Sailors blast wear rules for blue cammies

[GUNMATE1]

First off, I never said I agreed that MCPON Scott was a "yes man". He was accused of that in various ways in different forums. Like anyone, some things I agreed with, some I didn't. Yes, I am well aware that when the CO says "that's enough" discussion shuts off, you get in line and step out smartly.

Should more go down to the junior leadership? Yes. Not sure where the trend towards micromanagement started, got a feeling it was on the way long before I joined back in the 1970's. I for one would have liked to see where MCPON Campa was going with the First Classes come to fruition. Having to do "Mommy may I?" gets old after awhile, both military and civilian. But then, one way around that was I simply made it known when the issue came up that I made a decision based on the fact I believed I knew what was going on and felt it was within my responsibility to act. If my Chief agreed, no problem. If not, then I sought their guidance as to my limits so we could work together instead of against each other. Once I got my anchors I did the same with my juniors. We talked, set out limits, only requirement was they keep me informed as to what they did and why. That way if a question came up later I was not blind-sided.

Yes, there was a fraternization policy in the 1980's. Like a lot of things (such as the Physical Readiness program) it got lip service until things got out of hand. Sometimes it takes a major black eye like the one Tailhook convention to force a change.


I hate to say this but isn't this a forum for the NWU? Not MCPON Bashing. I met MCPON Scott and Campa when i was stationed in Bahrain. They all have an agenda. Each one in their own mind thinks that they can change the enlisted ranks. They are the top senior ENLISTED person. But when you get feedback from the fleet and its different for every sailor they talk to, you can't please everyone. I personnal think that since MCPON West likes the new NWU he would influence commands to make it the uniform of the day. But that isn't happening. But besides the point, this forum is about the NWU. If you want start a new thread for understanding of the MCPON.

[jeffersj]

I hate to say this but isn't this a forum for the NWU? Not MCPON Bashing. I met MCPON Scott and Campa when i was stationed in Bahrain. They all have an agenda. Each one in their own mind thinks that they can change the enlisted ranks. They are the top senior ENLISTED person. But when you get feedback from the fleet and its different for every sailor they talk to, you can't please everyone. I personnal think that since MCPON West likes the new NWU he would influence commands to make it the uniform of the day. But that isn't happening. But besides the point, this forum is about the NWU. If you want start a new thread for understanding of the MCPON.

Agreed.

But then, like a lot of threads both here and on other sites, folks have a tendency to stray from the topic at hand. Sometimes the topics are related, sometimes not. I've also seen this thread stray into discussions on the NSU, which is an entirely different animal, as well as the supposed lack of drug testing in the 1980's, and so forth.

[LibertyHound]

After having read through most of this thread, there is one thing that baffles me. Why are there so many people on here that are no longer in the Navy debating the merits of this rule? This is a uniform you will never wear. What happened twenty years ago really has no bearing on this. The only way I can see you having a leg to stand on is if you are actually part of the uniform change process. It's a little ridiculous to be telling a sailor who will be affected by this to put up and shut up when you are long past the time when this matters in your day to day life.

I personally am not really worried about it because it's my husband who will wear it, not me. If he has a strong opinion on the rules, he is the one who needs to be complaining and/or defending them, not me.

When the hell were you part of the Navy Issue Seabag???

With an attitude like this, you'll reach the point when you're long past the time when you matter in your husband's day to day life, except for USFSPA purposes......

[DoABarrelRoll]

When the hell were you part of the Navy Issue Seabag???

With an attitude like this, you'll reach the point when you're long past the time when you matter in your husband's day to day life, except for USFSPA purposes......

You, sir, are an idiot.

She stated that people who it doesn't effect should STFU and GTFO of the argument, admitting that she too is STFUing about it because it doesn't effect her.

[LibertyHound]

You, sir, are an idiot.

Don't call me 'Sir' - my parents were married.

Your excuse???

[DoABarrelRoll]

Don't call me 'Sir' - my parents were married.

Your excuse???

I don't know what you are talking about... I never married your mother.

[LibertyHound]

I don't know what you are talking about... I never married your mother.Like you've ever known what you were talking about??

[DoABarrelRoll]

Like you've ever known what you were talking about??

You shouldn't talk to you father like that, unless you want a fresh one.

[LibertyHound]

You shouldn't talk to you father like that, unless you want a fresh one.
How original.

You do the dozens 'bout two six-packs short.

[DoABarrelRoll]

How original.

You do the dozens 'bout two six-packs short.

You're too dumb to catch it the first time I said it, I figured I try again. Go sit in the corner.

God I love oxygen to heat converters, keep up the good work.

[LibertyHound]

You're too dumb to catch it the first time I said it, I figured I try again. Go sit in the corner.
You honestly don't realize you were being ignored???

Yer shidtin' me, Dilbert!!!!

[kenny10]

Thats typical.........I'm in the Marine Corps and can't wear my uniform anywhere off base. I don't really care but it causes a problem to me when I have to get gas. I either have to leave my house the night prior to work or leave earlier in the morning with civies on and then change when I get to base, what a big fucking deal that must be...........I've been low on gas a few times before and after work and didn't even realize it until the light came on and my car beeped. Guess what I did? Pumped gas in my damn uniform and used my card to pay at the pump. No one has said shit to me yet and I can only imagine thats because I haven't been spoted by some Crazy anal Marine yet. I think its a stupid rule to a point but why the hell do you feel the need to walk around in the mall in your cammies? Thats stupid, but getting gas is one thing.......and running to the bank off base during chow in cammies is not a huge f'ng deal. People in charge make stupid policies because they are stupid and push their own biased opinions on everyone

[GUNMATE1]

MCPON West says that sailors look sharp in thier uniforms. Apparently he doesnt read the navy times to often. Like i have been saying for the past year, why can't personnel in the DC area wear the NWU. Its a sharp looking uniform. Its time for the navy to sit back and think about the wear of the NWU in the DC area. BUMED in the DC area is already letting thier personnel wear it, maybe its time we stopped segregating the military into different commands and just one navy one fight.


***So MCPON West i have a informal request.... Please lift the ban on the NWU in Naval District Washington. It is a functional uniform and should be allowed to be worn. Sailors are smarter than you think. If there is an official function please trust us to wear the correct uniform for the occasion as we have done for many years. If the personnel in the Pentagon can't wear the right uniform, hold thier Chiefs and LPO's responsible. There are alot of other commands in this area who will wear the uniform proudly.

[pawn65]

The real problem isnt the Chiefs Mess. I am an LPO at my command. What the real problem is those who have an aversion to the changing of the uniforms. At my command my LCPO empowered me to make sure all my guys were wearing the SU correctly. I did and had the first division in the building 100% in the new SU. It has taken off, now more and more divisions are following my example. I tried to do the same thing with the NWU. Well i got slapped down in a heart beat for that. Why? No idea. Oh yeah its because the higher ups don't want to purchase the new uniform. And oh yeah in NDW the powers that be have made the decision not to allow us to wear it even though all other branches wear it in the Washington DC Area. What they shoudl truly do is allow good First classes to train the people on the wear and maintenece of the uniform and where they can and can't go in it. Lift at least one of the restrictions regarding Day care. The others can stay until a further date. But allow us the opportunity to train our people then come up with a wear policy. Maybe they should let us out in public so that we can show it off with pride. But just remember with that, you have those who can barely tie thier shoes let alone maintain a uniform.


Dont know what you were trying to say there. It was confusing to read. I think the rest of the Navy should adopt the Seabee Way, they give the CUU and expect you to know how to wear. They dont give lessons on how to wear they just expect you to know how to wear it.

[GUNMATE1]

Dont know what you were trying to say there. It was confusing to read. I think the rest of the Navy should adopt the Seabee Way, they give the CUU and expect you to know how to wear. They dont give lessons on how to wear they just expect you to know how to wear it.

What im trying to say is Washington DC is the only area in the USA that you can't wear the NWU. All other branches are wearing their Camoflauge equivelant except us. I just think it should be the same across the board, instead of having the other branches wear their service uniform allow the Navy to wear the NWU in the DC area.

[pawn65]

What im trying to say is Washington DC is the only area in the USA that you can't wear the NWU. All other branches are wearing their Camoflauge equivelant except us. I just think it should be the same across the board, instead of having the other branches wear their service uniform allow the Navy to wear the NWU in the DC area.
True its kinda like its the Navy's dirty little secret. It would increase recruiting more than likely just letting people see we dont just wear cracker jacks. Yeah i see what your saying kinda weird they would wear the NWU at the pentagon. But the Navy treats us like children everyone is suppose to be an adult when they join the military.

[Yggdrasil]

MCPON West says that sailors look sharp in thier uniforms. Apparently he doesnt read the navy times to often.

I firmly believe that if there are too many sloppy Sailors, then using the NWU more often is the solution. The other services wear their cammies for EVERYTHING - even those who work in an office wear cammies.

We wear our service and dress uniforms MANY TIMES more than personnel in the other services. Wearing them more often leads to greater wear and tear, dinginess, etc on the service uniforms.

Think about those times when you thought your summer whites were so squared away... until something special happened, and E7 and above were in their rarely worn summer whites, and you had to stand next to THEM.

As well, human nature - the less often you do something, the more "special" it becomes. This is why a Marine is more likely to look better in his service and dress uniforms - because they rarely ever wear them, except on special occasions. As a result, the uniform will be dry cleaned and pressed EVERY time they wear it.

People take extra care preparing for a special occasiasion than they do in preparing for a daily routine. It's human nature.

[Disgruntled82]

Hmmmm,,,

This thread is kind of degrading. Page after page of people bitching about the wear rules of the new Navy uniform. Here's the deal. Your in the Navy you signed the contract You volunteered Yourself so if they make new rules every other day abide by them and quit bitching. As for another post I read about some Sailors barely being able to tie their shoes Much less take care of their uniform properly. Here's an idea brainchild. Actually take the time out of your day to correct the discrepancies. Now I work at Macdill air force base. I see on a daily basis Uniform discrepancies from e1 on up and Im not afraid to tell an officer his rank is crooked or his boots are bloused wrong. Its all about military bearing. I have aced Uniform inspections with mediocre uniforms because when asked about discrepancies I gave the honest truth and never Lost my bearing. For instance I was inspected by a Captain In a perfect uniform with one exception. A big ass boot print across the top of the back. You ask How this is possible Its because during the inspection I never lost my military bearing. Well I think I have said whats needed to be said. And to the people bitching to MC West. Think about it. Its called a chain of command. The more requests he gets from a chain of command the more likely he is to grant things within reason

[euzkadiCA]

Sounds like a great idea Disgruntled82! Lets all just shut our mouths and not be allowed any input or complaints because our wonderful Chain of Command knows all...what a robot. People are bitching here because TFU (The Failure Unit) did almost nothing. Sifting through you shameless self-promotion of a post i would guess that you have never griped, complained or bitched. But the reality is: you have, and our leaders don't know all. And military or not "because i said so" is just not an acceptable answer most of the time to even my children. All most people here are talking about is what they see is wrong, and sometimes even how they would fix it. I personally wish most of the Navy leadership would take options and opinions onboard more often. Instead of "damn the torpedoes" and using history and tradition as excuses for not doing what is right and best for the rank and file of the branch.

[Texpat]

What a stupid rule.

Shouldn't the Navy be proud of its sailors? Shouldn't efficiency and practicality trump some wacky notion that nobody knows the crew-cut guy on the street outside Norfolk isn't a squid?

Another stupid rule.

[GUNMATE1]

Hmmmm,,,

This thread is kind of degrading. Page after page of people bitching about the wear rules of the new Navy uniform. Here's the deal. Your in the Navy you signed the contract You volunteered Yourself so if they make new rules every other day abide by them and quit bitching. As for another post I read about some Sailors barely being able to tie their shoes Much less take care of their uniform properly. Here's an idea brainchild. Actually take the time out of your day to correct the discrepancies. Now I work at Macdill air force base. I see on a daily basis Uniform discrepancies from e1 on up and Im not afraid to tell an officer his rank is crooked or his boots are bloused wrong. Its all about military bearing. I have aced Uniform inspections with mediocre uniforms because when asked about discrepancies I gave the honest truth and never Lost my bearing. For instance I was inspected by a Captain In a perfect uniform with one exception. A big ass boot print across the top of the back. You ask How this is possible Its because during the inspection I never lost my military bearing. Well I think I have said whats needed to be said. And to the people bitching to MC West. Think about it. Its called a chain of command. The more requests he gets from a chain of command the more likely he is to grant things within reason

Disgruntled82 i have never had any issues with the new NWU. I just think that in DC we should be allowed to wear it.... Congrats on never getting a hit on an Inspection. I too have had flawless inspection records, that really isn't that hard to do. As long as you are squared away. But i know we have a chain of command i have been in the navy for 13 years, so i don't need you telling me i'm bitching. MCPON West is see and in pictures wearing the uniform all over, i have even see it at most BUMED commands in the region but for some reason we can't wear it at actual commands? That is just wrong especially since all other branches are now wearing their camouflage uniform all over the district.

[ElectricElvis]

Hmmmm,,,

This thread is kind of degrading. Page after page of people bitching about the wear rules of the new Navy uniform. Here's the deal. Your in the Navy you signed the contract You volunteered Yourself so if they make new rules every other day abide by them and quit bitching. As for another post I read about some Sailors barely being able to tie their shoes Much less take care of their uniform properly. Here's an idea brainchild. Actually take the time out of your day to correct the discrepancies. Now I work at Macdill air force base. I see on a daily basis Uniform discrepancies from e1 on up and Im not afraid to tell an officer his rank is crooked or his boots are bloused wrong. Its all about military bearing. I have aced Uniform inspections with mediocre uniforms because when asked about discrepancies I gave the honest truth and never Lost my bearing. For instance I was inspected by a Captain In a perfect uniform with one exception. A big ass boot print across the top of the back. You ask How this is possible Its because during the inspection I never lost my military bearing. Well I think I have said whats needed to be said. And to the people bitching to MC West. Think about it. Its called a chain of command. The more requests he gets from a chain of command the more likely he is to grant things within reason
So let me get this straight; you're in the Air Force, so you're over here on a Navy blog sniping at us? If you want to gripe on a Navy forum about Navy people discussing Navy policies, you may want to rethink your approach.

Just because you guys have it good doesn't mean the rest of us do. When AF personnel are assigned to Navy barracks, THEY DRAW SUBSTANDARD HOUSING ALLOWANCE! God help you guys if you were ever sent to an actual ship. AF doesn't complain because, as a general rule, there is little to complain about in comparison. You guys have big bases with golf courses and hotel-like barracks and real chefs making your food. Half of us get to live in a run down building with little or no heating during the winter, windows that leak, and half the time the food is almost inedible. The other half are either living on a ship where we're within four feet of five other people when we sleep, or couch surfing at a friend's house just to escape the haze-gray.

And isn't a Captain in the AF the equivalent of a Liutenant in the Navy? (That's an O3 for anybody who's confused.) My division officer is an O2, and he reviews us daily. My department head is an O5. Our version of "Captain" is an O6. I'm not that impressed.

[pawn65]

Square yourself away then train the junior personnel to wear it. If we all look good as 1st's and Chiefs the fleet will look good.

Wow only in the fleet do you hear this in the Seabees your expected to know how to wear your uniform correctly without being trained. People have NAVADMIN's and Video's out there on how to wear it so people should not have to be trained on how to wear it.

[euzkadiCA]

Wow only in the fleet do you hear this in the Seabees your expected to know how to wear your uniform correctly without being trained. People have NAVADMIN's and Video's out there on how to wear so people should need to be trianed.

I know, frustrating isnt it? Most of the Navy is not the "lowest common denominator". We got all the guidance and policies at our fingertips. Like i need some master chief or whatever teaching me how to wear a uniform correctly...its what happens when you make officers out of college degrees. They get promoted, catered to and power and all of a sudden the rank and file of the Navy is dumbsh*ts half a step from prison who need your guidance. Too bad Konetzni never made CNO, he at least had common sense :mad:

[GUNMATE1]

Wow only in the fleet do you hear this in the Seabees your expected to know how to wear your uniform correctly without being trained. People have NAVADMIN's and Video's out there on how to wear it so people should not have to be trained on how to wear it.

I totally agree with you. When i joined in 96 i learned how to wear the uniform in boot camp. Then as time went on i used common sense on other uniforms like the CUU and DCU. It wasn't that hard. But then again i think i am somewhat a minority in the Navy. I believe in the mission and sailors first. Unlike some who just believe in themselves and themselves alone. But i still protest that the NWU which is a great uniform is not being worn nation wide. Seabeas get to wear the CUU at their bases right? Airdales get to wear flight suits and flight jackets right? So why can't the shore commands just wear the working uniform. Aren't we working??? Just like on a ship. You wear Dungaree's or Utilities as the uniform of the day and if there is a special event you change into that uniform. Its time that someone in the Navy made that decision. Either the MCPON or the CNO need to state that the NWU should be worn as the uniform of the day for normal duties.

[jeffersj]

I totally agree with you. When i joined in 96 i learned how to wear the uniform in boot camp. Then as time went on i used common sense on other uniforms like the CUU and DCU. It wasn't that hard. But then again i think i am somewhat a minority in the Navy. I believe in the mission and sailors first. Unlike some who just believe in themselves and themselves alone. But i still protest that the NWU which is a great uniform is not being worn nation wide. Seabeas get to wear the CUU at their bases right? Airdales get to wear flight suits and flight jackets right? So why can't the shore commands just wear the working uniform. Aren't we working??? Just like on a ship. You wear Dungaree's or Utilities as the uniform of the day and if there is a special event you change into that uniform. Its time that someone in the Navy made that decision. Either the MCPON or the CNO need to state that the NWU should be worn as the uniform of the day for normal duties.

Yeah, but again NDW has their rules regarding uniforms, as do all local commanders.

For example, I've been mobilized as a reservist. I was processed at the station that was at the Navy Yard.

My unit wore the CUU.

While we were allowed to wear it during the in and out processing periods, we were told very emphatically not to be seen on the street inside the Beltway dressed in it unless it was an emergency situation.

[choas0624]

stop complaining, the Marines, are only allowed to wear their utilites on base, and to drive home from work! If they go anywhere else, it needs to be their charlie, or appropriate civilian attire. Get over it, it makes it look better, utilities are daily work attire not a fashion statement. You are in the U.S Military, you want respect from the American people, so you need to dress like you have the honor, and respect for yourself, and your branch.

[GUNMATE1]

Yeah, but again NDW has their rules regarding uniforms, as do all local commanders.

For example, I've been mobilized as a reservist. I was processed at the station that was at the Navy Yard.

My unit wore the CUU.

While we were allowed to wear it during the in and out processing periods, we were told very emphatically not to be seen on the street inside the Beltway dressed in it unless it was an emergency situation.

See that is the problem with the Navy. Are we really that different from the other services? Does the CNO sit around with the JCS and say, " My sailors are better than your Marines, or Soldiers."? I highly doubht it. Why is it so hard for people in the DC area to wrap thier head around things like a uniform. Now don't get me wrong i love both the new uniforms, NWU and SU. But i also like being comfortable. Now when we had the working, the dress, utilities, and coveralls i wanted to be in a more comfortable uniform. The only one we had at that time was the coveralls. I know the Marines can't wear their uniforms in public. That doesnt bother me. But the thing is that is thier uniform of the day. I go to Quantico MCB all the time and see marines wearing thier MARPAT uniform, and ironically enough at the Branch medical clinic sailors their are wearing the NWU. Hmmmm makes me wonder how a corpsman at a clinic can unduley soil their uniform answering phones and dealing with patients. Hmmmm boggles the mind. And for those of you that don't know Quantico is in Naval District Washington. Lets just stop being stingy about the NWU and let us ALL wear it.

[tmurphy]

This uniform ordeal is beating a dead horse. It sucks to be in the USMC/USN and have so many regulations on the wearing of the working uniform out in town. Maybe "WE" just joined the wrong branch of service.....oh wait, aren't we all in the Department of Defense? It says so on my base decal right? I guess if I joined the Army or Air Force I could go to the mall and shop with pride of being a service member if I wanted too.

[jeffersj]

This uniform ordeal is beating a dead horse. It sucks to be in the USMC/USN and have so many regulations on the wearing of the working uniform out in town. Maybe "WE" just joined the wrong branch of service.....oh wait, aren't we all in the Department of Defense? It says so on my base decal right? I guess if I joined the Army or Air Force I could go to the mall and shop with pride of being a service member if I wanted too.

Yes, there are a lot of restrictions - but then would you prefer to go back to the old days where you were not allowed to wear working uniforms outside the fence period except during working hours on official business and specifically authorized to do so on each occasion by your command?

[LibertyHound]

Maybe "WE" just joined the wrong branch of service.....oh wait, aren't we all in the Department of Defense? It says so on my base decal right?

That's the same "Department of Defense" decal civilians get.

Don't give up your day (and night) job to take up legal work there, Sparky.......

[tmurphy]

That's the same "Department of Defense" decal civilians get.

Don't give up your day (and night) job to take up legal work there, Sparky.......HUH? What do civilians and wearing the NWU have to do with this post? Nothing...my point is all of the branches of service fall under D.O.D. but we have different uniform rules for wear out in town. Why is an Army/USAF service member allowed to wear there uniform to the Mall or dinner and a USN/USMC service member can't? It makes NO sense is all I am trying to say.

[LibertyHound]

HUH? What do civilians and wearing the NWU have to do with this post? Nothing...my point is all of the branches of service fall under D.O.D. but we have different uniform rules for wear out in town. Why is an Army/USAF service member allowed to wear there uniform to the Mall or dinner and a USN/USMC service member can't? It makes NO sense is all I am trying to say.
Hey - you're the one who threw decals into the mix.

That's a non-sequitur from the start.

[tmurphy]

Yes, there are a lot of restrictions - but then would you prefer to go back to the old days where you were not allowed to wear working uniforms outside the fence period except during working hours on official business and specifically authorized to do so on each occasion by your command?
No, we are not talking about going backwards, we are moving forward. If it didn't work or made any sense in the past why would that be a solution today?

[jeffersj]

No, we are not talking about going backwards, we are moving forward. If it didn't work or made any sense in the past why would that be a solution today?

Funny, I don't seem to be talking about moving backwards - I seem to be asking you a serious question that you decided not to answer.

However, to answer yours, sometimes as change goes along and it's found the new way does not work, the best solution is to return to the old way until something is developed that does.

In any event, no matter how many changes there are to the rules for wearing any working uniform, there will always be some guy that isn't happy because the rules are not loose enough for their preferences.

[GUNMATE1]

Funny, I don't seem to be talking about moving backwards - I seem to be asking you a serious question that you decided not to answer.

However, to answer yours, sometimes as change goes along and it's found the new way does not work, the best solution is to return to the old way until something is developed that does.

In any event, no matter how many changes there are to the rules for wearing any working uniform, there will always be some guy that isn't happy because the rules are not loose enough for their preferences.


The main problem is they aren't moving forward all over. Granted in Norfolk and now San Diego they can wear the NWU, kind of out in town. They can stop for quick things but no hanging out in the malls or something like that. But the thing I take issue with is why can't all branches have the same uniform regulations. The wear for the uniform can be the same. The only real difference is what uniform is what. In the Marines you can wear you digi cammies on base, and going to and from. Hey that's great that is at least a little looser than what the Navy has in place. "Unduly soil my uniform" What is that???? So I work in an office with a lot of dust does that mean I can wear it? No!!! Its crazy. The Navy goes through all this trouble to come up with this uniform, implement it, then not let everyone wear it? What sense does that make. DC I can understand, not walking down Penn Ave. with it on, but wearing it to work? Why not? I don't want to hear the BS answers that are normally posted here. I want to hear back from the NDW CMC or the MCPON with a legitimate answer. It is a uniform. If I went off the big navy regulation I could wear it since I do work. The definition is up to interpretation. But I find it funny, I went into my Branch Medical Clinic and asked them why they were allowed to wear it in an office environment. They said, " We fall under Bethesda Naval Hospital" Interesting......... Wait a minute Bethesda is considered apart of NDW.... MCPON or NDW CMC please explain that one to me. Thought we were "Americas A Global Force for Good" Let us represent it proudly and lift the BS restrictions. Allow us to wear a Cammi style uniform, I guarantee that work and moral will improve.

[jeffersj]

The main problem is they aren't moving forward all over. Granted in Norfolk and now San Diego they can wear the NWU, kind of out in town. They can stop for quick things but no hanging out in the malls or something like that. But the thing I take issue with is why can't all branches have the same uniform regulations. The wear for the uniform can be the same. The only real difference is what uniform is what. In the Marines you can wear you digi cammies on base, and going to and from. Hey that's great that is at least a little looser than what the Navy has in place. "Unduly soil my uniform" What is that???? So I work in an office with a lot of dust does that mean I can wear it? No!!! Its crazy. The Navy goes through all this trouble to come up with this uniform, implement it, then not let everyone wear it? What sense does that make. DC I can understand, not walking down Penn Ave. with it on, but wearing it to work? Why not? I don't want to hear the BS answers that are normally posted here. I want to hear back from the NDW CMC or the MCPON with a legitimate answer. It is a uniform. If I went off the big navy regulation I could wear it since I do work. The definition is up to interpretation. But I find it funny, I went into my Branch Medical Clinic and asked them why they were allowed to wear it in an office environment. They said, " We fall under Bethesda Naval Hospital" Interesting......... Wait a minute Bethesda is considered apart of NDW.... MCPON or NDW CMC please explain that one to me. Thought we were "Americas A Global Force for Good" Let us represent it proudly and lift the BS restrictions. Allow us to wear a Cammi style uniform, I guarantee that work and moral will improve.

Maybe things will change.

Right now Congress is weighing in on the fact each branch of service has it's own pattern with regard to their camouflage uniforms - the idea is to return to everyone with the exception of SpecWar having the same uniform to preclude issues identifying friendly forces. This was in the House-Senate Conference Rport on the FY 2010 Defense Authorization Bill. Don't know how well that would work as it intrudes on the territory for each service.

It may not be a bad idea for them to weigh in on the different rules regarding the wear of these uniforms as well to eliminate confusion as to who wears what when, and possibly include the NWU in the process. I don't see that happening, but based on a lot of the comments I've seen here a lot of folks would like that.

[GUNMATE1]

Maybe things will change.

Right now Congress is weighing in on the fact each branch of service has it's own pattern with regard to their camouflage uniforms - the idea is to return to everyone with the exception of SpecWar having the same uniform to preclude issues identifying friendly forces. This was in the House-Senate Conference Rport on the FY 2010 Defense Authorization Bill. Don't know how well that would work as it intrudes on the territory for each service.

It may not be a bad idea for them to weigh in on the different rules regarding the wear of these uniforms as well to eliminate confusion as to who wears what when, and possibly include the NWU in the process. I don't see that happening, but based on a lot of the comments I've seen here a lot of folks would like that.

yeah i saw that article yesterday too. In my honest opinion the only things that need to be seperate throughout all the branches is the officers and enlisted. The navy confuses people. E-3 and below (Seaman) E4-E6 (Petty Officers) E7-E9 (Cheifs) and then Officers. Even though i have been in 13 years and i love the Navy don't get me wrong, it's confusing to other branches. From what i have seen there isn't that much of a break out between the other branches. Your either an Officer or Enlisted. There aren't different tiers. But getting back to the uniforms. Of course your going to hear those who say, "Camo on a ship??? Whats the point our ships are grey." Everyone who has an ounce of common sense and who has actually served on a ship, not the ones who are land based rates (Seabees, and FMF) know the benefits for the NWU, the others just see it as, " Blue Cammies, what am i going to do with that?" Well here is the answer plain and simple. If your deployed you are going to get the pattern that best suits that enviroment IE: Desert, woodland or NWU. Its as simple as that. But if you take a look at all the services lately they all now have a BDU style uniform. From the Marines, Digi Cammie to the Airforce, Digi Tiger stripe. That still boggles my mind. But what it really needs to come down to is we are all in the military.... We all fight for our country. No matter how you look at it. I will site an example. The UK Navy and Royal Marines, the only time their uniforms differ from what i have seen is when they are deployed, if they are standing an armed watch on thier ships sailors are in the same pattern as the Marines, same as when i served on the OPLATS off Iraq. We wore DCU's and the Brits wore their version of DCU's. The same as the Royal marines. So maybe we should just have one uniform for all the branches and call it a day. Enough with the different patters. The best patterns people have been talking about is either the Marine Digi cammie, or the Multi Cam. So why not just go with that. But this is just my opinion.

[jeffersj]

yeah i saw that article yesterday too. In my honest opinion the only things that need to be seperate throughout all the branches is the officers and enlisted. The navy confuses people. E-3 and below (Seaman) E4-E6 (Petty Officers) E7-E9 (Cheifs) and then Officers. Even though i have been in 13 years and i love the Navy don't get me wrong, it's confusing to other branches. From what i have seen there isn't that much of a break out between the other branches. Your either an Officer or Enlisted. There aren't different tiers. But getting back to the uniforms. Of course your going to hear those who say, "Camo on a ship??? Whats the point our ships are grey." Everyone who has an ounce of common sense and who has actually served on a ship, not the ones who are land based rates (Seabees, and FMF) know the benefits for the NWU, the others just see it as, " Blue Cammies, what am i going to do with that?" Well here is the answer plain and simple. If your deployed you are going to get the pattern that best suits that enviroment IE: Desert, woodland or NWU. Its as simple as that. But if you take a look at all the services lately they all now have a BDU style uniform. From the Marines, Digi Cammie to the Airforce, Digi Tiger stripe. That still boggles my mind. But what it really needs to come down to is we are all in the military.... We all fight for our country. No matter how you look at it. I will site an example. The UK Navy and Royal Marines, the only time their uniforms differ from what i have seen is when they are deployed, if they are standing an armed watch on thier ships sailors are in the same pattern as the Marines, same as when i served on the OPLATS off Iraq. We wore DCU's and the Brits wore their version of DCU's. The same as the Royal marines. So maybe we should just have one uniform for all the branches and call it a day. Enough with the different patters. The best patterns people have been talking about is either the Marine Digi cammie, or the Multi Cam. So why not just go with that. But this is just my opinion.

Yes, it does get confusing. I can see having different dress/service uniforms for the various services but from a strictly logistical standpoint could not see why the services need to have different BDU uniform patterns.

As to the Marine camouflage uniform, yes it does look good. However, as I recall, the CMC stated when that uniform was adopted it was going to be worn by Marines only - there was some discussion about allowing others (such as Navy Corpsmen serving with Marine units) being allowed to wear it. You may see a variation adopted across DOD, but I doubt that particular uniform would be adopted if the Marines have anything to do with it.

[GUNMATE1]

Yes, it does get confusing. I can see having different dress/service uniforms for the various services but from a strictly logistical standpoint could not see why the services need to have different BDU uniform patterns.

As to the Marine camouflage uniform, yes it does look good. However, as I recall, the CMC stated when that uniform was adopted it was going to be worn by Marines only - there was some discussion about allowing others (such as Navy Corpsmen serving with Marine units) being allowed to wear it. You may see a variation adopted across DOD, but I doubt that particular uniform would be adopted if the Marines have anything to do with it.

I tend to agree with you, but when i spoke to MC Rivers who was in uniform affairs the Marpat design both desert and woodland were going to be tested for the navy. So we shall see.

I find it funny most of the exchanges now in Naval District Washington are now selling NWU articles. For a uniform we aren't going to be able to wear they sure are marketing it very well. Just let us wear it in DC put the same restrictions as the Marines. I just wanna wear the uniform. I mean i own it i bought the required sets. Time to just let the BS restrictions go in NDW

[pawn65]

I totally agree with you. When i joined in 96 i learned how to wear the uniform in boot camp. Then as time went on i used common sense on other uniforms like the CUU and DCU. It wasn't that hard. But then again i think i am somewhat a minority in the Navy. I believe in the mission and sailors first. Unlike some who just believe in themselves and themselves alone. But i still protest that the NWU which is a great uniform is not being worn nation wide. Seabeas get to wear the CUU at their bases right? Airdales get to wear flight suits and flight jackets right? So why can't the shore commands just wear the working uniform. Aren't we working??? Just like on a ship. You wear Dungaree's or Utilities as the uniform of the day and if there is a special event you change into that uniform. Its time that someone in the Navy made that decision. Either the MCPON or the CNO need to state that the NWU should be worn as the uniform of the day for normal duties.
Yes we get to wear the CUU as the Uniform of t he Day.

[Disgruntled82]

So let me get this straight; you're in the Air Force, so you're over here on a Navy blog sniping at us? If you want to gripe on a Navy forum about Navy people discussing Navy policies, you may want to rethink your approach.

Just because you guys have it good doesn't mean the rest of us do. When AF personnel are assigned to Navy barracks, THEY DRAW SUBSTANDARD HOUSING ALLOWANCE! God help you guys if you were ever sent to an actual ship. AF doesn't complain because, as a general rule, there is little to complain about in comparison. You guys have big bases with golf courses and hotel-like barracks and real chefs making your food. Half of us get to live in a run down building with little or no heating during the winter, windows that leak, and half the time the food is almost inedible. The other half are either living on a ship where we're within four feet of five other people when we sleep, or couch surfing at a friend's house just to escape the haze-gray.

And isn't a Captain in the AF the equivalent of a Liutenant in the Navy? (That's an O3 for anybody who's confused.) My division officer is an O2, and he reviews us daily. My department head is an O5. Our version of "Captain" is an O6. I'm not that impressed.

Just so you know. Im not Air Force. Im on independent duty in Tampa. I was not calling anybody in particular out on that post I was making a generalized gripe about how many sailors have been bitching about the NWU. I was one of the first people in the area to wear it

[forcedj]

Did anyone else see this?
So last night I’m watching the Thursday night game between the Bears and the 49ers on the NFL Network. The game was in San Francisco and they were honoring veterans. As such, there were shots of the many military personnel in uniform in the crowd. Not surprisingly there were lots of woodland cammie uniforms. But in one brief shot, low and behold there was a NWU sitting amongst a bunch of woodland cammie uniforms. WTF??? I thought only brief stops to/from your duty station are permitted. Is Navy Region Southwest lax on the policy?

Dan

[SailorDave]

Did anyone else see this?
So last night I’m watching the Thursday night game between the Bears and the 49ers on the NFL Network. The game was in San Francisco and they were honoring veterans. As such, there were shots of the many military personnel in uniform in the crowd. Not surprisingly there were lots of woodland cammie uniforms. But in one brief shot, low and behold there was a NWU sitting amongst a bunch of woodland cammie uniforms. WTF??? I thought only brief stops to/from your duty station are permitted. Is Navy Region Southwest lax on the policy?

Dan

Hopefully, that person's chain of command is aware of the transgression and he/she was appropriately counseled. However, that brings another question....who were wearing the wooldands ?? Hopefully, no Navy personnel. Air Force still wear them, but it's getting less and less as they phase out. Of course, I'm assuming you mean specifically the CUU style and not the ACU/ABU.

[Novo48]

I have a question about the maternity nwu.. my wife is about 24 weeks pregnant now, and she's complaining about the boots. I searched all over for something about wearing tennis shoes in the nwu's and couldnt find anything. Do any of you know anything about that?

[SailorDave]

That's a medical question. The uniform can be adjusted based upon the doctor's recommendation. People wear tennis shoes when they have foot injuries.

[LOAL-D]

I don't see anything wrong with sailors wearing blue jammies...

[SailorDave]

Nor do we !

[Novo48]

Yes I know that it is a medical situation, but I'm curious if anyone has been approved for tennis shoe wear in the NWUs. Our next doctors appointment isn't for a few more weeks and I was just curious.

[Chief Bosun]

Yes I know that it is a medical situation, but I'm curious if anyone has been approved for tennis shoe wear in the NWUs. Our next doctors appointment isn't for a few more weeks and I was just curious.

I have seen some wearing athletic footwear with the Camouflage Utility Uniform due to medical issues.

What I suggest (and this may be a bit expensive depending on the store) is to purchase a pair of athletic shoe replacement insoles, and replace the ones that came with the NWU boots. You can find them at the better sporting goods stores such as Sports Authority, Dick's, as well as your local running shoe store. The running shoe store may allow you to put them into the boot and try them out in the store to see what feels the most comfortable.

I did that with the government issue flight-deck and combat boots and while the expense did smart, I saved myself a lot of grief in the long run.

[kenny10]

Ok the USMC is not allowed to wear the cammies ANYWHERE off base, can't even stop for gas...

[Yggdrasil]

Ok the USMC is not allowed to wear the cammies ANYWHERE off base, can't even stop for gas...

Of course, what do you expect? It wouldn't be the Marine Corps if they weren't making your life more difficult, just because.

[Chief Bosun]

Ok the USMC is not allowed to wear the cammies ANYWHERE off base, can't even stop for gas...

Same basic rules the Navy followed up until roughly 10 years ago.

You wore Working Khaki, dungarees/utilities, the CUU - you changed before going on liberty or outside the gate for anything other than official business in a government vehicle. Visiting the NEX if it was outside the gate was not allowed in working uniforms.

[BlackShoe]

Does anyone get what the fuss was about the poly-cotton blend NWU undershirts? 100% cotton is fine (although I'm wearing it now, and I think the other ones were more comfortable), but saying that the polyester is a hazard to the wearer seems a bit odd, considering:
-The NWU itself is a 50-50 nylon-cotton blend
-The Working Khakis are a 65-35 poly-cotton blend (and weren't deemed a threat)
-The Coveralls are also a 65-35 poly-cotton blend (and weren't deemed a threat)
So what's the big deal about the underwear?

[Chief Bosun]

Does anyone get what the fuss was about the poly-cotton blend NWU undershirts? 100% cotton is fine (although I'm wearing it now, and I think the other ones were more comfortable), but saying that the polyester is a hazard to the wearer seems a bit odd, considering:
-The NWU itself is a 50-50 nylon-cotton blend
-The Working Khakis are a 65-35 poly-cotton blend (and weren't deemed a threat)
-The Coveralls are also a 65-35 poly-cotton blend (and weren't deemed a threat)
So what's the big deal about the underwear?

The message simply states that the poly-cotton shirts were not authorized per Uniform Regs, and that testing was underway to determine if it is suitable for wear in any/all environments. No reason other than that.

[GUNMATE1]

This uniform wear policy is a very simple one to fix. At least for the Washington DC area.

Uniform of the day M-Th: NWU
Fri: SU or Service Dress
Official Duties ie White House, Capitol, CJCS visit: Service Dress
Official Duties ie Pentagon, Annex : Service Khaki or Service Uniform E-6 and below

This is the problem that some are having in the District. We have to have 4 sets by Dec 31 2010. But we can't even wear the uniform. What logic does that make? I will never go to Capitol Hill and if i were to i would make sure i have my Service Dress ready to go ahead of time. I think it is ridiculous a uniform that the Navy wants to show off and unless we are going to "Unduly Soil" our uniforms or we are in the MAA force we can't wear it. Come on. Lets rethink this a little.