2015 outlook: 4 new uniforms coming

Navy Times — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 09:31:50 -0500

From: Navy Times

There are lots of new threads headed your way.

Lightweight NWU. Data from a 60-day wear test of the lighter "blueberries" is being analyzed, with an announcement expected in early 2015. The prototypes weigh about one-third less and were described by sailors as "more breathable" and "much cooler." This uniform is designed for sailors assigned to hotter climates.

Navy officials are considering whether to fast-track warm-up suits, like those worn at the Naval Academy.

Warm-up suit. The Navy is expected to make a decision in 2015 on adopting a high-performance warm-up suit for physical training. Made of moisture-wicking material, the warm-up suit is based on running gear worn by Marines, as well as Naval Academy midshipmen. The color scheme is likely to be blue with silver or gold Navy lettering.

Cold-weather parka. The Navy is leaning toward adopting a black version of the Coast Guard's three-in-one parka for climates where the peacoat won't cut it. The waterproof outer shell has a center rank tab, similar to the NWU parka. The shell has two zip-in liners: a fleece liner and a lighter, water-repellent jacket, which can be worn as a stand-alone garment and sports its own rank tab. The parka would be worn with service uniforms.

In 2015, officials are leaning towards adopting a three-in-one parka for cold weather that's now worn by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Navy's version would be black instead of dark blue.

Female uniform changes. Feedback from ongoing wear tests of the female service dress blue jumper with "Dixie cups" will be incorporated into final designs in 2015, as part of Navy leadership's push to outfit women in the same uniform styles as male peers.

But the revamped SDBs — complete with side zipper on the blouse and a front zipper on the trousers that makes the 13-buttons purely decorative — won't be in uniform stores until 2016, officials say.

Female chiefs and officers have been testing a new combination cover modeled more closely off the male cover. The design is expected to be finalized in 2015. If it's approved, the cover could start replacing the so-called "bucket hats" now worn, starting in 2016.

Some female chiefs and officers will also get to test wear new summer dress whites, but that won't begin until early 2016. The new uniform will feature a high collar like the male version. There will be no pockets on the chest and it will have smaller buttons.

Officials have collected feedback from female sailors on wear tests of "Dixie Cup" covers and jumper-style service dress blues. Their feedback will be incorporated into final decisions on the uniform in 2015, officials say.

http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/careers/navy/2014/12/28/navy-uniforms-4-new-2015/20765603/

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Dec 29 at 2014 11:45 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 11:45:35 -0500

Really? This is what we need to change? We can't refuel a carrier, but we can re-tool all the dress blues?!?!?

ARRRRRGGGHHH!!!! Where's Ebenezer Scrooge?

"Poke it, sir! Poke it!" (how's that for an obscure reference?)

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 7:51 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:51:36 -0500

I really do like the idea of the new dress blues for females. I absolutely despise the ones we have currently. We look like flight attendants. (I got mistaken for one once at the airport, no joke.) Plus, it'll help eliminate the whole differential attitude between the males and females. We all wanted to be treated equally and having the same dress blues is a start. Plus, the combination cover is an absolute pain to deal with. If you don't store it properly it gets crushed and then you have to buy a new one which means dishing out a bit of money. The other uniforms.... Ya... Not so much. Okay, maybe the lighter weight NWUs. Bahrain in the summer months was unbearable in the regular ones. I guess you could say I'm in between on the rest, great ideas, but probably not completely needed.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 10:25 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 10:25:19 -0500

CMDCM Gene Treants PO1 Private RallyPoint Member. Why do Navy enlisted men and women dress blues have a kind of reverse bib hanging from their shoulders and over their backs . . . why the loosely tied open neck tie . . . why the white dixie cup hat . . . and do they have the option to wear fashionable shoes? None of this looks like they serve a functional purpose . . . perhaps they arise from some well known traditions? Weren't there efforts at one time to move enlisted women toward somewhat attractive officer style uniforms / covers? What about dress blue skirts? Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jan 7 at 2015 11:02 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:02:15 -0500

So the uniform with the bib on the back and the dog bowl on the head is dress blues?

I have an old set in my closet from the Vietnam era, it's made of wool. It was my father in law's.

I thought that was a duty uniform?

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 7 at 2015 3:24 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:24:53 -0500

One of the things that I've most admired about the Navy (and the Marines) is the constance with respect to dress uniform tradition (for the most part). I know there's been some discussion in this thread about changes, but whatever the Navy has done, it's better than what the Army has done. Here's a photo of my father's Navy uniform coat from WWII (commissioned 29JUN44). The coat worn now is virtually unchanged, to include the pocket design, from what my father wore 70 years ago! That's tradition!
The Army, on the other hand, has such an ongoing indentity crisis, dress uniforms are changed every time the wind changes direction, it seems. To me, the most ridiculous Army uniform combination to date is the the old dress blue uniform (now ASUs), with bloused boots and berets (SF, airborne, etc.). Ludicrous! I'm sure I'll get some flak from some Army folks, for these comments! C'est la vie!
1LT Sandy Annala, CMDCM Gene Treants, PO3 Private RallyPoint Member, CSM David Heidke and SGT Rick Nyberg

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Jan 8 at 2015 1:04 AM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:04:48 -0500

I think the cut off spot here was spot on!

Response by SR Marc Struer made Jan 9 at 2015 8:11 PM

SR Marc Struer — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:11:33 -0500

i remember coming into the USN. i had just paid for the old uniforms at the time my whites, blues, Jumpers and work cloths. no more then a month after paying for it all and receiving them they issued the new ones that i had to buy right after that. the camys. The Camy's were at lest easy to put on. they were really stiff for the first 6 months until you wore them in. now they are all just hanging on my closet. i do miss the military life a bit but do we really need to change outfits every other year? well i guess if i think about it...it keeps the enemy guessing.

Response by CA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 11:12 AM

CA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 11:12:16 -0500

I HATE my current blazer dress blues. People often think I'm a flight attendant and they're extremely uncomfortable

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 11:10 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 23:10:43 -0500

Is the navy switching to type 3 uniform

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Jan 10 at 2015 11:17 PM

SMSgt Judy Hickman — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 23:17:47 -0500

Well thank the lord its the Navy and not the Air Force. I finally have all my old uniforms changed out and just when I think i'm all current, they change the uniform or I earn another ribbon.

I know, I know they give us money to buy new uniforms... its called sarcasm.

Response by FN Racheal Macauley made Jan 11 at 2015 10:07 AM

FN Racheal Macauley — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:07:09 -0500

I'm happy for the girls still in the service. We used to say that wearing our blues (which made us look like flight attendants) was a humbling experience.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 11 at 2015 5:00 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:00:59 -0500

Eventually I will have to throw some green backs towards a new Army physical fitness uniform. I have already spent funds on a new boots, a new duty uniform, new dress uniform low quarters, and new pants and a shirt for my dress for my blues due to weight loss. I hear the Army will be adopting a new duty uniform soon.

Response by PO1 Genevieve Ard made Jan 11 at 2015 6:39 PM

PO1 Genevieve Ard — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 18:39:31 -0500

Service Dress Blues? Sure, wearing the same uniform as my family has for over 100 years of Navy service? Hell yes.

Response by SR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 11:40 PM

SR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 23:40:31 -0500

I appreciate the idea that the military is going for the look of sailors. Instead of separating by gender with uniforms so far from eachother in look and style.

Going with the Dixie cup for everyone seems to in favor of all the females I talk to.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 12:37 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:37:46 -0500

Good enough for a Seabee! Just going to wear it for ceremony, inspection, and or funeral honors. Whatever happens don't take our green and bees!!!!!

Response by PO3 Taurean Collins made Jan 12 at 2015 1:04 PM

PO3 Taurean Collins — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:04:27 -0500

I got out in July 2006 & am so happy that these new uniform changes are taking place. I love the new female dress blue crackerjacks. #teamdixiecup

Response by PO3 Richard Moulton made Jan 13 at 2015 3:04 PM

PO3 Richard Moulton — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:04:35 -0500

I'd like to see the blue covers of the past come back that had United States Navy on the front. Kind of a beret style.

Response by PO2 Stephen Rushing made Jan 13 at 2015 3:57 PM

PO2 Stephen Rushing — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:57:28 -0500

Look no matter what uniform you pick for my navy they had better hold up to the same standards as far as safety is concerned. I mean fire retarded, practical floatation devives, and stay affordable as well as long lasting. These last uniforms have been a night mare they fall apart after a few washes and are complete fire hazards, while no thoughts were ever given to floatation devices in an emergency. . You should save our money for better housing and kept the our old dungeries