New Navy Uniforms -- Ugly or Hideous?
I always really, really disliked the Navy enlisted working uniform; I always figured that the reason you weren't allowed to go off base in them is that it would drive recruiting numbers down. Well, it looks like the Navy Task Force Unform has been hard at work, and succeeded in coming up with something even worse. Granted, the summer white uniform was hard to keep clean, and if you went out in town in the thing you were surrounded by kids asking if they could buy a Bomb Pop, but at least it looked decent. This new one looks like something that got rejected by some military junior high school. Plus, what's up with the rank insignia on the collars? It was already difficult enough to tell a CPO from a LCDR at a distance, and now we've got everyone wearing this metal crap. You can see several pages of the proposed new uniforms starting here. I guess I'm just turning into a fuddy-duddy old retiree, but jeez, these things have got to be a prank that got out of hand...
Going deep...
posted by Bubblehead at 8:35 PM
71 Comments:
I preferred the underway poopy suit and a pair of rig for ultra-quite deck shoes for comfort during patrol. I always felt that if you took the Dolphins and Rate insignia off the working uniform dungarees us enlisted would looked like prisoners. My opinion is same now with a look at the new working uniform as well.
My last command had us keep “Dress Dungarees” cleaned and pressed before Commissioning and during PSA, just in case we had any important riders scheduled. NOT a popular requirement with the crew.
2/20/2005 9:49 PM
Well being a active duty guy I have seen a few of the "proposed" uniform ideas on a few friends of mine. I really don't want to look like a marine and I am sure the marines wouldn't want us looking like them either! A couple of the chiefs I work have a few issues with it too.
As far as the fatigues, what use are they going to be on a sub. I can imagine a bunch of dink non-quals trying to hide in the shadows, but thats about it.
I really hope they are not going to change the uniform any time soon. (besides I liked the old Dungs better)
2/21/2005 12:43 AM
These things are hideous. What the heck are we trying to do? "Cammies" as working uniforme? Who in the world thought that sailors should look like SeaBees or Marines? If they wanted BDUs as working uniform that is fine with me but get rid of the stupid camouflage patterns. Are they seriously trying to make us the laughing stock of the other Navies in the world? As far as I can tell the only Navies that put their sailors in cammies are the Third World countries that can't afford separate uniforms. That uniform to replace the summer whites and working blues are no better. Now we look like a bunch of airdales. Anyway, if the Navy adopt this sillyness the submarine force will probably go back to what we were doing before and wear coveralls anyway.
2/21/2005 4:55 AM
Allways liked my Seafarers. Chambray work shirt and dungarees were comfortable. When bought new, we would tow them from the rail to break them in. Fletcher DD-445 surface submarine. Dress blues with black lining and dragons were nice.
2/21/2005 7:32 PM
Oh, the horror. The "Like the Coast Guard, just more grey from the color wheel" is getting mixed reviews in the fleet. No one is excited, most just think about getting rid the the white ice cream and black Waffen SS uniform.
Nowwwww...... the Navy cammies...... I have yet to meet a serious Sailor that is for them.
Me, my first thought is, "What are they trying to do, ensure no one sees me if I fall overboard?" Blue?!?!? F#*($g BLUE! What is a Sailor wearing cammies for? Hiding from the paint can??? (Carrier shooters wear BDU's because they are cheap and available.
Just stupid. The only reason we need cammies is if we are on land doing ground combat type work. Just say "We will use what the Army does" and call it even.
Working uniform... Flight suits.....everyone loves them. Shipboard coveralls seem the same to me. Want easy to care for, why not the trial "battleship grey" one ship tried out? Why not the blue we have now? Are they that bad?!?!? For the poorly coordinated, "Blaze Orange" (OK, beheading orange now, bad choice: but easy to find overboard.
I know the MCPON from his days as C5F CMDCM and have a lot of respect for him. But this "Task Force Uniform" is just a stinker. IMAO.
2/22/2005 7:54 PM
Talk about waste, fraud, and abuse!
The Navy spends untold amounts of money trying to clearly separate the ranks though uniform identification. Where is the logic in that? The Navy should take a lesson from the Marine Corps. I worked for the Marines for 3 years and I learned alot. Especially, that a Marine is a Marine, first and foremost. They all wear the same uniform and it doesn't bother the proudest military force - why should it bother us? Why can't we be all Sailors in the same way?
Put them all in Khakies with rating badges for enlisted (and yes, you Chiefs out there are enlisted too - you tend to forget that - and you are getting out of hand with it, but that's another waste fraud and abuse issue for another time!) Take the officers and put collar devices on them. That way, if there isn't a rating badge, render a salute - just like the Marines.
The Navy uniform problems have been insane! It places an unnecessary financial burden on the lower enlisted ranks, and truely wastes taxpayer money.
Finally, it is time to retire the Cracker-Jacks. A riddiculous uniform that projects a sence of foolishness. There may have been a time for that uniform, but it is long gone. This is the year 2005, not 1940. This uniform is another financial burden. Not a bad Halloween costume though.
Everyone needs to come onboard and be one Navy, not 3 different entities within the Navy.
7/14/2005 2:40 PM
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1/11/2006 11:08 AM
I'm glad I'm not there to give up my khakis.
5/18/2006 8:24 AM
I have allways felt that the Navy needs a new working uniform. Dungarees are not very practical, the new ones are worse than the old cotton ones I think. They never seened to fit right espesialy the ones issued in boot camp. The working whites and blues just another thing to worry about and spend money to keep then ready for inspections and watch standing.
The new uniforms make sense to me. The pockets looks like they may actualy hold something...unlike the old dungs, and easily acssesed. The blue color camo makes you no less vissible in water than say blue dungs or coveralls would, unless you paint your head orange...wear a life vest if you worry about this.
Being a Seabee I think the blue would be just for state side use. Not in the field. I'm sure we will get a version in desert and woodland.
As far as waste, fraud, and abuse. To issue a full sea bag of Dungarees, whits, Blues of both dress and working uniforms is a waste especially to Bees. We really only use the dress uniforms for ceremony's and inspections the rest is a waste.
Dress Jumpers are a tradition and should remain one in honor of all who preceeded us.
I hope it all works out with the new uniforms. I look foward to then, Maybe I'll get some that fit.. horay supply guys!
6/12/2006 12:32 PM
Wow...great comments on this issue!
I really like the "waffen ss" comments. How true! Also the comments about the Dungs being so bad they would drive away prospective recruits. I always thought that!
6/15/2006 11:32 PM
As a sailor my self, I have seen where the Navy is Heading. The new unifors are just another step towards corpate America. Now you can no longer make E-7 without a BA. Ok so if I get a dregee then I am going to get out and find a job that will pay me what it is worth to have that dregee. Fist of the Navy is supposed to be a military unit, NOT a company. Why are we doing this to ourselfs? Now back to the uniform issue, why do they insist on changing the uniforms? Granted the uniforms we have now suck, but come on lets be real, the new ones are jsut plane ugly. I AM A SAILOR, NOT A MARINE, the marines work for the Navy and and the other way arond. And why camies? Am I supposed to blend in with my ship? If some person comes abord to shipjack am I supposed to blend in to my surondings and sneak up on him/her and take them by surprise? All in All I think they suck, yes we need new uniforms but for the money the tax payers kick out every year to fund the military they should at least get something good in return.
9/14/2006 5:31 AM
I must say that when I started reading theses blog's, it was not what I expected. I was in the Navy 20 years ago, and have always had some regret getting out. I've talked of going back into the Reserves for years, and one of the reasons I didn't, silly as it sounds, is that I hated the old Navy uniforms. I felt silly in them, and could not imagine any prospective high schooler wanting to get into the Navy with uniforms like these. I wanted to join another branch of the military because of the uniforms. I did decide to go Navy again, and one of the reasons was because of the uniform change. I just got back in, and hate the fact that I will get a full seabag of the old uniforms, and have to wait at least a year to get the new ones. I'm all for the new uniforms...the sooner the better.
9/27/2006 8:13 PM
If everyone with the "blend in the ship" comment would just read the articles about the uniform. The purpose is so that paint and stuff like that would in instead of ruining a new set of coveralls or utilities. I am guessing a lot of you don't understand that because you were in the Navy 20 years ago or are at a place like a sub where no one cares. I know on a place like the drinkin' Lincoln you will have every E-7 on up yelling at you if you accidently bumped a bulkhead that just got painted. As far as the camo uniform goes there will also be a desert and woodland color option for those that are at places where to those are worn. Also I like the khaki uniform because it makes all the Nazi E-7's mad because we didn't have 19 years of poor to almost average service to "earn" them
10/03/2006 4:27 PM
As a serving Sailor all I can say is, FINALLY ! Finally some practicle working uniforms. Finally a uniform that identifies me with the military and not some local mechanic. Have any of you tried to go shopping for grocerys on your way home in the current set of utilities? I'm gonna have to assume everyone will answer "no" considering it's against regs. Have any of you been on a working party in the current set of utilities? Those that answered yes, have you ever de-bloused because you were sweating, hot, and soiling your utility top? I'm going to have to assume that you said "no" to that also because that too is against regs. How many of have ever heard a SAR swimmer say "damn, we could've saved that guy if he wasn't dressed the same color as the water!" I'm reading blogs here with sailors argueing that the color will hinder the rescue of shipmates that have fallen overboard, but, aren't the current uniforms that same color as the proposed? Finally, we can go shopping for those grocerys on our way home from work, or go ANYWHERE in public for that matter, in the new BDU's. Finally, I can de-blouse when I'm on a working party and not have to be out of regs. Finally I don't have to replace uniform pants or shirts that get a little splash of haze gray or oil on them.
As for the working uniforms don't let me get started on how Navy E-7 and aboves are the ONLY E-7 and aboves that complain about how an "unworthy" E-6 and below looks similiar to them. Have any of you noticed that Air Force, Army and Marine Corp share the same uniform E-1 thru O-10 (with the exception of the "blood stripe" for USMC E-4 and above) the only exception being rank insignias? Wow the egos ! God forbid you have to step outside of the Mess or Ward Room to tell someones rank if you can even remember what they look like. You're in the military ! Uniformity anyone? I don't know about you but I'll gladly pocket the $100.00+ I save from dry cleaning bills for my whites just for the summer months only. Wasn't it the "Khaki leadership" that did away with the Dress Blue jackets and combination covers for E-6 and below of the 1980's because "it was too hard to tell them apart from the khakis."? Good call there to. Now all we need is to get rid of those unprofessional, uncomfortable and just down right horried looking Cracker Jacks with the "oh so practicle" 13 button pants for a jacket and combination cover.
11/02/2006 10:49 AM
Well All of you can bag on the TFU's if you like, but I for one am going to welcome the change to cammis. I am sick and tired of feeling like I should be in a gas station under the hood of some old ladies car. I joined the millitary not the local Shell gas station. I have pride in my county and pride in what I do and now it is about time that the uniform being worn makes me feel the same. As for changing the dress working uniforms I agree with all of you, LEAVE THEM ALONE. I don't like white, but that is what would set the Navy appart. Those are the uniforms that will make us look like we are wanna be Marines. Lastly, no offence to all of you retiries or former sailors but you are just that. Why are you mad and why should you have an opinion about the uniforms we wear today. Let it go you have passed the torch to us so let it go!!!!
11/20/2006 4:21 AM
Well, the part that everyone missed here is why they're really going to cammies. No, it has nothing to do with blending in with your enviroment. THEY DON'T SHOW DIRT!! Which, compared to these stupid utilities is great!! I'm not really that big on the idea of cammies, but they have to be superior to these stupid things. The utilities are not comfortable and they get dirty just thinking about engineering spaces!!
11/27/2006 5:38 PM
As the wife of a Navy guy, I'm really sad to see the khakis and summer whites go... they were my favorite.
12/21/2006 7:15 AM
Well as a retired Master Chief, I can say that this is worst uniform I have ever seen on a sailor. Where is the tradition, oh I guess we dropped that as a core value when I was active duty. The traditions of the Naval service are completely different than any other service. Not anymore apparently.
I personnally believe the Navy has lost its ever loving mind and obviously has nothing else do but boot this around. The nice Ghetto Cami outfit will work well with those they are obviously trying to recruit. Hopefully no one will ever have to get those clothes off quickly or ever need to use them to stay afloat in the water.
12/21/2006 11:34 AM
The new uniforms look awful!! I want my husband to look like the sailor that he is, not like a marine. The uniforms represent the Navy, just as much as the men and women in the uniforms. The uniforms have been with the Navy since day one and it should remain that way.
12/31/2006 5:28 PM
All you guys are very funny, cammies to blend in witht the ship or the water. I am laughing now... I really do not think that is the point. First off, I am sure there is yards and yards and yards..... of that material (camoflage). That = cheaper. Plus it will be easier up keep. Those dickie pants fade out very quick and the shirts wear out quick. I hate the other uniforms, especiallly the cracker jacks. Thirteen buttons??? C'mon, get real. and where do I put my keys? I drive to work, I don't live on a ship. I just want to stop for a coffee in the morning without getting the third degree from some retired dude...ya know?
Ned
2/07/2007 5:34 PM
Oh yeah, all you chief, you are enlisted. Hence the "E" in E7, E8 and E9...
2/07/2007 5:36 PM
I agree with most of the comments here. There is no reason to change the uniforms, but I guess we are going to anyway. The new khaki shirt/black pants uniform is okay, but why the collar devices? Why not have a rating badge on the sleeve, just like the old whites and blues?
3/06/2007 4:41 PM
I hope the Navy doesn't change over to the new BDU uniform-why give the Coast Guard,and others, more crazy jokes to tell at your expense. You can replace the shellback initiation with Hide and seek! haha. Goodluck.
4/01/2007 3:48 AM
First off the new blue digital uniforms was address about easier upkeep and better appearence when its dirty or stained. For some of you that dont remember being at GQ. You do blouse your pants and button up for Battle Dress. So you are now always in battle dress.
The bell bottom dungrees were comforable as hell. But it rip easily and faded so fast that it wasnt funny. Thats also why dixie cup are gone from a working uniform to the ball caps cause of practicality. The blue digital are more comfortable than the new silly dungerees because of the bad material and cut.
Remember that it is a working uniform. You want to be able to work in it. Remember all the partying you did. Shore Party, Fire Party, and Working Party that you did or for the sailors now doing. You can unblouse and work in a T-shirt for all the snipes down in the whole or workcenters on board ship. The unshine boots are great idea for sailors onboard ship. What about all the fields and division in spotlights cleaning and painting. The flight deck can wear the Blue Digital pants and that goes well with the different colored airdale rates. You can use the blue digits for VBSS - Boardings. Over it is a good move as long as they dont go cheap with the quality of the material.
The khaki shirt and black pants (Super DARK blue) is a great idea for an all year round uniforms if you think about it. One Uniform, no more milkmans and Johnny Cashs
Two if your cold add a jacket or sweater.
Three the reason they went to a collar device is its is in uniform with the warfare device and ribbons and it is for easier setup when get frock. I like the crow on the sleeves but hay it does look nice and Dont say because there is no rating device its a bad idea. Cause Dungurees never had rating badges either. Plus it wil drive the other services crazy think that everyone in the navy is a CAPT/COL. I got salute by the Army cause they see the crow thinking it is a full bird.
Plus they got rid of the khaki belt so you can still have you your ship or warfare belt buckles and wont look like a leatherneck.
You might not remember but jarheads also wore khaki top and bottoms during WWII.
The CNO has state that no changes will be made to the Cracker Jacks and White. That is were we will be keeping our traditions. Which I agree. Keeping the Cracker Jacks and White make us stand out.
For all your unsalty sailors complaining about your Cracker Jacks:
ONE you do have have pants pockets, look for the slot on the top of the pants and you will see the pouch.
TWO If your salty you will have learned that you do NOT button all your thirteen buttons just three buttons on top the right corner button, the left corner and the center button. And two corner buttons on the bottom.
Cause if your sq away you will know that you are suppose to have the two bottom buttons showing.
So if your are out on liberty you will just have to unbutton the top three and you are good to go.
Or go custom with VELCO. Like old school west pac sailors with the custom rig Cracker Jacks with the side zipper add on the Cracker Jack top underneth your arm. Liberty Dragon cuffs and slik lining.
THREE for all you unsalt sailors I see you guys carrying your Dixie Cups. You need to learn that you can fold your Dixie Cups in three or the inverted fold and tuck it in the back of your pants. So you dont lose your cover at the BAR if you are required to be in uniform on liberty. AKA Fleet Week or Overseas.
This is my two cents and I hope it make sense for all the Salty dogs and New RICKS coming out of Boot.
The US Navy is the Best Dont Let ANYONE tell you other wise.
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
4/06/2007 10:22 AM
It's time the nay sayers catch up with the rest of the world. Those of us with boots on ground in the Mid-east, do not wear Dungs and couldn't be happier. We all wear DCU's and don't have any problems telling the Chiefs from the O's or the junior E's. Get a grip folks. It ain't rocket science. Lastly, as far as tradition for the Chiefs...If memory serves me correctly, Chiefs have only been wearing khakis since the 1940's. Prior to that, it was strictly officer clothing...Hardly a long standing tradition.
5/10/2007 5:46 AM
I think these new uniforms are much more professional looking than the utilities. As for the comments on the cammo pattern and blending into the sea, I thought everyone on the weather decks was supposed to be wearing the proper attire for that anyways. Times are changing and the navy is modernizing and the uniforms with it. Should we go back to wearing the same uniform sailors wore in 1775? I can tell there are a lot of people who may have worn the old uniforms for 20+ years and they feel attached to their old uniforms, and that is good, but I think it is time we moved on.
5/10/2007 9:53 PM
As an up and coming (I hope) chief, I have no problem seeing Jr. enlisted wearing a khaki top. Chiefs wearing Khaki is a relatively new thing. Collar devices vice patches... Good and easy for frockings (and mast). If any of the uniforms have been around from "Day One" it is the cracker jacks and dress whites, hence they will remain.
I can't wait to get a working uniform that I can actually wear to and from home and not look like an escaped convict. I don't think they look Coast Guardy at all... we won't be tucking the blouses in and making them look like coveralls.
I would like to see a long sleeve version of the service uniform. For the "too cold for short sleeves, not cold enough for a jacket" weather.
5/14/2007 10:16 PM
I recently enlisted in the navy not too long ago and personally i love the cracker jack uniform, it stands out from any other uniform with pride and tradition. i would like to see the blue digitals come in, but the all year round uniform does look like the marines too much, were in the navy, were better, but the utulities have got to go, and so does the working whites and working blues. As for the dress, whites, make them more like the dress blues, and have blue piping on them.
5/22/2007 7:27 PM
Hello everyone I served with, Well every person I met was sure I knew their loved because they were in the navy also. Let me say this in the 70's We were cracker jacks to bus drivers and back. The girls sure loved us in cracker jacks. I loved the seafarers to work in. The work uniforms were not popular that replaced them.
5/27/2007 9:26 PM
my sea bag just got lighter, my dry cleaning bill just went down and i don't look like i'm working on an ice cram truck or at a gas station.
6/27/2007 6:56 PM
It's pathetic to see how few of you honestly know any Naval heritage. The Crackerjack whites and Blues are not just a stupid UNIFORM!!!! They are a symbol of our country and our NAVY!!!! As are the "new" proposed Officer's uniforms, hence the Name "Throwback uniforms". The Kahki's are going to the WW2 era uniform as are the Crackerjacks. And they are moifying them for all you whiners out there. They are making the buttons for looks only, they are adding a stip of velcro along the inside of the flap, and they are putting back the three stripe piping on the whites, that way the sleeves won't get the ring around the sleeve. As far as our working uniform, half of you don't know what you are taking about, or at least you sound stupid if you do, and no one can tell if you know what you are saying...... are you talking about Utilities or the actual uniforms called the WORKING UNIFORMS??? (AKA Milkmans and Johnny Cash's) Dungerees or Utilities as they are called in today's Navy are a severly expensive uniform to upkeep, not to mention that it is the same thing most JAILS make their PRISONERS wear. That's a great way to blow out that good old moral lamp, don't you think??? They are expensive to get dry cleaned, they rip easily, not to mention that they don't clean well, paint gets on them and makes them unwearable, after about 20 wearings the pants are so faded they are no longer wearable and the shirts turn a lovely shade of grey. But, hey, who cares, right??? Let's all whine and complain about the fact that for once the Navy is doing something to aide the Sailors and their families. They are instating a new uniform that will not fade anywhere near as fast, doesn't requier dry cleaning, or pressing and on top of it they are finally getting rid of the two extra uniforms that ARE rediculous!!!! The "WORKING UNIFORMS" will be obsolete. And don't forget that with this new Uniform of the day for ship Sailors they will be able to pick their kids up from school, stop by the gas station, or go to the grocery store or even freaking Wal-Mart for God's sakes, without having to first stop at home to change. Geeze, WHAT THE HELL WAS THE NAVY THINKING FOR TRYING TO ALLOW THE SAILORS THE SAME PRIVLEDGE EVERYOTHER BRANCH OF THE MILITARY HAS HAD FOR YEARS?!?!?!The only thing I can think about is what a bunch of PATHETIC SAILORS and I hope that those of you that are opposed to this GREAT uniform change are out of the Navy, because the NAVY DOESN'T NEED PATHETIC SOUP SANDWICHES LIKE YOU ALL!!!!!!! And if you take this post personally, THEN YES, I AM TALKING TO YOU!!!!!!!!
7/30/2007 1:15 AM
I have to say that I am pretty much neautral on the new digital uniform. It could have been made better but it sure beats the jiffy lube uniforms we presently wear. As far as the working whites, they distinguish us as sailors (mostly because of the dixie cup) and who didn't like the johnny cash's (working blues). My major gripe with the new working uniform is the fact that it uses collar devices instead of actual patches. I mean come on, who wants to be called petty officer all damn day. Just call me FC2, ET1, GM3 or whatever.
8/15/2007 6:24 PM
I joined the navy out of cleveland in 86 and was horrified when I got to boot camp and saw dungarees for the first time. Never woulda joined had I seen them before signing up. It's about time sailors had a uniform they could be proud of.
9/12/2007 1:46 AM
I am a former Marine so you can imagine how shocked I was when I joined the Navy in 1997. I went from cammies to blue jeans. I HATE all the Navy uniforms except for the Johnny Cashs with the new cover. The Marines have the best looking uniforms and they don't need to be in "Khakies" to be leaders. It is so dumb to think just because a person is wearing Khakies they are a good leader. It is a joke! Most of the E7's and above on my boat HIDE in the Chiefs mess drinking coffee and surfing the internet anyways. None of the other branches need to change the color of the uniforms because they are Leaders. Get over it E7 and above.
Those Cracker jacks are a freaking joke!!! I feel like I am wearing a CUSTUME not a UNIFORM. I am glad the Navy is finally getting a uniform that looks like a military uniform should.
The dress whites, that is the worst color for a person on the boat. I can't wait to put mine in the trash can. The only tradition in the whites is how much money it cost to keep them clean. Not to count, all the people who don't want to pay to to keep them clean walk around looking like S%$# bags!
9/17/2007 1:24 PM
The new uniforms are a joke and a hazard to boot. I do no get why you need camo on a ship.. what the hell. the new uniforms favor the corps too much. And now the ground guys in the navy are screwed because BLUE is going to get them killed.. I think they are just moronic in general and will get us all hurt..
9/28/2007 2:00 AM
I would have to say that any change (so long as they leave the dress blues alone) is a good change. When I was in a while back they were allowing us to wear our "poopy suits" more and more on shore and I loved those things over the dungarees anyday. Not to sound like a homer but I was hoping that they would make a specialty BDU for submariners (maybe ditching the digital camo for something just plain navy blue). Overall I like the changes and hope that they move to something like that, and who cares if the working uniform resembles the marines, they are after all a part of the Department of the Navy. Does not bug me at all.
10/03/2007 6:39 AM
I'm just a mere depper that ships for boot in January, so I personally havent had the privilage to wear any of the navy uniforms at all. I honestly think that that the "tradition" referred to in the numerous other blog comments previous to my own is ACTUALLY found in the pride of being a sailor, of serving your country, and of being better than any other damn service branch their is. I dont think the "tradition" is found in what type of uniform you are wearing. The mere fact that you are a navy uniform in the first place should be enough for you guys. I personally respect every single sailor regardless of when he or she served, what his or her unifom looked like, or even their rank. I have spoken to commanders and seamen recruits, and both share the same pride for their country and service. As far as I am concerned, we could change the uniform, keep it the same, or have it mimic the girl scout uniform for all I care. The bottom line is that INSIDE the uniform is the real "tradition". The sailor makes the uniform, the uniform does not make the sailor.
For everyone who reads this and thinks that I have no ground to say anything because I havent even been through boot, I respect your opinion. My intent is not to belittle anybody's opinion. I was just disturbed by how through every blog comment I read, it seemed that the common thread was that the uniform was key to navy tradition and heritage. I just thought that HONOR, COURAGE, and COMMITMENT were the navy core values, not dress blues, dress whites, summer whites...
10/16/2007 9:07 AM
I can not wait for these new uniforms, the other day I was talking to my roomate who is a seabee and wears only cammies said to me that he took mt clothes out of the dryer and knew they were mine because of my "janitor uniform". The utilities are the worst uniform I have ever seen and I say with full conviction that I am ashamed to wear it and be seen in it. I hope we will be able to wear this new uniform anywhere we want like the army can with their uniforms. The one thing I don't like about the navy is all the uniforms you are required to have. I can be on base somewhere and be in line with people wearing cammies, dress blues, working blues, khakis, and flight suits and we are all in uniform and to me that is just too much division in the navy. All the other services have so much pride in their uniforms that everyone wears the same thing from general all the way down to E1 and there is no reason why the navy shouldn't either.
10/21/2007 5:42 PM
In my lowly opinion being in the Navy for only two prior uniform adjustments, I feel that many of the comments of personnel were taken and sort-of run with.
Not being able to wear their uniform in the community was brought up and taken to task. The durability of the uniform was looked at and personal views were listened to.
Then after listening to views and opinions most were discarded by those in charge and here we stand today.
For some reason we did not want to follow the USMC/USA uniform ajustments because 'we are the NAVY and will do whatever we want.' even it it doesn't make sense.
Just like the weather on Okinawa, if you don't like it wait a few minutes and it will change. So deal with the stupid ideas for now and hold your breath until another change comes down the Pike and we are made to buy more/different uniforms.
10/26/2007 2:44 PM
As a former/prior infantry Marine (whatever you want to call it) I'm ALL for changing to cammies! Cammies are GREAT! These utilities... gay. A few people have touched on this; they look like garage attendant uniforms. They DO! ALL of my Marine friends ALWAYS ask me to check under their hoods for them! Yeah, ha-ha. That's the millionth time I've heard that one. The whites are NOT practical! You wear them ONCE and it's off to the cleaners. They're not practical. Who's the genius that designed a WHITE dress uniform??? And tradition??? The Navy's changed so many times I don't think tradition's even a consideration. Some change IS good. The cammies give a more professional look (my personal opinion) and will MAYBE make the Navy act/look more professional. Cammies can take more of a beating than our current utilities. I'm telling you all, they're waaay more comfortable! I just hope the Navy teaches its people how to WEAR them properly! You MAY be upset at the idea NOW, but I'll bet my E6 pay that they'll grow on you soon! Give 'em a chance, everyone...
11/29/2007 11:00 AM
IM A ENLISTED SAILOR AND I AND MANY MORE CANNOT WAIT UNTIL WE GET RID OFF THE UTILITIES THOSE OF YOU WHO DONT WEAR THEM EVERY FREAKIN DAY SHOULDNT TALK !!! THE NEW UNIFORMS WILL BE GREAT BECAUSE WE WOULDNT HAVE TO IRON EVERY DAY AND CAMMIES ARE MORE COMFORTABLE .. NEW UNIFORMS WILL BOOST OUR MORALLS HOOOYA !!!
12/07/2007 5:21 PM
IM GOING TO ASSUME THAT PROBABLY NONE OF THE PEOPLE ON HERE THAT DISAGREE WITH THE NEW UNIFORMS HAVE EVER STOOD A ARMED SENTRY WATCH IN THE CURRENT WORKING UTILITIES OUR IN THE RAIN OUR ON THE FLIGHT DECK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SUMMER FOR 4+ HOURS IT'S A PAIN IM PERSONNELY TIRED OF BUYING NEW UNIFORM ALMOST ONCE A MONTH WHEN WE GET AN ALLOWNACES ONCE A YEAR WATCHING A PRISION SHOW REALIZING WE WEAR THE SAME UNIFORM THEY DO YES WE STAND OUT FROM OTHER BRANCHES BUT WE BLEND WITH PRISONERS WHICH ONE WOULD YOU RATHER BLEND WITH AND ABOUT THE COLOR OF THE UNIFORM AT SEA IF YOU HAVE EVER BEEN OUT TO SEA HOW OFTEN DO ANY ONE WEAR OUR WORKING UTILITIES BUT BESIDES THAT IT STILL THE SAME COLOR CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG BUT THE UNTILITIES ARE BLUE AND YOU E-7 AND ABOVE CONPLAINING THAT YOU GOING TO HAVE TO WERE THE SAME UNIFORM AS E-6 AND BELOW ABOUT TIME THAT HOT HEAD OF AIR GOT DEFLATED AND FOR ALL YOU OLD RETIRED FARTS THAT'S TALKING ABOUT THE OLD DAYS WELL THAT'S IT THE OLD DAY'S IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE LIKE EVERYONE SAYS THIS IS THE NEW NAVY YOUR THE PAST LET IT GO.
12/16/2007 10:40 PM
I was going to join the navy until I saw these new uniforms and thought they looked horrendous. Thanks for losing a recruit over the most horrible clothing choice ever.
6/09/2008 11:05 PM
It's disheartening to hear that people would join another service just because of the Navy's uniforms. Sure everyone wants to look sharp in their best getup, but is that the only reason to be or not to be in the Navy? It's some of the most superficial bullshit I've ever heard. I'm in the Navy because I like the ships, I like the birds, and damn it I love being a Sailor.
8/26/2008 12:18 PM
I like the new navy uniforms the SU PTU ,new dress whites and the utility cammies. But I still think that we should wear our rates on the left collar.
10/31/2008 5:23 AM
*sob* I'M GOING TO MISS MY POCKETS!! Has anyone actually paid attention to the differences between the male and female uniforms? The male's have THREE sets of pockets. One on the shirt and two on the pants(front AND back). So what do the female's get? ONE SET on the front of the pants. ONE! Where am I supposed to put my ID? Where am I supposed to put my wallet? Where I ask you, WHERE? Oh, I guess we're allowed to carry a purse, but how many of us actually still own the boot camp purse? So now I have to dish out another $50 for an ugly ugly purse just so that I don't have my left arm full of stuff that would NORMALLY go into my THREE sets of pockets! It was bad enough on the working whites where females don't have back pockets and males do. I was somewhat able to compensate. But I keep my ID in my left shirt pocket, and money in my right. Once I wear this uniform it'll look like I'm groping myself when I go to reach for where my ID is SUPPOSED to go! ARGH! AND we have to measure exactly 6 1/4 inches from the top seam for our ribbons and name tags. Think the uniform comes with a ruler? Of course not! These uniforms are AWFUL!
11/04/2008 1:55 PM
1. They should've made the uniform with velcro like the Army's ACU to cut down costs on patches.
2. Utilities suck hands down, ANYTHING is a STEP-UP from this un-proffessional non-squared away image.
Anyone who thinks it's a proper MILITARY uniform is frankly a #$%^head who's brainwashed and disillusioned themselves in pride in utilities.
3. Dress Whites and Dress Blues stay, Working Whites+Working Blues(Nazi/Johnny-Cash's) are out= money saved.
4. Combat based sailors i.e. Fleet Marine Force, Seabee, IA/GSA, Special Warfare Operators (eg: SEAL, SWCC), etc. keep their operational BDUs/cammies or flight suits. SOP is always IAW the region's AOR doctrine. Unless you're VBSS, you won't see someone running in Blue in the desert or jungle.
5. E-7 and above are still E-7 and above, why pretend to be officers? They either have our respect or not regardless.
6. Man overboard is a man overboard, you either see them or you don't. At night, it doesn't matter anyway.
7. Cammies are a proffesional military image, utiliities at a Security ECP in Bahrain intimidate no one.
8. Utilities impress only those who wear or have worn it. It's not a military uniform it's a navy uniform, the navy is supposed to be shaping itself closer and closer to the branches that actually make a difference in war.
9. Cammies and coverall uniformity instill a true unit cohesion. Teamwork in the navy is the most underused value, contrary to the military.
10. Clean Utilities is the mark of a person who doesn't work.
11/24/2008 11:10 PM
I keep reading all this stuff about "I am a sailor, not a marine" and things like that. You guys take so much pride in being a force that does no combat fighting at all. Get over it. I am also in the Navy. Thank God not ship, fleet kind, but still in the Navy. It is just a freaking uniform. Stop whining. It is an honor to truely defend this country. When you guys actually feel it you'll understand. Who cares, dungarees, seafarers, cammies, they are all uniforms, they all serve the same purpose. Clothes. If you have ever worn cammies, they are a great deal more comfortable, practical, and manueverable. Easily stowed, easily worn, easily maintained. It is not that bad. You will be able to notice an officer or cheif's emblems I promise. I do it everyday. Give them a chance you may like them after all. Grow up, you are in the military, stop pissing and moaning.
12/13/2008 4:50 AM
WHAT IS THE OUR NAVY THINKING? THOSE NEW UNIFORMS LOOK AWFUL! THE NAVY LEADERSHIP IS EITHER COLOR BLIND OR THEY HAVE NO SENSE OF TRADITION! REFRESH MY MEMORY, THE LAST MILITARY TO USE BLACK PANTS AND A BROWN SHIRT WERE THE NAZI'S! WE NEED TO LOOK LIKE SAILORS INSTEAD OF TRYING TO LOOK LIKE OUR MARINE CORPS OR THE THIRD REICH! THE WORLD WILL HAVE A FIELD DAY ON HOW WE LOOK! THIS IS EMBARASSING!
1/07/2009 12:09 AM
The new Navy uniforms are ugly and they do look like nazi uniforms from the 1930's! They are a joke!
1/07/2009 2:15 AM
I can understand that the navy wants to save money not only for its sailors but for themselves, but not at the expense of looking bad. I was interested in joining the military when I graduate from high school this june and the navy is now out of contention. I would not feel proud to wear those ugly uniforms (Actually I would be ashamed) and if I want to look like a marine than I will enlist in the marines. Sorry Navy, I have no respect or trust in your leadership.
1/07/2009 2:24 AM
Hey kid, Don't let those new uniforms deter you from joining the Navy! Those new uniforms won't last to long. They (The Navy Leadership) will come to their senses and change them back to normal!
1/07/2009 11:42 PM
Well i guess now we blend in with the other uniformed services, but i really wouldnt like to fall overboard and be cammoflouged in the ocean. Yes, the dungarees looked bad, but they shud of had came up with a different working uniform that all of us would have though usefull, or at leat be optional to wear.
1/21/2009 3:53 PM
As a Retired Naval Aviator having attained the rank of Commander (Captain-Select), I can say I'm happy to not have to wear the WWII, "McHales's Navy" uniform. I feel the Navy as well as the Department of Defense can find better use of the funds than change the uniforms. There is nothing wrong with sticking with what works. I'm not all bothered by the E-1 thru E-6 sailors loking like chiefs in black pants. I thought the Dungarees worked just fine, maybe a little uncomfortable at times, but they weren't expensive to maintain or replace. As for my Officer Uniforms, the Dinner Dress Blues, Whites, the Khaki Working, and Winter Blues and the Summer Whites were just fine. Leave the uniforms alone and stick to the matter at hand, doing your chosen Navy job whatever it might be, (they all have a purpose) and do it with PRIDE!
3/21/2009 10:06 AM
The cammies are a good ideal for the working uniform. They are more comfortable, and easier to maintain. I served as an IA last year in Baghdad, Iraq and I wore Army ACUs the whole time. I also wore DCUs in training before we switched over. I can't say I like the way the new cammies look, but definately better than utilities. As for the service uniform I have had it since November and it is a sharp uniform. Now I'm back to utilities until next year when the cammies are in Japan, I really miss the cammies. If you don't like the new uniforms is it really a change, who actually likes utilities that wears them on a daily basis.
3/30/2009 5:31 AM
I Liked the old dungrees back in the 70's. They were so confortable, and fit so well. The ones they have today are ugly. Can you tell me where I can get the old ones.
6/11/2009 7:20 AM
Hey Screw you
its the uniform of the united states navy it doesnt matter what it looks like; blue, pink, white, or red. its the uniform of america thats all that matters, its not like when we go to afgan/iraq we gonna wear it shoot no well were deserts.
Semper Fi,
Your best friend, Worse enemy
7/13/2009 11:17 AM
Ugly or Hideous? I choose hideous.. let's break this down.
1.) Going overboard in this uniform is going to make recovery slim to none. Even though the old uniforms were blue as well, it still makes no sense, because this new uniform doesn't address that problem, in fact, it makes it worse.
2.) They are impractical for shipboard/submarine wear. Coveralls and dungarees (especially the extra pairs you stingy idiots are supposed to buy) are MADE to get dirty. Blousing your little panties into your boots just makes it harder to kick them off in the event of an emergency (such as falling overboard or donning firefighting boots/equipment.)
3.) You didn't need to make them blue. In every war prior to this one, shore parties were just issued whatever the Army wore. I would even propose you guys in the Seabees get issued solid O.D. green uniforms without the pants or boots that require blousing. Normal roughout shoes and green trousers would be better.
4.) They make you look like you're trying to be Marines. You're not.
5.) You're wasting mine and millions of other taxpayer dollars.
These reasons add up pretty well.. bottom line. Everytime I am on watch observing you Navy guys on deck wearing these ridiculous things, it reconfirms for me that you are indeed the lowest common denominator in seamanship.
- Military Sealift Command, 2nd Mate
9/13/2009 3:36 PM
If you don't like the new uniforms then join another branch of the service. You should have been air-dales!
10/30/2009 7:23 PM
They should have adopted the Coast Guard BDU's, which are essentially Marine BDU's with the lower blouse pockets removed so you tuck the blouse into the pants. They dye them Coasty Blue and wear the sleeves rolled up and the pants bloused. It looks good, and comfortable. The Navy could just dye them Navy Blue, or even Haze Gray.
I was a corpsman with the USMC, so I wore Marine Camo most of the time. I hated the dungarees
I have no answer for those hideous brown shirt/black pants. Keel hauling is too good for them.
1/08/2010 5:08 PM
Sounds like a bunch of you are just whining pussies. You need to buy some diapers to insert in your new uniforms. Suck it up, if you dont like it then get out and go flip burgers.
4/02/2010 10:48 AM
To Mr or Miss anonymous raggin on the CPO Mess. A chief is not just an E-7. Sounds like a bunch of whinning and sour grapes to me. Most likely due to your lack of military bearing, shoddy workmanship, piss poor attitude your getting shit evals from your Mess. Just as I do not agree with what O's always pass out, I do not whine and bitch about it like a 3rd grader. You need to seek out a CPO that you can utilize as a mentor to explain the difference. If you just sit there and bitch that all CPO's are Nazi dickheads then you seriously need to consider getting out and going to work for something more in tune with your attitude. Having served on numerous sea duty tours (small boys and carrier), 2 tours in Afghanistan as a sand sailor for over 17yrs it does not matter what uniform you wear. It is the Sailor in it that matters.
You can kick and whine all you want but "those be dah rules" In another couple of years, uniforms are all going to change to something else anyhow. Maybe rainbow stripes or pink. Who knows.
4/02/2010 11:03 AM
Would never leave base with the stuff they wear today. Do not need to look like a Marine wanna be. Female uniforms look like crap more than anything else. Reminds me of a BAM. BAMS too earn their uniforms . Collar devices NEED to be left to the folks who earned them. Same goes for collar devices. Back in the '50's Sailors looked LIKE A SAILOR, belled dungarees (granted the bells did cause some problems til they became more straight legged, rolled 'dixie cups'. We even had good old , real chambray shirts. Once they tried to get us to wear a sear sucker summer shirt, a sort of sea green if i remember right. G-d those were awful. Thatidea went dwn the grease pits quickly Maybe the Navy should start all over and look back, way back, instead of forward.
S
9/03/2010 11:13 AM
So many comments about hiding dirt. This is why I hate the military, you guys are issued COVERALLS and, at one time DUNGAREES to do your JOBS and then you complain when you get dirt on them? Oh my, the agony (scoff)
You're all pathetic.
12/26/2010 2:07 PM
Yeah the remarks about hiding dirt make me wince. I mean, if you don't like getting dirty, pick a cleaner rate, if you STILL don't like it, maybe you're just lazy and vain and prefer looking like the poster child in the recruiting poster? Man up, do your job, and if you get dirty, oh well!
The saying goes, the men who stay clean, are the ones who just TALK about work.
Also, the Navy in general has a history of creating some hideous and impractical work wear for sailors. The N1 and A2 deck jackets were practical WARM and very durable. This waist cut black windbreaker with the elastic waist and cuffs is horrible. EVERYBODY knows you NEVER make a cold weather work jacket waist cut, let alone elastic! It rides up constantly and also looks pretty stupid.
The people designing uniforms and changing them from good work gear to the nonsense you wear now must really hate you people.
12/26/2010 11:12 PM
I have been in for only four years but I think that the new style dress whites are the way to go. They are very sharp and traditional. I'm fine with everything except the “hidden zipper” on the blouse of the uniform. A zipper only has one place a Navy dress white uniform and that’s on the on the trousers. A zipper in that location is just a crutch for fat bodies. This can also be said for putting the same mod on the dress blues. The proposal to do away with the 13 buttons is ridiculous. It the most traditional and professional aspect of the uniform. I like to think that they do represent the 13 original colonies even though buttons were used instead because of corrosion of early zippers in the salty weather.
7/03/2011 8:40 PM
Don't get all bent out of shape over these new uniforms. Some of you may remember the '70's when they changed the enlisted dress blues to something similar to the chief's uniform.
It actually looked pretty good.
They just forgot it had to stowe in a sea bag. There's not a lot of coat racks on a destroyer. They went back to the old 'cracker jacks'. Trust the 'doc' it won't work on a ship.
9/01/2011 7:04 PM
It will not succeed as a matter of fact, that is what I consider.
11/25/2011 11:46 AM
Uniforms interprets the organization. Meaning it reflects their character. if what the organization thinks it that way then there is no ugly or hideous because its decided.
Maybe you could get some idea for simple work uniforms here.
5/07/2012 1:22 AM
Most of you are dumb here.. Retired navy vets your opinion is voided in every possible way... Ain't nobody got time for crusty opinions sorry.. Now nwu's mmmmmm too hot.. that is all... utilities sucked, and dress uniforms are just for show so it does not matter what they do to them get rid of them.. 21st century navy sorry get over it. Plus why do we need pride in this navy there is no job security in the military anymore! FTN
8/09/2013 8:05 PM
The older Navy "crackerjack" uniform being issued prior to1973 was excellent as it was great for Quarterdeck Watch and stowed neatly in the limited space aboard ship as well as the jumper could be changed to undress blues. The pea coat the was warm and not a costume,like today. Just trying standing the mid watch on QD watch on a cold night, and...'nuff said. All this could fit in ONE seabag, imagine that.
2/20/2014 8:38 AM
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