Navy eases uniform policy to allow off-base wear

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

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.

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

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 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

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?

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.

It all boiled down to this...Those higher up in the food chain, now wearing the SAME uniform as the lower ranks, were finding themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, they wanted the stricter policy, on the other hand, that policy also applied to themselves.
Amazing how quickly things get changed...LOL!

I bet the navy will change out uniforms again in about five years.

The reason the Navy decided to let this uniform be worn off base was because the current E-7/8/9 community wouldn't enforce the rule.

Hopefully, we'll see the Chiefs, Senior Chiefs and Master Chiefs come back but like the dinosaurs, not too likely.

Seems to me the Navy needs to worry first about what their sailors look like on the base. I am a Navy wife of 23 years and also grew up with a father that spent 28 years proudly and I am shocked at the way I see some of these kids wearing their uniforms ON the base, let alone off the base. I guess it's ok to wear your pants below your butt as long as you have your shirt tucked in (to hide the underwear) and you have on a belt. Please..you aren't fooling anyone-oh wait, yes I guess you are! I can remember my Dad stopping a young man in the exchange because he wasn't dressed appropriately-this was back when they had to wear a decent shirt and belt even in civilian clothes. So much strife over a new uniform-maybe it will get better because the blouse doesn't have to be tucked in and it's long enough to cover their butt if they want to wear their pants low. Wear it proudly!

A photo of the uniform (perhaps like the one on the front page) with the article would be useful. Instead, the page displays an advertisement from "Chesapeake Homes" for houses $35K off for "government and military people." Generally, when there is a specific discount for Gov't and Military, one can assume the business establishment is somehow taking advantage of people.

Navy Uniforms NOW out in town? OMG! Is the world FINALLY coming to an end with this nonsense? USMC/USAF/USCG/USArmy was allowed to wear uniforms out in town...I guess the USN finally decided to join the majority...I have to wonder ... "Did it take an act of Congress" to finally authorize Sailors wear their BDU's out in town?

Another case of Navy-mentality very poor decision making to wait SO long on this.

As a sailor who wears this uniform on a daily basis, I must admit that this is great news to me. I am very proud to wear this uniform, and felt ashamed that I couldn't even stop at the gas station wearing it. Sure there are many who do not take pride in themselves and their uniforms and shame on them, but for me a great sense of pride comes from the ability to be out and about as a sailor instead of constantly having to change clothes to do simple errands. It definitely makes life a little bit easier regardless of whether we like the uniforms or not. I just hope that this priviledge is not abused.

The sailors seem to like these new cammies, they love not having to change into & out of dress uniforms or civvies to be "legal" out in the community though their counterparts in the other services have been allowed that freedom for years now, and having their own service identity via cool looking uniforms (not talking about the brown shirt/black trouser undress uniform - that sounds kinda goofy for sailors) contributes to their esprit de corps.
Given the constant deployment of so many of these fine people & the many sacrifices they make both while deployed and at home, I say most anything we can do for them to make their lives easier or more pleasant is worth it.