and actually, i had to respond, "right b/c the dark blue jumpsuit is going to make them stick out oh-so-easily." but he said the solid dark blue while not exactly a neon sign in the water would def be easier to spot than someone in camis designed to blend in with the water. i don't know if he's right because i've never set foot on a ship... and well, he's a Medical Corps officer so i don't know how many man-overboard spottings he would see anyway... but i thought the argument made sense in some ways.

see guys, i <3 you all so much, i talk about your questions in the non-computer-world. *kissies*:tongue:

[ty5486]

I agree that the coveralls may also blend in with the ocean, but they would be easier to doff if you fell in than the cammies, which don't seem to serve much life saving purpose...Once again, I really just question the need to wear cammies stateside at all, and blue ever...just seems like they are trying to inact change for change's sake...

[Shep]

Most likely the reason we are switching to cammies is money. It seems every 5-6 years the military is switching uniforms somewhere. Either someone from the textile lobby is pushing hard or places like Vanguard and Sekri industries are really hurting for business. Quite frankly, its getting old. I can honestly say I've never had a problem with any uniform I've ever worn.

[ChaplainC]

As I have said before, when in an office it seems to me that we'd want our people to look professional, cammies don't look professional. It's that simple to me. Of course even when the Air Force wears their blues they rarely wear ribbons/devices. It seems to me that the Air Force doesn't want to look like military, but rather business people when they wear their blues...

The difference for the Air Force is generally officers vs enlisted. All Air Force must wear all of their ribbons and medals on their service coat, but not on their shirt. They may wear them on their shirts if they want, but it is not requisite. Typically you will see the enlisted troops wearing their ribbons on their shirts, but you do not see it very often on officers. It is generally frowned upon, as an officer, to wear them. Further it is generally frowned upon, as an enlisted troop, not to wear them. So, yeah that is how that tends to work. Then again with the AF in BDUs for the last several years who knows what it will be like when the blues come back out of mothballs...

Agree that the digitals do not look professional as a civilian, but I think they look very professional, even in an office job, for a person in the military. It is to be expected that someone in the military will wear that at times.

The only thing I do not like is these fifty year old men walking around in flight suits who have not flown in years. If you want to be a good leader then wear what your troops are forced to wear. These Air Force guys who said combat readiness are all in flight suits, none of them are stuck in BDUs all day.


ChaplainC

[ty5486]

I understand the regs regarding ribbons in USAF uniforms, but it seems silly when you aren't even bringing the jacket to work to not wear ribbons. Kind of like how (if the dress khakis come out) with the dress khakis you'll wear ribbons on the jacket, and not wear just the shirt out in public (I assume) or you can wear "regular" khakis with ribbons on the shirt, no tie and no jacket.

[ty5486]

Of course, we seem to have deviated from the OP. The aquaflage is awful in my opinion, and I'm really going to miss my working khakis. If I'd wanted to look like the Marines, I would have joined the Marines...

[jeffersj]

I disagree entirely. I loved wearing dungarees when I was enlisted, and really think the digital blues (we call them aquaflage) look silly. I personally don't think anyone in the contiguous US, not training in the woods needs to wear cammies. I work at a joint command, in a building, where we do paperwork, and all the other services are wearing cammies pretty much every day. I don't understand that. I hear people say "oh, but they're so comfotable." Well, I happen to think my uniform is just fine, and it looks a darn site more professional than what they're wearing (what is up with the Air Force's green boots???). The blue cammies don't match anything but the ocean, they aren't cheaper than what we're wearing now, and they look more sloppy, so why the change? I loved wearing the working kakhis on the ship, and I'll miss them when I go back. I'm not sure who was interviewed that said they prefer them, but I'm afraid it was a CNO "yes man..."

No problem with your opinion. Everyone has things they like/dislike about uniforms.

Don't know about you, but I did about 28 years in the service.

Started out wearing utilities. Very durable, had a tendency to melt when exposed to high heat/open flame, and rather heavy. Stencils on the shirt also were a bit hard to see.

Transitioned to dungarees - only folks I ever saw wearing them were Junior Enlisted Sailors and those persons who had to be isolated from society due to their misconduct. Also not very durable - notorious for falling apart after a few launderings.

Went back to utilities - an improvement, but I really didn't care to look like a gas station attendent (back when gas station attendents wore uniforms, pumped gas, checked your oil and cleaned your windows).

Went to a unit wearing BDU's - except for one short period of temp. duty and CPO Selectee professional training, never wore utities again. Most comfortable set of uniforms I ever wore. In fact, still wear the BDU trousers bloused with my old combat boots for working in the yard.

Will there be another change? Probably.

[Shep]

The only thing I do not like is these fifty year old men walking around in flight suits who have not flown in years. If you want to be a good leader then wear what your troops are forced to wear. These Air Force guys who said combat readiness are all in flight suits, none of them are stuck in BDUs all day.





Please dont get me started on this!!!! I'm an OS working on an AF installition and even i was given a set of flight suits. I've never even flown in any type of military aircraft but it sure looks like it now. The AF gives flight suits to any personnel working in flight ops or space ops. The space ops part is funny because it really makes no sense at all for ground pounders to wear flight gear.

[ty5486]

Well, they want everyone in the AF to either look like a pilot or a warrior, hence the flight suits for some, and cammies for everyone. It's an attempt to look more legit...

[Snuggle Bunny]

I am looking forward to the new uniforms for a myriad of reasons, but I think the Navy hasn't done a good job explaining why we are going to them.

The Navy Working Uniform is NOT a camoflauge uniform - never has been, and never will be. Read an excerpt from the Public Affairs release:

"The new Navy Working Uniform (NWU) replaces the utilities, wash khaki, coveralls, woodland green, aviation green, winter working blues and summer whites.....With a digital print pattern incorporating Navy blue, deck gray, haze gray and black, the NWU is a wash-and-wear 50/50 nylon and cotton blend. The majority of Sailors surveyed preferred a BDU-style uniform, one that doesn't show spots, stains or heavy wear like a solid color uniform and allows mending of small tears in fabric, saving money in replacement costs......Besides reducing the seabag and providing ease of maintenance, a camouflage-style uniform puts us more in line with our sister services in terms of our appearance," said Master Chief Arthur Rivers, assistant head for the Navy's Uniform Matters Office.....In the future, Sailors operating in tactical environments, including expeditionary Sailors and SEALs, will wear either woodland or desert digital patterns."

Sadly, it is only at the end of this article somewhat specifically says that the NWU is NOT intended as a tactical, camouflage uniform. They need to make it much more clear that this uniform is "camouflage" not for tactical reasons, but because it doesn't show spots stains and heavy wear. This article should have said right up front, "This uniform is obviously NOT for camouflage or concealment. It's multicolored so you can't see dirt and stains. If you need to blend in, we've got woodland and desert digital coming out soon."

While I would personally have prefered the digital GREY pattern that came in "second", I wholeheartedly agree with eliminating seven uniforms - many of them impractical - and replacing them with one. We have far too many uniforms, several of which exist primarily for us to look good. Noone should ever be PERMITTED, let alone encouraged, to iron or press any working uniform. The day this uniform is implemented, the CNO should send a message to ALNAV directing that noone will EVER iron, press or starch it, period. I ca't wait for the first First Class Petty Officer bucking for Chief to put military creases in his NWU. If I see that I will give him hell.

Just as importantly, we are one of four military services, and all the other services have basically one office uniform and one field uniform. For the first time, SO WILL WE. That by itself is worth tremendous value.

I say, bring it on, and the sooner the better!

[jeffersj]

Snuggle Bunny -

Thanks for clarifying the fact the NWU is not a tatical uniform. A lot of folks seem to have overlooked that little detail.

As to the ironing issue, I don't think there is anything wrong with taking a few minutes to iron your working uniform so it doesn't look like you slept in it. Simply shows you have some self respect and care about your appearance.

[Hauligrl]

I love the idea of going to the new cammies! In the past I have been privileged enough to wear the Marine Digies and they were the most comfortable uniform I have ever put on. The only problem I have with the new cammies is the color. Now don't get me wrong I understand the whole "hide the stains" concept, but in my whole 14 years of service I have never once gotten blue paint on my uniform. I have had all kinds of white, grey and black paint spots but not blue.

[CDE]

The initial idea was that big navy was going to increase morale by addressing real and perceived issues with our "uniform situation"...i.e. too many uniforms, dislike of certain uniforms, specific problems with some uniforms. My opinion, supported by personal conversation and posts on other sites, is that Task Force Uniform has been a failure. Who are they interviewing, surveying and polling? For example, what the heck is the motivation for replacing coveralls as the at-sea uniform? When I was a SWO I'd say it had an 80-90% approval rating among enlisted and officers. Most of the desenters were the old die-hard salty "where are my dungarees? or where are my working khakis?" sailors. I was on my first ship when coveralls were mandated as the at-sea uniform.
It just seems that TFU has been plagued with silliness and "things that make you go 'hmmmmm?'" Sometimes it seems like a rigged election in Chicago.

[ChaplainC]

I can certainly see how it will work for the idea of making the stains look better. I am surprised that they will let you mend them though. Thje A.F. can not mend their BDU/ABU they just have to buy new.

Such is life I guess...

[ty5486]

I agree with CDE. I like wearing the coveralls underway. I love my working kahkis too. I thought it was a good plan to trim the seabag a bit, you know drop the tropical uniform, maybe loose the silly beret for women, but a total overhaul that's going to cost me nearly a grand??? Seems like it's about 10% of sailors I've talked to that like the new uniforms, all the rest want to know who was asked...

[jeffersj]

Ty5486 -

As I recall a very concerted effort was made to get every Sailor to provide input via the web. TFU didn't want a repeat of the uniform fiasco that occurred in the mid-1970's where E-6 and below ended up with dress uniforms that took too much maintenance, and working uniforms that were either hazardous when exposed to flame (the old utilities) or resembled prison uniforms (dungarees).

[Snuggle Bunny]

Personally, I didn't like my working khakis much, and while the coveralls are a comfy and practical uniform, they got stained and fell apart too quickly. With no rip-stop, I kept getting them caught on the watertight door pins and ripping the upper arm or shoulders.
I still firmly believe that we should not iron or press our NWUs. The Marines don't to theirs - in fact, they are forbidden, and they view it as a source of pride that they shake their uniform out and hang it. There is nothing wrong with putting on a clean uniform and simply getting to work. Let your concern for your shipmates and your work speak for itself!

[ChaplainC]

I think you are right S.B.

IF people would put as much effort into their job, as they do their uniforms, and the creases, they would find a leg up in the military.

[ty5486]

jeffersj - I filled out every questionaire I could about the uniforms, including those online...what now? I don't get a uniform allowance, but I'm still going to have to replace a great uniform for around $1000...that's a big layout I don't care who you are.

[jeffersj]

TY5486, I agree that is a lot of money. Just like spending $500+ up front for uniforms when I got selected and then having to wait until the actual date of advancement to get the uniform allowance hurt.

[GUNMATE1]

I am upset with the Navy right now. I endured the new utility uniform when it was introduced back in 2000. I endured the new PT gear, which i think honestly isnt that bad. But what really errks me is the fact that the new uniform roll out will take 2 years to get to all the exchanges. How is it that you can get PT gear to all the exchanges at the same time and you cant get the new uniforms out at the same time. I have posed this question to big navy in the past and not gotten any answers. Maybe this forum will help me get those answers. When the idea first came out we were to get them all at the same time, and boot camp last. Now boot camp is getting them first? What is the deal. Can we at least do something right in the navy and have all of our sailors in the same uniform at the same time rather than staggering them all over the country. It makes us look unprofessional. I think it is about time that those in TFU or whatever they are calling it now get off the high horse that they are on and get the uniforms to the other concentrations. It is ridiculous that when i called the 800 number to order the uniform they told me cause i wasn't in S.D. or Great Lakes i couldn't get it. What if i was on leave and in virginia and stationed in Great lakes. I was told i had to get it while i was there in that area. This whole uniform concept is a great idea and i support it 100% but this is ridiculous as to how long it is going to take to get the new uniforms. I am proud to wear the new uniform because it reduces our sea bags and it actually allows us to look like a military force rather than a bunch of mechanics. Please could someone anyone talk with TFU and get the new uniforms out quicker. Dont want to hear the manufacturer can't handle the load. If they couldn't then why did the navy waste money on them. Could have just gone with the same people the Marines did when they got thier uniforms. Its the same thing only a different color scheme. This could and should have been handled better.

[ChaplainC]

One thing I CAN say to that is that it is very wise to give it to the basic trainees first. There would be no reason to give the guys with functional uniforms the new uniform, and simultaneously giving the old style to the new kids. Then two years later expect the new kids to buy all new uniforms. It would be a flippant use of money to give them all those uniforms and they would effectively never really wear them. All of the other services gave the new stuff first to the Generals (Admiralty) then the Chiefs, and then to the guys going through basic.

I am equally frustrated. I got in before the last new uniform change, and I got in three months before the change, so I had to buy the old stuff, and then go and get the new stuff right away. Sucks...

[PAMICH]

I know the long staggered roll out for the SU. But when is the roll out for the aquaflage? You are so right about Airforce , Army and Marines, everytime they add or switch uniforms, it seems like a couple of months and everyone is wearing the new uniforms.

[ChaplainC]

The Army and Marines went all out on getting those things into the hands of their troops, but I did not see that in the Air Force. What I did see in the Air Force is that they are deploying so fast that everyone gets them anyhow. There are few people walking around the AF bases in BDUs anymore.

I still wear mine because I bought brand new sets of BDUs last summer, and until they either wear out, or they deploy me and give me brand new ABUs I am sticking to what I have got.


Looking forward to seeing that aquaflouge soon...
It looks cool in the pictures, but that does not always tell the tail...

[IYAOYAS1997]

So I just wanted to ask, what does everyone thinks about the Blue digitals? I rather like the look, but, I wanted other opinions...

Blessings

ChaplainC

I can't wait for the uniform to be released at my local NEx here in SD.

[*13]

I am in the MA rate and wear cammies all the time. I love them and they are very comfortable. The only thing that I dislike about the new Blue digitals..is that they are blue. I understand that Navy's colors are Navy and Gold but the uniform needs to be practical. Someone suggested making them grey. How are about two different shades like the desert camies? The colar devices can be that of a shade of greyand than keep the the black for officers so that it is more visable. I really think that the navy need to re think their color scheme.

[Snuggle Bunny]

*13,

The new NWUs are grey, black and dark blue, with the dark blue being the dominant color. A GREY-dominant version of the same uniform was tested - and ultimately rejected by the wear-testers - supposedly because it was a bit too light in color and thus more prone to showing dirt and grease.

There will be two variants of the uniform for use only in tactical environments - a woodland digital uniform and a desert digital uniform. As I said earlier in this string, the NWU ("blue digitals") is not a camouflage uniform, but a uniform to hide grease and dirt better than anything we currently wear. The purpose of the woodland and desert variants IS camouflage, where "our" guys with guns need to not be seen by "their" guys with guns.

The CNO has made his decision, and I think it is a sound one. The Navy had SIX working uniforms as recently as a year ago (winter working blues, working khaki, utilities, tropical working uniforms, aviation working greens, and the green cammies). The other services each had ONE - their cammies only. That was, and is, absolutely ridiculous - why on earth would a single service have so many different working uniforms? Next year, we will have TWO - the NWU and coveralls. I can't WAIT!

[jeffersj]

*13,

The new NWUs are grey, black and dark blue, with the dark blue being the dominant color. A GREY-dominant version of the same uniform was tested - and ultimately rejected by the wear-testers - supposedly because it was a bit too light in color and thus more prone to showing dirt and grease.

There will be two variants of the uniform for use only in tactical environments - a woodland digital uniform and a desert digital uniform. As I said earlier in this string, the NWU ("blue digitals") is not a camouflage uniform, but a uniform to hide grease and dirt better than anything we currently wear. The purpose of the woodland and desert variants IS camouflage, where "our" guys with guns need to not be seen by "their" guys with guns.

The CNO has made his decision, and I think it is a sound one. The Navy had SIX working uniforms as recently as a year ago (winter working blues, working khaki, utilities, tropical working uniforms, aviation working greens, and the green cammies). The other services each had ONE - their cammies only. That was, and is, absolutely ridiculous - why on earth would a single service have so many different working uniforms? Next year, we will have TWO - the NWU and coveralls. I can't WAIT!

Snuggle Bunny, FYI, you'll have three working uniforms - the PT uniform is listed as a working uniform.

Yes, we did need to redesign and get rid of some things - I remember all too well having to keep dungarees around with white hats and ball caps, the junior enlisted service uniforms, etc., and having to carry two seabags whenever I transferred.

The biggest problem with the uniforms is the same one the Navy faced when E-1 through O-10 wore the same service dress uniform - change. A lot of folks are very resistant to change, and there will undoubtly be some senior folks that will agitate within the system to dump what is coming out and return to what we used to use.

[*13]

Sunggle Bunny,

Thank you very much for the reply. I was unaware of the other uniforms. So than I would have agree that the uniform will be a great change to the fleet.

Have a wonderful day.

[rexposeidon]

the only thing lacking in the aqua-flague is a big red nose and floppy shoes then we could all look like Bozo the clown!

[GUNMATE1]

I find it kind of interesting as i sit here in my office becuase i had a break and wanted to see what was being put out regarding the new NWU, i decided to log on here and see what was said after i posted. It seems to be the same story over and over again. Those of us who were in the navy prior to 1999 remember the uniform change and we didnt hate the utilities because of the way they looked we hated them because they werent comfortable or grease or paint friendly, and still arent. I personally am in the new SU and i love it. My command has us wear the working blues for duty section but i have gotten used to that. I know that NDW wont be able to wear the new NWU. I have accepted that unless the powers that be decided to change it. As a proactive 1st class i took it upon myself to get the new uniform so that my junior sailors would know what it looks like and know how to wear it. For those of you who use your clothing allowance to purchase a new game or a video or what ever you use it for and not your uniforms your wrong. Now did i always do that, no im not perfect, but this go around now that a new uniform was coming out you bet i kept my clothing allowance to pay for it. if you dont like the new NWU and you were in before the wear test. Hey your opinion should have been noted during the wear test. If you weren't in during a wear test then you have nothing to complain about. If you dont like it hey there is the door walk through it and get out. The Navy put a lot of time and effort into creating it. Its more comfortable and more work friendly. So my advice to everyone here, when you can go out and get the new uniform and try it on. If you dont like it, well you have 2 years to wear the old one and then you can get out.

[devildoc86]

I agree with Gunmate, although I am a corpsman and rarely ever wear utilities as it is, I will be glad to see the day I can burn mine and never think of them again. They're uncomfortable, impractical, and ugly.

[jeffersj]

I agree with Gunmate, although I am a corpsman and rarely ever wear utilities as it is, I will be glad to see the day I can burn mine and never think of them again. They're uncomfortable, impractical, and ugly.

The comment I heard with regard to the current utilities were they made you look like either an appliance repair man or (for those that can remember that far back) a gas station attendant.

Dungarees - weren't too durable, tended to resemble a prison uniform.

First incarnation of utilities - very durable (would not rip) and tended to melt when exposed to open flame, at least from what I saw.

[ChaplainC]

I am really enjoying the read here. Thanks all for the input. I am actually kind of excited about the new uniform, though I will not, at current, ever wear it. (I am in the Air Force, I have considered the Navy, and may consider going into it, but not sure.) Anyhow This uniform seems like such a good choice. It is really nice to see people happily wearing it.

Hope it is a durable uniform. I still can not believe how many uniforms the Navy has in general.

[jeffersj]

I am really enjoying the read here. Thanks all for the input. I am actually kind of excited about the new uniform, though I will not, at current, ever wear it. (I am in the Air Force, I have considered the Navy, and may consider going into it, but not sure.) Anyhow This uniform seems like such a good choice. It is really nice to see people happily wearing it.

Hope it is a durable uniform. I still can not believe how many uniforms the Navy has in general.

Yeah, and that's why they're coming out with a year-round service uniform for E-6 and below as well as a standard working uniform for all hands.

Now, if they would just return coveralls to being organizational attire issued/controlled by the command instead of keeping them in the seabag ...

[SEABEEINDC]

http://www.multicampattern.com/indexflash.html

My opinion of what we should issuing.http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/photos/operations/albatross/002.jpg

It works for the DEA, US Army SF and USAF PJ's why not the navy?

[ChaplainC]

Yeah, and that's why they're coming out with a year-round service uniform for E-6 and below as well as a standard working uniform for all hands.

Now, if they would just return coveralls to being organizational attire issued/controlled by the command instead of keeping them in the seabag ...

I agree with you there. Those greesy coveralls should never be put in your sea bag with your uniforms. Talk about a great way to destroy everything in your bag... Mind you, in the AF Everyone who has the coveralls are mechanics, so, if yall give them out to more than just that perhaps I am mistaken about them being in a constant state of grunge.

[PAMICH]

I agree with you there. Those greesy coveralls should never be put in your sea bag with your uniforms. Talk about a great way to destroy everything in your bag... Mind you, in the AF Everyone who has the coveralls are mechanics, so, if yall give them out to more than just that perhaps I am mistaken about them being in a constant state of grunge.

We have two types of coveralls. One is a uniform that is stensiled and decorated. This uniform is for working on docks, ships, subs or flight lines. It is intended to be a clean working uniform. We also have unstensiled coveralls that are strickly intended for greasy work, grungy work, painting, chemicals, all around dirty job stuff. If the stensiled coveralls are getting grungy, then it's up to the leadership to correct this. When I was a junior sailor on chip and paint detail, we always stowed our uniform of the day and donned the grungy ones. I have seen Aviation bosun's get quite dirty from the flight deck wearing any uniform, but that is the nature of that job. So there are exceptions.

[ty5486]

Hey, it looks like they're not going to let us wear our aweful-flage...I mean aquaflauge...I mean cammies out on town. Sure we liked them because the kind of look like the unis worn by other services, but let's make our regs more restrictive on their wear. http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/12/navy_working_uniform_120208w/


Oh, and we don't stencil the coveralls anymore. Now we have to buy name tapes, badges etc.

[PAMICH]

Totally rediculous to restrict this uniform off base. Now I'm seriously worried about the committee making these decisions on uniforms.

[ty5486]

I know, it seems like they're just pushing change for change's sake.

[Snuggle Bunny]

As i have said above and in other strings, the NWU is a fine uniform and I am getting really excited about wearing it. A few points, hopefully everyone will get the thinking behind the decision, and it'll clarify a few misperceptions:

1. On January 1st, 2011, authorized Working uniforms will be decreased from 7 different uniforms (utilities, wash khakis, green cammies, tropical whites, tropical khakis, aviation greens, coveralls) to only 2. Jeffersj corrected me earlier - the new PT uniform is indeed considered a type of working uniform now. Anyway, Only ones left will be the NWU and coveralls (and the PT gear). It was absolutely crazy we had so many. Once this is done, the only uniforms you will generally see around base are the service uniforms (CNTs and the New Service Uniform for E-1 through E-6); the NWU; and coveralls on the ships (and PT gear:) )

2. Working uniforms are for dirty or arduous working environments, not for office work. BOTH the Navy and Marine Corps have traditionally viewed working uniforms as exactly that, and thus, not appropriate for wear when not at work, such as getting gas, picking up your kids, shopping for food, etc. I disagree heartily, but those are the rules. If we keep posting eloquent reasons why this is not a particularly good reason, it may change. "Tradition" is generally not a good answer by itself, AND the NWU is a very professional looking uniform. People would be happy to see us at the Piggly Wiggly.

3. The NWU is not supposed to be ironed, pressed, or starched. Period. The first time I see a first class with military creases in a working uniform, I will give him hell. "If you want to make Chief and you think people will make that decision based on your military creases, you are mistaken." I wish the CNO would issue direct guidance about this issue, as the Commandant did when the new Marine digitals were issued. Have you ever seen a Marine iron his? NO.

4. I think we would all agree that coveralls are great for shipboard use, but not appropriate anywhere else. Coveralls will be for shipboard use only; and the NWUs will be for shore duty AND shipboard use if the CO prefers. No more coveralls at SIMA, FISC, the hangers, etc.

5. The NWUs are NOT a camouflage uniform. They were never intended for the wearer to blend into anything.

6. The command ballcap has NOT gone away. It's permitted with the coveralls; and with the NWU, on the ship or on the pier in the immediate vicinity. In some situations, it is also permitted with the CNTs as well.

7. Enlisted personnel were paid half the clothing allowance for this uniform last fiscal year; and have been paid the other half this year. If you spent it on other things, that was a bad decision and you have no right to complain about how expensive it is. As for officers, we don't get a clothing allowance, but we do get paid a good, living wage. If you complain about it, try working for a civilian organization and see how much you spend on suits. Nuff said.

[forcedj]

...I mean aquaflauge...



I like that term...aquaflauge.

But I gotta say that this argument is typical of sailors. My entire time on active duty…1981 to 2002…everyone complained about the Navy’s working uniforms. No one liked dungarees/utilities…”We should be in cammies like the other branches have gone to.” Or, “Let us wear coverall like the Snipes wear.” Then the finally change to those uniforms and everyone is (still) bitchin’. Reminds me of a story my first Div Chief told me (this was back before direct deposit when we still got printed paychecks). He said; Sailors like to bitch. If all a Sailor had to do was go into work once every two week to pick up his check he’d bitch that it wasn’t mailed to him.

Dan

[F/A-18 AOC]

To me it's not about wanting to look like other branches of service. To me it is all about trying to improve the "image" of the Navy all the while trying to improve the functionality of the current working uniform. I have to say I can't help but chuckle at the ones who put down the uniform change. Especially because it is so rare that you will actually hear any E-6 and below sailors complain about the change, and they are the ones who are most affected by it. Aside from ty5486 who stated that he "loved" wearing the dungarees, very few who currently wear them will miss them. Do I agree with the khaki "starter" uniform? Not really. However I do agree with need to get rid of those awful summer white uniforms. You couldn't do much in them without getting them dirty however you were expected to wear them on every watch and at every official function during the season.
Please don't get me wrong in that I am not a blind 100% supporter of the change. I do have my issues with the wear policy. I don't understand why the "aquaflage" uniform can NOT be worn while getting gas off base where before you could stop for that if it were needed while in utilities (as long as you were paying with a credit card and all). If other branches of service can wear their cammies to the mall, restaurants, stores and such (not that I would) then why is the Naval brass making it complicated for the sailors to make routine stops to and from work????? I love my khaki uniform but will never forget where I came from, so I will support my sailors in saying "It's about time!" Thank-you Task-Force Uniform for the changes. I will show my support very soon once the uniforms roll out in Washington district and wear my "aquas" with pride.

[fenway]

I think if the uniform is in good condition you should be allowed to be in public. If it is good enough to stand watch in .. it is good enough to be seen in public. I do have problems when I see army people in drinking in public in uniform

the coveralls are comfortable but do not look military. It looks like prison jump suits or thatyou work in a laundry

The NWU has a crisp look. I think you should be allowed to make small stops on the way home.

[Snuggle Bunny]

F-18 AOC, good post. However, you made one comment that is partially incorrect: "If other branches of service can wear their cammies to the mall, restaurants, stores and such (not that I would) then why is the Naval brass making it complicated for the sailors to make routine stops to and from work?????" The Marine Corps does NOT allow their Marines to wear their digital cammies when not at work. You have probably never seen a Marine at a ballpark or a restaurant - you know the Gunny would SKIN any Marine caught disobeying the Chain of Command. So the Army and Air force DO allow it, and the Navy and Marine Corps do NOT. Just a bit of clarification.
That having been said, I feel all 4 services should allow any professional looking uniform to be worn to and from work, with appropriate stops. In our case, that doesn't include coveralls.

[GUNMATE1]

The comment I heard with regard to the current utilities were they made you look like either an appliance repair man or (for those that can remember that far back) a gas station attendant.

Dungarees - weren't too durable, tended to resemble a prison uniform.

First incarnation of utilities - very durable (would not rip) and tended to melt when exposed to open flame, at least from what I saw.

Jeffersj, I disagree with you regarding the utilities. When i got my first pair i was working on my launcher. I got a set that fit perfect in the waist, when i went to climb up on my launcher i split the seam from zipper to but crack. I had to actually buy a pair of utlity pants that were 2 sizes to big so that i could use them to climb up on my launcher, Dungarees were perfect once you broke them in they were the most comfortable pants or uniform i ever owned. I would have much rather transitioned from the "Dungs" to NWU instead of the BS uniform inbetween.

[fenway]

I think eventually they will allow clean NWU's off base, just not yet.

It does look more professional and allows for easier integration of services while maintaining a clear navy discintion. the dungarees looked like one was about to do an oil change at a prison.

"a bitchin salior is a happy sailor"

[ChaplainC]

A lot of conversation on the NWU in public. If I may, I will add my two bits...

As I have mentioned in the past I am in the A/F so obviously we have a few differences, one of them is that we have never been allowed to wear our BDU/ABU out into the town. They are now getting less strict about it given that we were not allowed to wear anything else since 9-11 (until recently) so take from that what you will. Ultimately we can not wear them in town unless it is going to an establishment where "work" atire would be acceptable. IE Can not go to any sort of "sit down" resturant. McKeyD's is ok.

Anyhow, Personally I would prefer to be able to wear them out anywhere, but such is life I guess.

This is, at least, better than not being able to wear them in town at all, like in the past. Used to be we could only go get gas on the way home.

Well, I figure yall will get to wear them soon enough.

Blessings all

[jeffersj]

A lot of conversation on the NWU in public. If I may, I will add my two bits...

As I have mentioned in the past I am in the A/F so obviously we have a few differences, one of them is that we have never been allowed to wear our BDU/ABU out into the town. They are now getting less strict about it given that we were not allowed to wear anything else since 9-11 (until recently) so take from that what you will. Ultimately we can not wear them in town unless it is going to an establishment where "work" atire would be acceptable. IE Can not go to any sort of "sit down" resturant. McKeyD's is ok.

Anyhow, Personally I would prefer to be able to wear them out anywhere, but such is life I guess.

This is, at least, better than not being able to wear them in town at all, like in the past. Used to be we could only go get gas on the way home.

Well, I figure yall will get to wear them soon enough.

Blessings all

A lot depends on the timeframe, etc.

Several years ago (pre-9/11) when everyone wore the same BDU pattern, I did a little research project looking at the uniform regs for the Army, Navy, Marines, and the Air Force. This was the ones issued by the respective HQ elements, not what the subordinate commands used locally.

At that time the Air Force was the most liberal with regard to off-base wear of this item, pretty much prohibiting it only in resturants and places where alcoholic beverages were served. Otherwise, the policy was wear it pretty much where you want to.

Navy and Marines were more restrictive, but you could make stops at a gas station, the bank, the drugstore for diapers/medication, possibly the supermarket to get a gallon of milk. Otherwise, stay in the car until you got home.

Army was the most restrictive, which was the Navy policy I grew up with - not outside the fence period unless on official business approved by competent authority. Only reason they wear working uniforms in town now is because we are engaged in hostilities.

Only reason I researched the topic was I used to be mistaken for a Marine on a regular basis, a Soldier occasionally when it was dark outside, and in the event someone took me to task for wearing the uniform I wanted to know where they were coming from before I "politely" corrected them.

[sammyd]

I'd have to argue several points.
As to an ealier post about dungarees being fragile, I have found that to be quite false. I have a dung shirt that I still wear 16 years after getting out and about 20 years after I bought it, I can date that one because it still has a 3rd class crow on it.
I actually have quite a few dung shirts that I wear a lot. Same for the pants although the belled bottoms do get me some stares occasionaly.
My dad still has a shirt from 62 that has survived quite well.
As for looks, if you spent the bucks and went to the exchange and got Sea Farers instead of hemming up those insanely long legged navy issue pants you could look quite squared away.
Do these new uniforms fade? How are you gonna tell who's more "salty" LOL.
3 questions I asked the recruiter in the order asked..
a. Is it true that you ditched those CPO looking uniforms and went back to dungarees?
b. Do you still wear the crackerjacks?
c. What job can I get?

[Smeghead]

A lot of conversation on the NWU in public. If I may, I will add my two bits...

As I have mentioned in the past I am in the A/F so obviously we have a few differences, one of them is that we have never been allowed to wear our BDU/ABU out into the town.

Um, yes we have. Uniform wear has to match that of civilian clientele. So grabbing lunch in town was fine in BDUs if it's the kind of place where civs would go during work hours. A little more upmarket suit and tie place and you're looking at service dress. Black tie=mess dress.

That hasn't changed with ABU. It's still a oworking uniform and still only authorized for quick emergency stop (carton of milk at Walgreens etc) and lunch at a fast food/casual dining place.

My tech school was joint, as were the classes. At an upgrade course in 2001 we had 1 Marine in the class and he was the only one who couldn't go off post when we went for lunch. Army, Navy, Air Force and Coasties I assumed all followed the same rule -- or just said screw it and went to lunch anyway :)