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The Navy's digital blue camouflage is officially ready for prime time. On Friday, Navy officials announced they were dropping the ban on sailors wearing the new Navy Working Uniform off-base.
Since the uniform debuted six months ago, sailors were allowed to wear it only while commuting to and from work - except for emergencies. Routine stops at gas stations and convenience stores were prohibited.
The restrictions were lifted after Navy leaders agreed that the sailors are wearing the uniforms properly. The shift means, among other things, that sailors can grab a meal off-base in their new duds.
The change in policy was a relief for Petty Officer 2nd Class Erica Pearson at Norfolk Naval Station, who had to change clothes each time she ran an errand, including taking her son to and from day care.
"It makes life a lot easier," she said.
- Jaedda Armstrong
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The uniforms are a sign of times
As a retiree, I see things I disagree with. But I remember that when I came in and enthusiastically embraced changes that enhanced my quality of life, there were retirees that thought those were horrible too. But the service continued on.
The uniform was designed by and for the active duty folks for the mission they are doing today. Not for the retirees, not for yesterday's mission. The military is moving toward a more pragmatic uniform. Pockets are for putting things in, not for looks. They are now designed to be easy access. Boots are suede, low maintenance because really, polishing boots to drag through the mud or greasy bilges is only stupid and a waste of time. By not requiring sailors to change before going home, they work until liberty vs. running off to change 15-20 min early.
The other services have trusted and expected their people to behave appropriately and wear the uniform correctly, and they got it. The Navy expected their people not to behave correctly and wear the uniform improperly, and they got it. Everything about this is progress, and yes, retirees and old timers will lament. Today's sailors will have the same complaints about tomorrows. It is t
Uniforms off base
Retired Chief here. I never understood the whole uniform off base controversy to begin with. I didn't wear my uniform at home, therefore it follows that I would have to change into civvies at some time, right? It was just as easy to change on the ship before I left as it was to change at home. That also allowed me to go anywhere I wanted to and do anything I needed to without worrying as to whether or not it was allowed in a working uniform. Problem solved.
Anyway, if the working uniform in question was these hideous looking things, there wouldn't even be a question as whether or not I would change before leaving. I would be racing to get out of them.
Navy?
Just curious but why is the Navy wearing camouflage uniforms? Are they now growing tree's on ships? Camouflage uniforms to match the terrain of the wilderness makes a lot of sense. But why is the navy trying to look like a Marines? Is there a major plan that will have Navy personnel no longer be sailors but now engage in jungle warfare? What a waste!
jwb
Functionality?
So, if you work indoors at a desk or computer or in the galley, wearing camouflage and combat boots helps you do your job? The female sailor checking out medical records at Boone Clinic wears camouflage. Why?
I'm confused
A uniform helps you do your job? How would the new service uniform help me do my job? How does the mess crank t-shirt help the SAILOR in the galley do their job? How did utilities or dungarees help me do my job? Dungaree pants would keep me stay afloat if I fell overboard but......
Sure, may be the SAILOR at Boone Clinic, if all that SAILOR does the entire day is checks out medical records, should be wearing the new service uniform instead. But, chances are, said SAILOR will also be required to clean. Would you rather they waste time changing uniforms?
As for the E7/8/9's, they have earned the right to not have to clean. Several people have a lot of disparaging remarks about today's Chief community. If you have been in the military, you know full well there are things that you earn as you move up the ranks. Before anyone jumps on me, I am not a Khaki, chose the wrong rate for that.
Dirty Work
You never know when a young Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine will be pulled away to mop the floor, take out trash, or plant a flowerbed on any given day. They have to do that because the E-7/8/9 Tier doesn't want to get their hands dirty, too busy with politics.
I have to say that the new
I have to say that the new BDU design is crap. It should have been matched to one of the other services. But, they never asked me so...
The one main reason that sailors are not allowed out on the town in their working uniforms is that the majority of them look like bums. They don't look sharp, that have paint, primer or grease stains all over them. They usually don't even display a demeanor of pride; no cover from car to building, BDU trousers unbloused, wrinkled uniform, etc. Case in point; 6 months ago I saw a young man pull up to 7-11 and get out of his car with a dew-rag on his head......wearing utilities. This isn't the first time I have seen it either. UNSAT Sailor. But those people don't care. But, they are the first to complain about things too.
I know, you say "that's not ME!! Well, one aw crap ruins 10,000 atta-boys. Sorry, that's society.
Then there is the sailor that "stretches" the rules of uniforms out on town. The one that doesn't stick to the "gas, Daycare, Store for Milk" stops. Like the ones I see in the Mall, 7-11 (without gas pumps) getting cigarettes and coffee....just this morning mind you.
Now, for those of you that do wear your uniform with pride out
Navy Uniforms...
Ive been reading about how all of the "old-timers" do not like the new uniforms for the simple fact that they do not look "sharp". This seems very funny to me. When is the last time that anyone joined any of the services to "look sharp". The purpose of the BDU is for functionality, not looks.
This is not a New York Fashion Runway...This is the United States Military...
I agree with an earlier post that questioned the fact that all the services have different "duty" uniforms..what is the point...is this not ONE (singular) United States Military?
Ive been reading about how
Ive been reading about how all of the "old-timers" do not like the new uniforms for the simple fact that they do not look "sharp". This seems very funny to me. When is the last time that anyone joined any of the services to "look sharp".
My point exactly that the newbie "young ones" in today's service with the mindset just like you don't care how they look.
And yes, we are the United States Military, the elite Military of the entire world. We are not some Afgan-looking piece of crap/hat on crooked/pants falling down/needed a shave 3 days ago Military. Be proud or get out and stop sponging the paycheck.
Anyone Remember Zumwalt?
Give it 5 years, they'll be back to lookin' like sailors oughta look. This is the NAVY!!! Not the Army, Not the Marines, hopefully never like the air force.