What do you think of the constant uniform changes in the Navy?

2016-08-11T05:28:15-04:00

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 11 at 2016 5:40 AM

2016-08-11T05:40:38-04:00

I guess that is one way the Uniform Board can Justify their Pay. A little ridiculous though isn't it.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Aug 11 at 2016 9:47 AM

2016-08-11T09:47:11-04:00

I think this whole uniform identity crises is a huge waste of money. Cammies are meant to conceal you. It isn't a fashion statement. Find 2 patterns that work and make all services wear them. BTW, why does ship board Navy need cammies anyway?

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 12 at 2016 9:19 PM

2016-08-12T21:19:46-04:00

You live on a boat. I assume you get wet all the time. I hope you change your uniform regularly.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2016 1:23 AM

2016-08-14T01:23:55-04:00

It is embarrassing. Uniforms were not even close to being an issue in my day of blue denim shirts and bell-bottomed dungarees, But, back then, men made up 100% of the ships' crews. That made uniformity a non-issue. Y'all can figure out what changed.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Aug 15 at 2016 5:15 PM

2016-08-15T17:15:45-04:00

Its NOT a fashion show, people. Personally I kinda like the Navy's blue/grey MARPAT looking stuff...for shipboard people above decks where any concealment (visually or digitally speaking) might have any chance at all of being useful. But if there is a SEAL Team anywhere nearby they should probably be in ground coloring, perhaps a version of the USMC MARPAT. Id say same for Coast Guard. I do not believe the USAR or USAF should have the same thing, but if the Marine MARPAT were "owned-per-se" by the Navy, then the Navy could pass it to their USMC and USCG sub-departments as they see fit. Except for having to modify it to remove the USMC Emblems which the USMC was smart enough to embed into their pattern as they knew the rest of yah would be tryin' to get your mittens on it..lol

Remember, the Army spent lots more money on their Version 1 Digiflage, something like $5M, and it turned out it doesn't work all that well digitally speaking. The Corps made theirs for a mere $300K and it works much better...so much better that apparently the Army tried to get its hands on it. Go Figure. I see little wrong with keeping the branches mildly different in appearances, or a branch who came up something better holding onto it as unique. And while I will admit some bias here...I have no problem with those who hit the beaches first (and then sitting and waiting for the Army to arrive) having the better stuff....they take more risk. Come to think of it...I'm not sure why the Army would want any Digiflage at all until they first remove all of those patches which likely disrupt the Digiflage pattern anyway. Or what they need any camouflage at all for, if they are located in areas the Marines already secured prior to pushing enemy lines forward.

All of that said, I know there are already some newer camouflage patterns in the works, etc. And there will always be an argument about having several versions per branch as it matches the terrain of various locations more closely.

Respectfully,

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 12:22 AM

2016-08-16T00:22:12-04:00

BDUs and DCUs were more durable. And I had no problem shining boots once I learned how to do it right. ACUs never did a good job of concealment. OCPs are a step in the right direction, sort of. And why, oh why, did we ever use Velcro?!

Response by MCPO Douglas Pennington made Aug 16 at 2016 7:48 AM

2016-08-16T07:48:19-04:00

it's crazy and expensive. there was nothing wrong with Dungree's. Seafarers and a cambry shirt where always more suitable for wear. Whom ever came up with this blue cami must have had bad dreams the night before. Think about all the concerns it bore. Blue in the water, is well, a death sentence. The next thing that needs to go is that Peanut Butter looking crap. Khaki's only belong on the backs of Chief Petty Officer. That had always been a sign hard work and advancement. The fewer the number of uniforms the better. The Navy just has to stop thinking that all the services uniforms need to be the same.

Response by PO3 Frank Opalecky made Aug 16 at 2016 9:50 AM

2016-08-16T09:50:35-04:00

It's a clear sign of the lack of direction provided by the current leadership.

Response by PO1 Kaytee S made Aug 16 at 2016 9:50 AM

2016-08-16T09:50:37-04:00

It's an old "Navy tradition", and therefore, doesn't need to make sense. In bootcamp, I was issued a uniform that had already been discontinued... and had about 6 mo or so to be usable (light blue, seersucker fabric).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 10:03 AM

2016-08-16T10:03:05-04:00

What really blows my mind is that they keep getting it more and more wrong, each time.

Response by PO1 Jim Harvey made Aug 16 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-08-16T13:00:24-04:00

I thought when they went to that blue camo pattern that someone had completely lost their mind. If I were to fall overboard, the LAST thing I would want to be is camouflaged in the sea. Bring back the dungarees and chambray shirts with iron-on crows and stenciled names. Not the silly designer dungarees with embroidered chevrons, name tapes and air warfare wings. Those things are too expensive to work in if there is any chance of you getting greasy or stained.

Response by PO3 Timothy "Tim" Dzurnak made Aug 16 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-08-16T13:10:04-04:00

the Uniform's of the Past are what made you stand OUT.all this copy cat crap is is Crap..even 30 years ago female's looked good in dungarees..the reason the uniforms didn't change for so long is They Worked.

Response by MCPO Tom Miller made Aug 16 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-08-16T15:05:03-04:00

A terrible waste of money in upkeep and loss of tradition! Chambray shirts and dungarees were easily replaced, comfortable and the utility of a working uniform far exceeds storage requirements of today's uniform requirements. The Navy is a working service and sea life is traditionally hard long hours of watches and maintance of equipment and machinery. I wore that white hat as a boiler man and was relieved by a ball cap and due to the ease of care from stains, I liked that change and look forward to that day I could wear khaki's and meet my goal! I also liked that discarded flat hat as in Blues the only thing that wore out in dress blues would be the elbows and those 13 buttons and bell bottoms were uniquely Navy and worn with a salty pride! I don't like looking the same as others no more than a Marine likes to look like an Airman!

Response by CAPT Hiram Patterson made Aug 16 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-08-16T16:43:02-04:00

Damned ridiculous! And now the Type III woodland cammies are supposed to be the new standard for shore wear. As you recall, we spent a lot of money years ago for the new E1-6 Marine wannabe uniform with the khaki shirt and black pants. Then it was all aquaflage even for hospitals and clinics which I thought looked unprofessional. So all that money was wasted to provide uniforms for the enlisted seabag and the same for O's who had to buy theirs. So for routine shore use, I suppose the E1-E6s won't ever wear the khaki/black uniforms and the E-7 to O-10s won't ever wear the CNT khakis again except for special occasions. Am I correct on this? By the way I still have my three different weights of the old woodland cammies.

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Aug 16 at 2016 9:24 PM

2016-08-16T21:24:21-04:00

Constant? Constant state of change... Nothing new here.

Response by PO2 Weaver Brian made Aug 17 at 2016 12:11 AM

2016-08-17T00:11:42-04:00

I think it's ridiculous. The Navy had switched to the 'Zumwalt' uniforms when I joined, and as we gradually switched back to real Navy uniforms, I had to pay out of my own pocket for all the new uniforms, That was when the clothing maintenance allowance was $7.00/month. They have changed so much now that our Naval personnel don't even look like sailors any more. And that blue cammo? Death sentence if you ever go overboard, and the material may melt should you ever find yourself fighting a shipboard fire. And don't even get me started on that half khaki thing. Looks more like Hitler Youth than anything else. It makes me wonder what kind of idiot dreams this crap up.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Aug 17 at 2016 8:25 AM

2016-08-17T08:25:15-04:00

240+ years of tradition for what? I agree that the blue cammies never made much sense, but what's next, Nixon White House staff uniforms for all? Lets face it, all the services make uniform changes but what do they accomplish? I'm a firm believer of distinctive uniforms for each of the services, but what's the need for constant tweaking? Find a uniform combination that works for your mission and stay with it.

Response by PO2 Dale Brown made Aug 17 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-08-17T10:15:14-04:00

Its been a state of constant change since Zumwalt was CNO- and how many changes made? I remember those " flame retardant" pullover shirts that melted instead of burning! Tha navy brass keeps trying, and failing, to be stylish- only the uniform contractors benefit- blue chambray shirts and dungaree trousers aeem to be the most sensible uniform- at least for a working uniform.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 10:47 AM

2016-08-17T10:47:45-04:00

Can the Navy quit trying to be Marines? I call the Type III's "Stone-Cold Killer" uniforms, and should be left for the USMC. What's next - Boonie Hats replacing caps and hats?
Speaking of which - when did caps/hats become "covers"? Really need to stop copying the USMC, and take pride in being sailors. You wanna be a stone-cold killer, and wear the bad-ass uniforms? Join another branch - you ain't that hard.

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Aug 17 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-08-17T10:49:03-04:00

Nothing new. Went to boot in SD Aug 77. Went to first duty station Jan 79. When I arrived was told the Chambray top (pull-over) was a safety problem and was no longer authorized as a uniform. Was told a few days later that the Navy extended it for 6 months as they had too many in stock and needed to finish issuing them. (Sailors lives be damned need to save money.) Then the "Flat caps" were discontinued for E6 and below. There were none in the supply/Exchange so we had to buy them from a local producer at up to $10 each or get written up. Nest to go was "Salt/Peppers", and dress blues (I was glad to get rid of the two "double breasted" suits anyway). Then the "Ice Cream Man" uniform, and the "Gestapo" Working Blues uniform (I actually liked the Gestapo with the flat hat.)

All this with very little increase in Uniform allowance. Also, you had to keep both uniforms in good repair during change-over.

That was almost 40 years ago. Guess the fun has not stopped...

Response by CPO John Hopkins made Aug 17 at 2016 10:58 AM

2016-08-17T10:58:41-04:00

uniforms seems to be an issue of the inmates running the asylum. Sailors wanted to look like "warriors" not realizing that the dungaree's and chambray shirts were the look of warriors. I remember when my ships would pull into Subic Bay on the return leg home, we'd buy 2-3 sets of new dungaree's, and the tailor shop on base would embroider our name and crows into the shirts and dungaree's, and for 25 cents more, would add our rating device in the crows. (that wasn't authorized, but it showed pride in your rate, and the only folks who complained about it were the shore-duty folks who'd never done a cruise or West-PAC....the embroidered dungaree's (or liberty cuffs in your CrackerJack Blues marked one as a salty-dawg, bonafide West-PAC Sailor!)
In my humble opinion, the Navy missed a really good option in by-passing the Coast Guards' Utility Uniform. They look like the NWU made out of same material. Solid blue, fire-retardant, functional. Not like the current NWU, which looks like the blue-tile deck area of Officer's Country.
MSC officers are still wearing wash khaki, which says to me, why mess with a good thing? I think those need to be brought back quickly....on CVN's, I still see CPO's and Officers wearing khaki trousers and flight deck jerseys in AIMD, S-6, and the Air Wing....I'm glad some folks hold on to tradition.

Response by CPO Charles Helms made Aug 17 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-08-17T11:44:16-04:00

In 1969 we were issued blue chambray shirts, and blue denim dungarees!! Not an issue with working uniform, but then came the service dress blue uniform change in the early to mid 70's what a fiasco!! The Chief's were pissed that we would look like them!! So after about 3.5 years of the CPO/Officer uniformsE-6 and below would go back to jumper style!! We've changed dungarees to make you look like a filling station attendants, then back to the old style dungarees!! It is plain and simple CNO and uniform boards put sailors back in sailor uniforms!! Why in the world do we need camo uniforms at seas!!! From what I remember the ladies loved wearing the dungarees also!! You just keep wasting money on uniforms that aren't particle or even well received by fleet sailors!!!

Response by PO3 Peter Lothrop made Aug 17 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-08-17T14:40:18-04:00

One of the main things that set the NAVY a part from all the other services was their uniforms not only their working uniforms, but also their dress uniforms. When I was in the NAVY (1979 to 1985) we had the blue dungaree working uniform which in my opinion was and is the best working uniform out of all the services. The NAVY needs to go back to the traditional dungaree uniform that set them apart from the other services.

When I was in the US Air Force Reserve (2004 to 2010 I reenlisted because of 911 it took me almost 3 years to convince my then wife that I was not going to be sent to a war zone and get myself killed, but all of us know we have no control over if or when they might activate a reserve squadron. I kind of did not tell my then wife about that part) I hated those dam BDU uniforms!!! They were uncomfortable , they were hot and they were heavy.

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Aug 17 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-08-17T15:30:53-04:00

I was issued those ugly work clothes in 1971. I could barely wait for them to get raggedy and replace them with Seafarer dungarees and chambray shirts. I mostly wore a Dixie Cup but I wore the ball cap when on a dirty job. And nothing looks as sharp as a Cracker Jack suit. I don't think I'd look as sharp today because I have put on 30 pounds.
An aside. I worked for a while for the oldest longest serving SEABEE in the Navy. He had 42 years of service and his time served stripes met his chevrons.
He decided that the SEABEES in Public Works should wear greens. I was against it because I didn't feel like ironing, starching the 8 point cap with the turnbuckle form, blousing springs and hat and color insignia. I was wearing a pair of perma-press dungarees and shirt right out of the dryer.
Plus the department had shipboard rates as well.
Anyway, I showed him a copy of the plan of the day which showed the uniform of the day for ship's company and it wasn't greens. Had we been a SEABEE unit assigned then we could be forced to wear them. I then said that the guys in greens were not in in compliance and he dropped the whole thing.
Yeah, I'm a sea lawyer. Only one of a few cases I'd won before I got out.

Response by PO1 Robert Johnson made Aug 17 at 2016 4:45 PM

2016-08-17T16:45:29-04:00

When I entered "Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Il. in 1963 the "Flat Hat" was still being issued for the dress blue uniform. We did not wear it but it was issued. Since then the Navy has gone through so many uniform changes that I can't keep track any more. Of course I'm long ago retired so I don't have to keep my seabag up anymore but my shipmates of that time and I sure spent a heck of a lot more than our clothing allowances to keep up with all the changes. I watched a game show recently in which a contestant supposed to be a 2nd class Navy PO was wearing Navy blue chief style trousers, a khaki short sleeve shirt with crows on both sleeves and an over sized silver or chrome belt buckle. It looked like he was just really messed up uniform wise. Both my wife and I thought that it might have been a case of "Stolen Valor" but it just didn't seem that a major TV network would have let that slip through, especially since the contestant returned 2 more times, dressed the same way.

All I can say is that I am glad that I served (27 yrs) and now at age 72, I am still alive to enjoy my grandkids

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Aug 17 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-08-17T20:23:06-04:00

What does the Fleet need camies there on a Ship or sub. Stay with the old dungrees, being a retired Seabee I wish they would of stayed with the old greens instead of the camies we are construction not front line combat

Response by PO2 David Ball made Aug 17 at 2016 9:49 PM

2016-08-17T21:49:58-04:00

They just need to buy the Coast Guard uniforms if they are two things.#1 Fire proof #2 Long lasting. As for some Marines complaining why please explain to me why the Corps is back to "Brown side out ,green side out run in circles scream and shout "! The green uniform should be issued year round and the deserts issued on a case by case basis life if they are being deployed to the middle east or a CAX.

Response by PO1 Elverton Chin made Aug 17 at 2016 11:38 PM

2016-08-17T23:38:27-04:00

This uniform change is really a waste of money and the blue gray cammies are not even ten years old yet. I was fortunate to have worn it and in the summer, it is really warm to wear but I still wore it with pride. I prefer to wear the Chambray shirts and the bell bottom dungarees as the traditional working uniforms and they are very comfortable, especially during the summer months. Our traditional look as the Navy is constantly changing beyond recognition. Soon, I may have to ask which branch of service you are affiliated to, as I may not recognize the uniform. Whoever, makes these decisions to change uniforms should go out in the field to get feedbacks before making any major decision changes. It seems to me that you never wore these uniforms before, so you can never really justify your change. This may be a way for you to earn an extra ribbon/metal for your chest, but a costly one for the Navy and especially the tax payers.

Response by PO2 Lemual Martin made Aug 18 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-08-18T12:41:38-04:00

I always found the idea of wearing camo sill when I was in. I was getting out when the current uniforms were being implemented routed a chit to not have to wear them since my separation date was so close. I was on a fast attack sub and used to joke shouldn't we just have black BDU's and the surface fleet grey?

Response by LCDR Glenn Adwell made Aug 18 at 2016 7:48 PM

2016-08-18T19:48:15-04:00

The Navy is just continuing a trend started long ago. When I went to boot camp in 1978, we had the dark blue tops and dark blue dungarees. When I made 3rd class and went to sea, I could no longer wear those, and had to buy an entire outfitting of chambray shirts and dungarees. When I commissioned 5 years later, we had to have all CNT uniforms for whites and khakis, so there was another ridiculous expense caused by change. I am glad I was out before the blueberries came in. They were a stupid concept from day one and it seems to be getting worse putting sailors in uniforms made for hiding in the woods.

My daughter just commissioned as a 2LT and had to purchase her entire uniforms set because the ROTC uniforms she had are enlisted, not officer, and they changed the "cammies" pattern, and changed the belts, boots, and even undershirts. She had nothing she could wear!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 7:28 AM

2016-08-20T07:28:42-04:00

Waste of time and money. If they think I'm going to spend $1000 getting three more useless uniforms, they're mistaken. I've still never worn an NWU that I paid for.

Response by CWO2 Roger Lamb made Jan 10 at 2017 10:42 PM

2017-01-10T22:42:50-05:00

This tinkering with uniforms has been going on since the 1970's and the Zumwalt day's as CNO or maybe back further than that. That's over four and a half decades spanning two centuries! If I and my wife had had this much trouble figuring out how to dress our kids they'd have been retired before they were out of diapers. I wonder if the Army, Air Force, and Marines quietly snicker to themselves every time they see a sailor dressed, inappropriately, in camouflage uniforms. Camouflage is intended to make the wearer blend into his surroundings. Why don't they dress sailors in haze gray jump suits or utilities? Oh! Wait! I know! We could dress them in light blue chambray shirts and dark blue denim trousers and top it all off with an organizational blue ball cap.

Response by CWO2 Roger Lamb made Jan 10 at 2017 11:14 PM

2017-01-10T23:14:23-05:00

Self inflicted wounds are the hardest to treat.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 12 at 2018 8:19 PM

2018-02-12T20:19:03-05:00

I've seen the many changes of the navys uniforms being a an army/ navy brat my dad did 4 yes army and 26 yrs in the Navy and them bell bottom dungarees deterred me from joining the Navy...lol but the the blue bdu's we're really rediculous... I don't mind the newest ones they just came out with now they look a lot better than Digi blue bdus

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made May 10 at 2018 7:14 PM

2018-05-10T19:14:42-04:00

I think it reflects a nontraditional mind set. There was not one damned thing wrong with the working uniform of the Navy during the 60s. People like that damned Ray Maybus, SPIT!, came along and new everything just so they could make a legacy for themselves. Example: That liberal POS wanted to take Navy corpsmen from the Marine Corps, a tradition and team that went back eons. Thankfully, he got that stuffed up his ying yang. He should have been keel hauled for being a stupid shit unfit to lead a deck swabbing, much less a Navy and Marine Corps...............

Response by PO1 Duane Mosier made Jun 3 at 2018 8:08 AM

2018-06-03T08:08:00-04:00

Nuts, please go back to Dungurees

Response by Capt Stephen Loop made Jun 9 at 2018 11:04 AM

2018-06-09T11:04:07-04:00

Preferred the traditional uniform. Every part had a purpose. Remember soaking new dungarees in saltwater and laying them on the deck to bleach.

Response by PO3 Terence Snyder made Jun 10 at 2018 7:36 PM

2018-06-10T19:36:53-04:00

What was wrong with dungarees,shirts,Boondockers,whiter and blues. Looks more like the A/F now !!!

Response by PO2 Wayne Durham made Jun 11 at 2018 10:47 AM

2018-06-11T10:47:53-04:00

Idiocy, plain and simple.

Response by PO2 William Roderick made Jun 12 at 2018 1:10 PM

2018-06-12T13:10:45-04:00

The new work uniforms are more expensive and have zero tradition behind them. NOT to mention the new ones cannot be used as a flotation device.

Response by CPO Kenneth Keane made Jun 13 at 2018 11:54 AM

2018-06-13T11:54:22-04:00

Let's see. What politician has money invested in a company's capable of manufacturing uniforms? I went in in 73. Was the last class to graduate from NTC Great Lakes in the old Navy Blue jumper. Then the suits came. Then the suits went away with the return of the jumpers. But not Navy blue. But black. Now khaki work uniform for the cry babies. Notice the Navy is the only branch that constantly changes uniforms? It's politics. It will never change. Glad I retired. BMC

Response by SPC Stan LaCount made Jun 16 at 2018 10:39 AM

2018-06-16T10:39:59-04:00

I think it's rediculous. Man overboard in ocean cammo is hard to spot. Good for seals...bad for sailors.

Response by PO2 Donald Schortmann Sr made Jun 17 at 2018 9:39 AM

2018-06-17T09:39:16-04:00

They suck!! Nothing wrong with patch pocket dungarees.

Response by Capt Stephen Loop made Jun 21 at 2018 12:39 AM

2018-06-21T00:39:57-04:00

Unnecessary!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2018 12:20 PM

2018-09-03T12:20:07-04:00

When I joined we had Utility, Working Blues (Johnny Cash's) Working Whites (Milkmen) Dress Blues, Dress Whites and coveralls. Then someone said "Hay that's way to many uniforms so we got to buy NWU (Blue Berrys) and NSU (Peanut Butters) along with Coveralls, Dress Whites and Dress Blues... Then someone said "Hay those NWU and coveralls go up like roman candles when lit on fire and the only thing they are good at is hiding sailors who fall (or jump) overboard. So we got to go out and buy three pairs of NWU Type II and the Navy started handing out FRV's. BUT WAIT FOLKS!!! That's not the end of it NWU Type II's are also not all that flame resistant so lets make a NEW Uniform that is flame resistant AND charge YOU the service member a BUTT Load to own it... so we don't have to hand out FRV's anymore...

The Uniform shake up in my opinion is a financial scam. for one set of the NWU's it runs a service member 100 bucks, The patches alone are 20 bucks on top of that. So your telling me that we the Military buy in mass quantity a pre designed clothing item and it still costs 100 bucks for a set? The "required" Tee-shirts are 15 bucks for 3? ... and the only place that sells them in the Navy Exchange... As for the "clothing allowance" That is enough to replace one maybe two uniforms a year, and they make sure to get it ALL back. The Navy sells the Uniforms to the Nex, the Nex sells them to the service members... You don't need a slide rule to figure this out.

Response by John Elmgreen made Feb 3 at 2019 11:18 PM

2019-02-03T23:18:38-05:00

For Charles Weishar: were you stationed in Morocco in the 1950s? Love to make contact. regards,
John Elmgreen

Response by SGT Brian Chan made Apr 11 at 2019 12:15 AM

2019-04-11T00:15:28-04:00

I just don’t understand the reasoning of their digital work uniform. Wouldn’t you want people to be able to see you if some how you get knock into the water?

Also from what I gather from friends in the Navy. They believe the entire branch is lagging behind and has become complacent with old outdated doctrine. That’s from not having an enemy that requires the navy to adapt or improve from contact. So now navy ships just goes around the world ramming commercial ships.