Swanky Conservative

79 responses so far ↓

• 1 Yeah, Right, Whatever // Dec 9, 2004 at

  New Navy Uniforms?
  Swanky Conservative has….

• 2 Michael Lutter // Dec 23, 2004 at

  Seriously, I like the changes for Utilitys, but changing the Service Uniform for the Navy is not even a good idea. Firstly, we wear our Uniform with pride, that’s what separate us military from the Civilians…. Civilians they wear uniform as a shop….. and us military, we wear these uniform with Pride and Honor. So if they decided to give us a New Uniform that nobody will have pride on, then what’s the big deal about changing it……. I know this for a fact, that everywhere you go, people will be moaning about things around them, even how good it is, someone will go against it. So people who are lazy to keep their uniform look sharp and decide to change the uniform because they get tired of washing them, then why join the Navy, or the military……. There’s just no room for Laziness in the U.S.Military.
  I understand about changing the Navy Utilities because theres just too much people who make fun of that uniform, and it does takes your pride on that uniform.
  I hope everybody understand what my point is….
  And please dont change the Navy Service Uniform.
  P.S. The best thing to do is, make a Navy Survey just like how they do Rating exam, everybody fill out a survey and they see who agrees to what? I will guarantee you, 70% of the navy will agree with me

• 3 David Herron // Dec 31, 2004 at

  I am a retired Chief and I agree with Michael about the changes to the utilities. They are much sharper and professioal looking. No more of those ragged dungareess with hnd written names.
  However the only change I would make to the service uniforms is to change the white slacks to navy. The white slacks are a pain to keep clean. I also like the black fore and aft cap instead of a white hat. The white hat should only be worn with the dress uniforms.
  I strongly oppose any introduction of khaki for anyone under the rank of chief. Chiefs work too long and hard to earn that uniform. To give it to all will cheapen it and weaken the unique position that chiefs hold.

• 4 Johnny Rivera // Jan 4, 2005 at

  The only thing I have against the khaki uniform is that it defaces the value of obtaining “Marine Regs” uniforms. Being a corpsman with a Marine Corps unit, that uniform says a lot about one’s military bearing and character. That being said, did we forget who we are and what we do? We follow orders. Quit whining and do what you’re told. If BIG Navy says bark like a dog, it’s you’re obligation to BARK! Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but when it all comes down, you have no leverage to argue. Just be happy that we had a survey and testing phases with these uniforms, instead of them saying, “Hey, put this on.” We are in the business of war gentlemen, not bitching over dumb shit like this. So, please, at least act like you’re in the military!

• 5 SAR guy // Jan 7, 2005 at

  For the big part, I agree with the speakers above. This Uniform has flaws.
  I agree with Mr. Rivera that we are in trade. However, this said, leads me to different conclusion. Our trade is not an easy one and, sometimes, requires hours, days, and months of hard phisical and mental work. My “deck plates” and land experience taught me that WORKING uniform must be FUNCTIONAL(there is the reason why coveralls are the most favorable uniform among Sea-going Navy). Many people hoped that Navy will come out with either more dressed coverall(to wear it off base) or camies of Haze Grey/Deck Grey collor(my favorite). All other services enjoying these uniform, why can’t we?(Even Marines have it. Hell, even Petty Officer Rivera has those!)
  This said, at no point I am not trying to undress the Navy or discount the traditions! Navy Blue, Navy Whites, Navy Tropical(CNT), dixie cup MUST stay! They are our traditional uniforms of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Plus ladies love it!

  Off course need to realize is that It is

• 6 Old Sub Sailor // Jan 19, 2005 at

  Hello to all,

  It seems that this is not a trivial event to many current and former sailors. Let me first acknowledge that the opinions of the other posted comments are well said and with merit.

  However, on many points, I disagree. First, I would vote for the khaki and black combo. I would apply the 100 yard test and ask could you tell a sailor from 100 yards away? With the khaki and black, it is unmistakable at that distance (if you download the picture in high resolution the black pants really stand out as different from Marine green).
  As far as khakis for Chiefs, sorry guys, they are in the same service as the E1-E6 and the unique anchor is, I believe, what enlisted strive for.
  As far as the working uniform goes, I say great! The seafarers are junk, any pair of pants that wears thin and white where your hang-me’s are is an insult to the fine men who wear them. I was in the service during the transition from the blue utilities to the seafarers as well as the dress uniforms and I can say that the utilities we started with were butt ugly, but much better than seafarers. The Navy enlisted person DESERVES a uniform that can worn off-base. We were NOT allowed to wear seafarers off base for ANY reason. Wearing civilian clothes to work because the Navy was embarassed really says it all about the working uniform.

  Now for the dress uniforms. I will defer to all who think that the Crackerjacks are just dandy. While I deplored them, I can easily accept them as roughly equal the the other service class A uniforms (Army and Marine green jacket, Air Force and CG Blue Jacket). I can not accept them as FULL dress uniforms. To back up my claim consider the uniform worn by the Ceremonial Guards in DC. You will notice ALL of the other services wear the standard full dress uniform with almost no modifications. This is to be expected. But what do we see for the Navy? In order to “dress up” the Dress Uniform, they add the following - Ascot, Shoulder Cord, Gaiters, Duty belt. If we looked so dog-gone good in our Dress uniform, why are non uniform items added to the Crackerjack for the Ceremonial Guard? Item two. Do we really think that a uniform that shows undergarments (T-Shirt) raises the the level of Full Dress? I say that the enlisted man needs an option like the other services for a real FULL dress uniform that is not a required item for the seabag.

  The Dixie Cup - Come on guys, people are laughing at us in this silly and useless headgear. This hat is so bad that when we transitioned in the early 80’s, we went from a great looking gunslinger uniform with military combo cap, to looking like a dufus in that Dixie cup with all black uniform.

  Tradition - Hear a lot about that. I would ask that you please look up the history of uniforms for the Navy. You may be surprised ( you may not be). Ask yourself why is the Navy the only service to insist on a different uniform for Officer and Enlisted?
  And finally on tradition. I will support this line of argument when we see officers in buckle shoes and silk knee britches and Chiefs walk around with “starting” canes.

  So thats my opinion for what it’s worth. Take care to all. And to all active service members, God-speed, we are proud of you.

• 7 Mike // Feb 5, 2005 at

  The Navy dungarees and dress whites are tradition. The Navy has made some very poor decisions in the past regarding its uniform changes, such as ridding the Navy of the undress working white uniform. Wearing an undershirt with the white trousers and the dog dish made you look 100% like a sailor, and it was comfortable in warm weather. Why the brass did away with that is beyond me. Second, I support keeping the dog dish, and allowing sailors to wear it with dungarees… something they again did away with for some reason. Third, does no one remember the life saving device IN the design of the bell bottom trousers? All I would do is get rid of the 13-button trousers and you have yourself a professional looking Navy. They change their uniforms almost everyday it seems to break the look of a true sailor. I am a U.S. Merchant seaman, and am so proud of what our Navy sailors wore in the past that even I wear dungarees and undress whites (minus the hat) when at sea. However, regardless of what the Navy decides to do, I respect what our men and women do and would not ever change that on account of the clothing they wear.

  Fair winds and following seas to all….
  Mike

• 8 Mike // Feb 5, 2005 at

  One other question, why did Navy aircraft carrier crewmen on the flight deck always wear camos instead of dungarees starting in Vietnam?

  Mike

• 9 Adam // Feb 7, 2005 at

  As a young officer in the Navy, I have to say that any uniform change has to reflect both our tradition as a seagoing service, the uniqueness of our history, and a respect for the environments we work in. I agree that dungarees are a pain in the ass and take a llot of care; however, I don’t think a camo pattern is the answer. How many times are you willing to be laughed at for trying to blend into the ocean? Besides the camo pattern, my major beef with BDU style uniforms is that they seem rathe rlikely to get caught on nuts, bolts, valve stems and other moving equipment. It could rip and tear more often and possibly be a safety hazard.

  As for the service uniforms: we are sailors. We are not Army, Airforce, or Marine. Any move towards khaki blouses would show disregard of our heritage and dissolve the uniqueness of the Navy uniform. I personally favor the haze gray/navy service uniform, but I think keeping the Dixie Cup would just scream ’sailor’ and give our junior enlisted a uniquely Navy uniform to be proud of.

• 10 Michael // Feb 11, 2005 at

  Reinstate the service dress khaki for officers (button down is sloppy) and issue sailors the dungarees and coveralls. Allow them to wear the undress whites and the dixie cup while working as well, and you have yourself a real bunch of sailors. (also DITCH THE GOOD HUMOR MAN uniform)

• 11 Matthew // Mar 17, 2005 at

  Well it is good to see that every one has taken a stand on the proposed Navy Uniforms. This tells me that we all still care and uniform pride is still very much alive in all of us. Some of us prefrer “Ye ol’ Sailor” look while some of us want a newer, more “HARDCORE” military look.
  Well that said I am for the latter.
  I belive it is time to put the teeth and claws back into our fittin” bittin’ howlin’ growlin’ NAVY!
  We are the worlds finest ladies and gentlemen and like Johnny Rivera put it, we are in the business of war. Our job is to ensure that our great Nation is protected AT ALL COSTS. We need to look the part.
  How good do you feel when you have a brand new suite or new car? You carry your self with pride in distinction, correct?
  Well the same goes with a new uniform. I for one am sick and tired of seeing these half ass looking sailors walking around looking liek trash. Especially when on the same military installation you see Marines and Soldiers walking around, with thier heads held high!
  Well I for one say “Bring on the new look, give the Navy a long over due face lift! Lets start looking and acting like the Rulers of the Raging Main that WE ARE!”
  Long live the U.S. Navy and God Bless the U.S.A.!!!

  IT2 (SW) Mattera
  USS KITTY HAWK
  CV-63

• 12 Matthew // Mar 17, 2005 at

  One more note to add…this is mainly for the active duty guys out there. I think it is high time for us as Men and Women of integrity, Sailors in our Navy, and defenders of our Nation, to stand up and hold the banner high. The banner of Core Values and the morals that made our Nation great.
  I personally do not feel comfortable serving next to a guy who is in MY Navy just because he/she is want to collect a pay check. Service in MY Navy is about more…much more.
  If you are one of the Sailors who is just sitting around and taking up space, go ahead and move on. I am sure that there are plenty of “Collect a Paycheck” jobs out there.
  I see to many individuals who act like they are on unemployment while they are in Uniform.
  I for one only want to be surrounded by shipmates who want to make a difference and stand up for right.
  I jokingly asked one E-5 the other day “Hey you know the CORE VALUES right?”
  I was completely appalled by what he told me…he said “No, I forgot them.”
  What kind of undisciplined and unmotivated maggotry has beset OUR Navy?
  You know what makes the Marines so damn good? I will tell you…
  LOYALTY, MOTIVATION, and DICIPLINE. They are the hallmarks of our Brother Service, yet we as the Navy…the Parent Service of the Marines, have a major deficit of the above listed 3 qualities.
  I challenge every one of my fellow shipmates who reads this to reach deep down in side of yourselves. Look in the mirror at least once a day and say the Sailors Creed.
  Do it for those that went before us, do it for those that are with is now, and do it for those that come behind us.
  May our children and our children’s children remember us as men and women of Courage and Faith…Sea Warriors who stood in the gap, even when we were tired and bruised; and we never gave up…because we “SOLOMLY SWORE…”

• 13 Matthew // Mar 17, 2005 at

  One more note to add…this is mainly for the active duty guys out there. I think it is high time for us as Men and Women of integrity, Sailors in our Navy, and defenders of our Nation, to stand up and hold the banner high. The banner of Core Values and the morals that made our Nation great.
  I personally do not feel comfortable serving next to a guy who is in MY Navy just because he/she is want to collect a pay check. Service in MY Navy is about more…much more.
  If you are one of the Sailors who is just sitting around and taking up space, go ahead and move on. I am sure that there are plenty of “Collect a Paycheck” jobs out there.
  I see to many individuals who act like they are on unemployment while they are in Uniform.
  I for one only want to be surrounded by shipmates who want to make a difference and stand up for right.
  I jokingly asked one E-5 the other day “Hey you know the CORE VALUES right?”
  I was completely appalled by what he told me…he said “No, I forgot them.”
  What kind of undisciplined and unmotivated maggotry has beset OUR Navy?
  You know what makes the Marines so damn good? I will tell you…
  LOYALTY, MOTIVATION, and DICIPLINE. They are the hallmarks of our Brother Service, yet we as the Navy…the Parent Service of the Marines, have a major deficit of the above listed 3 qualities.
  I challenge every one of my fellow shipmates who reads this to reach deep down in side of yourselves. Look in the mirror at least once a day and say the Sailors Creed.
  Do it for those that went before us, do it for those that are with is now, and do it for those that come behind us.
  May our children and our children’s children remember us as men and women of Courage and Faith…Sea Warriors who stood in the gap, even when we were tired and bruised; and we never gave up…because we “SOLOMLY SWORE…”

  Long live the U.S. Navy and God Bless the U.S.A.!!!

  IT2 (SW) Mattera
  USS KITTY HAWK
  CV-63

• 14 IC2 (SW) CAWTHON // Mar 22, 2005 at

  Damm Petty Officer Mattera is friggin gung ho. I totally agree with you shipmate. I’m a RDC here at RTC Great Lakes and take pride in doing everything in what LITTLE power I have to turn civilians into sailors. We as RDC’S must carry ourselves with the higest standards. Your uniform says everything about you. I see jacked up sailors walking around NTC all the time. Most of them are the fleet returnees going to C or A school that rubb of on the guys that just graduated. Or a staff member at NTC who is too scared to say something to a junior squid who is totally jacked up. These new uniforms are a great idea. Its a new Navy and we all have to change with it or get left behind. I can’t speak for a corpsman running around playing Marine but for squids who make a living on the sea there is nothing like a pair of coveralls. Their going to be hard to lose but we got to do what we got to do. This is our Navy and we have to take it back from all the shit-birds who wear our uniform but have no HONOR. I believe these uniforms will instill more pride in our Navy. We are in the military and we need to look like it. I’m a sailor. Not a janitor, who almost has the same uniform as we do. I don’t care which one they pick. I just hope we get to wear them soon. That’s all I got to say about this. Later shippies. He who fears being conqured deserves defeat.

• 15 Matthew // Apr 13, 2005 at

  Hoo Rah shipmate! You hit the nail on the head. I am planning on going RDC duty after my tour here on Kitty Hawk.
  I am a firm belive that the 2 main jobs of a Drill Instructor, Recruit Division Commander; whatever you call them, is to #1 Weed out the “non=hackers who do not pack the gear to serve in our Beloved Military” and #2 Turn those who remain into squared away, mitivated, dedicated, men and women who are ready to serve our Great Nation “…without hesitation or purpose of evation…”.
  Sound familiar??? That little phrase is in our oath of enlitment/comission.
  What is the major malfuntion of so many Sailors today? Why are so many non-motivated?
  Why do so many loose that fire and ferver when they are done with boot camp?
  I will tell you…we as the Navy do not carry on the dicipline and training through-out the “A”/”C” schools and the fleet.
  We let the pride, mitivation, and dedication stop at the exit gate of RTC.
  It is the sailors that go around trying to scam the system and skate off all the time that are ruining our new shipmates.
  It the sailors that walk around and carry with them, the “I’m a thug” attitude from back home that ruin our new shipmates.
  We need to indentify these people and quarentine them.
  KEEP THEM AWAY from our new young sailors.
  This is to you CPO’s out there. WE NEED YOU! We need you to get more involved and holding the LPO’s accountable, who in turn can hold the deck plate leaders accountable.
  I for one am tired of sounding off when I see something worng, yet a PO1, or even CPO won’t do a thing.
  The more senior someone gets, the more they are responsible for being a good example, and holding ANYONE junior accountable.
  In one word “ACCOUNTABLITY”.
  Shipmates, lets not get so distracted by “college courses, collateral duties, volunteer work, etc.”. If you are some one who is doing these things GREAT! I do them too!
  But do not loose site of the mission….and what is that mission?
  Read the Sailors Creed. That should tell you!
  And if you don’t know it SHAME ON YOU.
  If your an LPO and you dont know it SHAME ON YOU!
  I don’t think I need to go further up the chain of command. You all get the point.

  Well that is enough for me for now…time for em to get off my soap box.

  Long live the U.S. Navy and God bless the USA!

  IT2 (SW) Mattera
  USS KITTY HAWK

• 16 notyetasailor // Apr 18, 2005 at

  I have to say a thing or two about what I see in these uniforms. First of all, I haven’t joined up yet, but as soon as my school comitments are over I intend to. I think they have some good points in deciding to go with the new uniform as pictured above. I like the blue/grey versions and I don’t think the khakis are as navy looking. I can live without the cool seasonal service uniforms as long as they don’t mess with the dress uniforms. My only gripe is that they decided to go wit the overseas cap. I personally wouldn’t mind the white hats. To me they would be just another part of being in the service. I think with the overseas cap the uniform looks a little too air-forcey.

  As for the urban camouflage working uniforms, I don’t like the idea. Maybe a BDU type uniform in solid blue would work better. I just do not like the idea of the navy adopting a camouflage pattern. The pattern almost looks like the “urban” patterns offered to skateboarding kids by the foreign ripoff BDU companies. It just doesn’t sit well with me. I personally like the looks of dungaries and a workshirt. Having not worn them personally I can’t really comment on their durability, but I think the look is more navy than a BDU, especially a camouflage BDU. Maybe they could work with the materials and cut of the current utilities and make them more acceptable.

  I am now a civillian, not a sailor. When I join the Navy I don’t want to look like anything but a sailor. I think that a little tweaking is in order with both uniforms, but I think the cammies are a bad idea in general. Maybe my opinion will change before I join, who knows.

• 17 AD3 Perez // Apr 19, 2005 at

  I think the Navy should just use the working whites and working blues ( Johnny Cashes) as the dress uniform. Only issue the CNT’s instead of the cottons. Get rid of the summer and winter crackerjacks. I never liked them to begin with especially the neckerchief. I still don’t know how to get it even (lol).
  I think going to BDU’s is a good idea too. It would be perfect cause you are already in battledress for general quaters.

• 18 The Rooster // May 2, 2005 at

  I spent my share of eight years with the Navy. I have sepnt my time in the passages with the brass and all the way back on the small craft in 10 foot swells. I have had the opportunity to wear the current uniforms. I strongly believe the Navy does need to streamline thier ranks more in the way of uniforms. One working uniform, one service uniform, and one dress uniform. I do however believe that a seperation in dress uniform for E-6 and below is keeping with tradition. Although as it was correctly pointed out, It is a new Navy. Keep up or ship out.

  Just my two cents.

• 19 jon // May 17, 2005 at

  i have a quick question, what are the regulations for the dixie cup, i am a sea cadet and i am looking for some information..

• 20 jon // May 17, 2005 at

  the navy GOOD Stuff.. Oh yea. i am a salior. ha ha, keep the uniforms.. love it.. navy till i die..

• 21 Mike // May 30, 2005 at

  You don’t need to wear BDU’s on a friggin ship, okay? You wanna wear BDU’s and tuck your little panties into boots, join the Marines or the Army. Practical shipboard wear would be more in line with dungarees or coveralls. Uniforms are key in the service, because they set you apart from EVERYONE ELSE. Take pride in the TRADITION and MEANING of the uniform you wear, otherwise, find another occupation. The Navy plays these games all the time, first with that idiot Zumwalt making E6 and below wear CPO styled uniforms, then getting rid of bell bottoms (hello people, did you learn anything in boot camp? Bell bottoms are not sailor FASHION STATEMENTS, they are for the fact they hold more air in them if you fall off and need to make them into a preserver?!?!) And then you baffoons on the flight deck wearing camos. Wow, need I say more? You should be proud of the old uniform, not bitching for an update.

• 22 Old CV-41'er // Jul 9, 2005 at

  It’s been a long time since I served but I joined the Navy during the transition period of the early 80’s when we were phasing out the Zumwalt Navy’s coat and tie dress uniform and hideous convict style “utilities” for crackerjacks and dungarees. I think I speak for most sailors of that era when I say we were glad to return to the traditional styles.

  Dungarees were designed for shipboard working conditions. BDU’s were designed as a practical uniform for ground combat. The idea of needing a camouflage pattern to hide stains is a lame excuse to justify introducing an impractical but “stylish” new uniform. Dungarees are SUPPOSED to get dirty, stained and faded. When we were doing REALLY dirty work, we wore coveralls over our dungarees. What’s wrong with that? I was taught that the bell-bottom dungaree trousers were designed so we could get them off over our boots should we ever end up in the drink. I’d venture to say that some bloused BDU style trousers would make that lifesaving feat a bit more difficult.

  In my opinion, the 80’s change back to the traditional style uniforms did not go far enough. I was never a big fan of the winter working blue or the “salt-n-peppers” (which the proposed new uniforms slightly remind me of). Why not return to “undress” jumpers? In fact, I even think a return to the old flat hats with the blue crackerjack uniform would be awesome!

  The biggest gripe I had about my Navy uniforms was the QUALITY of the uniforms, not the style. Our uniforms always seemed a little shoddy when compared to what the other branches were wearing.

  My father was an old Coast Guardsman who never understood why the Coast Guard abandoned traditional sea service uniforms in favor of looking like they were in the Air Force. I heartily agreed with him.

  The Navy went down this road before with Admiral Zumwalt and the “new” uniforms were short-lived. Why repeat the failure?

  Former USS Midway Sailor

• 23 Daniel Martin // Jul 17, 2005 at

  Can anyone tell me where I can buy 100% cotton white long trousers
  ( without pleats ) for naval or yacht officers.
  Several years ago I bought several new pairs at an Army/Navy surplus store in England. They were heavyweight cotton.
  Thank you.
  DM

• 24 Scott C. // Oct 10, 2005 at

  I spent 7 years in the Navy and got out about 7 years ago. This is something I have to sound off about. While I have always had the utmost respect for the chiefs, I cannot agree with the fact that there should be a distinction between senior and junior enlisted uniforms. The Navy is the only branch that makes those distinctions.
  I can understand why a Chief would want the status quo for khakis. They really have worked hard to earn their khakis. I got out of the Navy as an E-5 and was always embarrassed by my uniforms. The Cracker Jacks are all about history and should obviously remain. But I feel very strongly about improving the working uniforms. Khakis look extremely sharp and should be implemented into the junior ranks as well.
  I can’t say how much I hated those nasty looking dungarees. It’s obvious that the Navy is ashamed as well, because we weren’t allowed to wear them off base in the public. We were always called “convicts” because of our rediculous working uniform. Sea camoflage would work nicely in their place.
  A Sailor should be proud of the uniform he/she wears. And quite frankly, I never was. I was always a 4.0 sailor and always wore a sharp uniform. But regarding the dungarees - you can dress up a turd all you want…but it’s always going to be a turd.
  And to the guy that said we should just bark when we’re told to bark obviously represents what’s wrong with our military. If we don’t share our ideas, things will always remain as they are and will never get better. If you’re told to charge up a hill, of course you charge up that hill without question. If you would like to sound off about how to improve the image of our brothers and sisters in the military, you owe it to all, past and present, to voice your opinion.
  Oh, the “dog bowl” looks silly with working and dress uniforms as well. Keep them for the cracker jacks and give these people a decent hat that they can be proud of!!!!!

  SC
  AD2 (AW)

• 25 Scott C. // Oct 10, 2005 at

  Just 1 more comment… have you ever tried getting those dungarees off with flight deck boots on? Ok, now picture them being WET!! You’ll be too busy trying to get those freaking pants off to notice that someone has thrown you a lifesaver. I HATED that uniform. Ever wonder what do the Chiefs and Officers do if THEY fall overboard? It’s funny - the ones that made that uniform change are the ones that don’t have to wear them.

  To all those currently serving… God be with you all. I wish you all the very best and tremendously appreciate your service to our country.

• 26 Mike // Oct 13, 2005 at

  They should put back into use the ‘undress working whites’ where they wore the white pants and an undershirt… thats very comfortable, and practical on warm climates whether on or off duty.

• 27 Mike // Oct 14, 2005 at

  Chief Petty Officers are the dividing line between the junior and senior enlisted men, and they deserve distinction. Most of them know more than a junior officer does, therefore they deserve the same uniform as an officer (minus insignia of course). Having Seamen Apprentice thru Petty Officer First Class mimick their uniform on account of its sharpness is not too good an idea, it only makes the entire Navy look the same in all ranks (who knows it might even make confusion). If enlisted men want a different work uniform, then give them Navy blue coveralls or something, camo doesn’t help you blend in, seeing the entire FLEET can be spotted at any given time.

• 28 Paul Basso, former Milestone AME-1 // Nov 3, 2005 at

  After reading about these new uniforms, I disagree with many who are under the opinion that the old style uniforms sux, and we should change for the “better”? I joined the Navy when the working uniforms were just being changed to the blue utilities, and knew right away that they were making a mistake in their actions. When it was found out that the shirts were made of nylon and would stick to a person’s body when on fire, the Navy decided to change the material and give sailors the option to wear the old=style dungarees or the new utilities.
  Then it was the Navy Uniform Board, not Adm Elmo Zumwalt, who decided to put E-6 and below in CPO-style uniforms, which, again proved that they had no concept of what they were doing. These uniforms were bulky and hot, you had no place to store them neatly on board ships, and the combination caps were also getting squashed. The uniforms were deplorable to look at when you were required to wear them, and they were hard to keep neat looking. Folding up the cracker jack-style uniforms kept them pressed, as long as you took proper care of them. I was so glad, along with thousands of other sailors, when the Navy returned us to the cracker jack uniforms.
  To blame Adm Zumwalt for doing this injustice to us is a slap in the face of the greatest CNO we could have had in the 70’s. He did a lot to improve morale of the sailors, with a relaxed hair standardss, allowing us to wear beards, and even allowing E-6 and below an opportunity to keep and wear civvies on base and on board ships. He was a man to be looked up to when it came to helping the lower enlisted rates.

• 29 Mike // Dec 1, 2005 at

  Beards and longer hair on sailors made them look like an 1860s Navy…. besides, having a beard does not help when you are desiring an air tight seal on an SCBA mask.

• 30 Mike // Dec 5, 2005 at

  Paul have you ever heard of the ‘Z-Grams?’ I wonder who was the frontman for those, particularly Z-Gram 87, which specifically called for a change to the uniforms by July 1, 1975. The Navy has no business changing its uniforms, if you don’t like looking like a sailor than stay on the pier and look for someplace else to serve. Wives used to complain that their men didn’t dress like men, but boys with the Navy uniforms prior to the CPO look in the 70s. Well thats just toooo bad isn’t it.

  It’s an image of tradition, Maritime heritage…
  With a country that sold out its own Merchant Marine, its no surprise their is crap like this going on in the Navy. Lets burn taxpayer money on new friggin uniforms in time of war

• 31 Scott // Feb 17, 2006 at

  Greetings to all….
  I have read all the comments on the uniform transition, and am probably the only one who can make an informed descision on the new working uniform. I was a wear tester for TFU(task force uniform) while on the Iwo Jima, and I can truly say that I was thoroughly impressed with new concept. The uniforms were resistant to almost every chemical, abrasion, and treatment that I exposed them to, especially the suede boots. We were also issued a parka with a removable fleece liner that far exceeded the warmth and toughness of even a foul weather jacket or float coat, and it was truly weather proof while remaining breathable and comfortable. The suede boots are nothing short of amazing! They do still get dirty and scuffed, but nothing that couldn’t be corrected with a boot brush. Plus they only took one day to break in. Granted, you cannot shine them to stand out, which is why I would like to see them as only optional and not required. Also they are completely waterPROOF. I could stand in a puddle up to my ankles all day and not get my feet wet, you cant say that about the current boots. For undershirts we issued something similiar to Under Armor. This reduced chafing, absorbed remarkably well, and didn’t fade or fray. You could actually wear the same shirt two days in a row if you needed to. So, this is my two cents and actually informed input on the new working uniform. I turned in the uniforms for analyzing 6mos later in the exact same condition they were issued in, even a YN or PN couldn’t pull that off. Lastly, I am an AD(Jet Mechanic), and if any of you know what I do then you can vouch for the stresses we exert on our uniforms!

  AD2 Scott Surbrook
  HSC-2

• 32 David // Feb 22, 2006 at

  This is why Im getting out of the Navy so I can FOCUS ON THE MORE IMPORTANT things in life.I’m tired of all the (why dont we do it this way?? crap).Leadership changes and so do the policies in the Navy.Get over it!!Im going to get out and wear whatever I want.I dont need to look a certain way to act decent and professional.That’s my 2 cents worth,short and sweet.Good Luck to all.

  David
  USS Abraham Lincoln(CVN-72)

• 33 Bob // Mar 3, 2006 at

  Agree with David. Get over it - It’s a only a uniform! It’s not what you wear, it’s how you serve, and how you do your job.

• 34 Billy // Mar 23, 2006 at

  I think that the changes are b/s. Having just graduated boot camp.. I’m kinda bummered out that in a couple of years I will be made to change in to a uniform that has now value to me. In bootcamp.. I learned to appreciate when my RDC’s would let us put on our “Johnny Cash’s”.. but these don’t even resemble them. I love the winter working blues and I’m gonna love the working whites even better. At least I’ll get to wear them for a couple of seasons before changing into this new stuff.

• 35 Mike // Mar 24, 2006 at

  If you ‘boys’ were so pissed about wearing bell bottoms and chambrays in the first place, why did you join the Navy. You’re not soldiers, you’re sailors, I’d rather look the part and feel proud than to be forced to wear CAMOS ON A SHIP.

  I’d say MSC is the best place to go for work at sea, but even those losers have uniform regs..

• 36 Eric // Mar 26, 2006 at

  I would make any officer or CPO wearing long sleeved khakis REQUIRED to wear a black necktie, not to exceed the top of the belt buckle in length. Some other NEEDED changes are as follows:

  1.) Stop pressing the dungaree uniforms…. you work in them remember? I don’t press my coveralls before I go do something.

  2.) Allow sailors to wear only undershirts while on duty if they desire. It’s extremely practical and VERY comfortable. There is no reason why this should not be allowed.

  3.) Bring back undress working whites. Allow sailors to wear the white trousers with a white undershirt while on or off duty. It is very comfortable and practical.

  4.) Allow wearing of the dog dish cover with dungarees…… baseball caps used to be an option, suddenly everyone feels its cool to have your ship name on the covers.

  5.) Allow anyone wearing long sleeves to roll them up anytime when at work…

  and 6.) STOP CHANGING YOUR UNIFORMS SO MUCH, YOU ARE WASTING TAXPAYER MONEY BY BEING A BUNCH OF WHINEY GIRLS ABOUT YOUR UNIFORMS

• 37 Mike // Apr 5, 2006 at

  Former sub sailor here.

  I don’t think the new uniforms would have worked for us. They’re a little too “pretty” for a working uniform. I hated dungarees, but they were practical and cheap. We were constantly ruining them via tears, dirt, oil, etc.

  However, if these are meant to replace working whites, I’m all for it. It was impossible to keep them clean and look squared away.

• 38 John C // Apr 6, 2006 at

  I support working whites (undershirt with white trousers) for loungewear when off duty. I support dungarees and white undershirts or the blue workshirt as an option for all ratings, otherwise, give them blue coveralls or something comfortable to work in. Flight deck I would say give them O.D. green pants.

  Why does the Navy care about work clothes being clean???? They are WORK clothes for chrissake, not dress uniforms.

  I also think the 13 buttons should be the only change to the dress blues…. it’s a pain to take a leak when you got em.

  Also, it’d be cool for Aviation CPO’s and Officers to have the Green Dress Uniforms again.

  I was in the Navy at a time when uniforms like these were sharp and salty, and being dirty was part of the job. Ironically, we’re living in a relaxed world where our military is suddenly anal about all uniforms being clean, and back in the day when the world was formal, we were allowed to look rugged and act the part.

  Remember, the taxpayer dollar is what is allowing these constant changes… be aware of the taxpayer dollar!

• 39 Justin // Jun 27, 2006 at

  I’m a 3 year veteran of the Navy JROTC program and am proud to say that I’ll be joining the Navy very soon to become an SK…HOOYAH! When I was in JROTC I was our battalion supply chief and then the deparntment officer, so over those 3 years, working with all the uniforms and stuff, and also meeting the guest inspectors including Marines and Sailors alike, I saw almost all of the uniforms available to all officers and enlisted men. These new uniforms that have surfaced do look squared away, and even those new digitals although odd for naval purposes are kinda neat, but I must agree with some of the contradictory points some of you have made and I have a negative point or two as well:

  1. You’re damn right…CPOs work hard to earn it and some of those senior NCOs might be annoyed by some E-2 walking around in a set of them, understandable.

  2. The Khaki Configuration does look a little like a Marine Uniform, and no offense to any body in any other military branch…YOU JUST AIN’T GONNA BEAT THE MARINE UNIFORMS !!! (It could be worse, we could be wearing that dumb ass tiger stripe crap the air force is bringing out….UGH what a rag !! )

  3. It can and probably will take a long time to distribute them to our sailors.

  4. You are right, the Camo is very much useless in a “comabt or tactical instance” as intersting as it may look.

  5. I happen to like the winter blues, it is a nice uniform and looks good and doesnt eat lint like crazy.

  ***However I do feel in the long run it is a good idea and here is my logic in why:

  1. Although we cannot beat the Marine Uniform, “coming closer” to it and looking squared away like them is not a bad thing at all.

  2. Those dungarees do kinda make us look like a herd of convicts, and they have outlived their time, so having the digitals around might be more comfortable to do the more heavy duty details and if the air force is doing a new camo (although it’s a better shoe shining rag) why not the navy?

  3. Remember that the Chief’s Khakis are both the shirt and trousers, here it is only the shirt, and the rank insignia will be on the arm….right ? So unless you truly don’t know your navy rates and or ranks, you probably wont mistake an E-4 for an E-7….and there is no combo cover either, that is totally CPO and over domain!!

  4. The white shirts wear out too easily In my expieriences with them, they attract way too much junk and you almost always wind up with browm spots from sweat.

  5. Yes, you gotta keep those old cracker jacks, although some might say they look “gay” or “stupid”…its a tradition we should’nt break.

  6. It’s time to move on…it is the new millenium and a new United States Navy, we must move on, or fall behind.

  Good luck to you all, thanks for sharing your opinions…..

  GO NAVY!!!!!!!

  And of course…G-d bless our brave men and women serving our nation!!!

• 40 Mike // Oct 17, 2006 at

  I say stay the same as the WW2 uniform standards… dungarees and all…. also, reinstate the piping on the dress whites like we did until the end of WW2

• 41 elgato // Jun 14, 2007 at

  test

• 42 jw // Jun 28, 2007 at

  DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 43 FireFyte // Jul 18, 2007 at

  Sorry but I just had to add my two cents on this issue. First….I never wore a Navy uniform…I was a Marine but I knew alot of Sailors. I have a great respect for all of the branches of our military…especially the Navy/Marines. From what I have seen this whole thing started when the USMC decided to change their uniforms. The USMC had been wearing the same wooldand pattern for over 20 years and the Commandant wanted to give the Corps a new destinctive uniform that set it apart from the rest of the military who were also wearing the woodland pattern. The Marine Corps has never had a destinctive BDU…..so the new Marpat BDU’s were really special. The EGA is even incorporated into the digital design. The Corps also approved the new suede combat boots….no need to polish a boot in the field…so the USMC finally had a unique BDU. And then it happened…. The Army suddenly announced it was going to use the digital pattern too…and I don’t even want to mention the whole “Black Berets for everyone” decision….and now the Navy is jumping on board as well. I know…I know…..stop crying Jarhead! But let’s look at this honestly….why do you need camo BDU’s shipboard? I served two floats on LHA’s and know how tight some of the quarters are…..the blouses will get caught on everything? Why is the Navy so quick to toss out tradition? The only poeple laughing at the dogbowls are the other services….who cares. I have personally heard from alot of civilians that they think the whites look cool. Why not adopt an actual working uniform like a coverall for shipboard use. And why did the Navy decide to use the USMC Charlie uniform? Why is the Navy trying so hard to look like Marines? The Marines have issued the eight point cover since just after WWII…….why is the Navy issuing them to everyone now? It sort of reminds me of the Army’s Black Beret decision. Now personally….I think it is all being done to bolster the recruiting numbers. The only Navy personnel who need camo are MOS’s that are directly related to field work like the SEALS and Combat Engineers. Is the Navy going to issue camo to the sub crews too? Nowadays everyone wants to look cool to the civies sporting camo BDU’s. The Marines cannot even wear BDU’s in public unless they are working….it’s not authorized for liberty. I think the Navy should respect their time honored traditions and stay with the whites (maybe as a dress uni) and blues…and the blacks….they look cool. Maybe just improve the uni’s you already have. It’s going to get to the point where all the branches will be issued the same uniform which will really sux! Sailors join the Navy to be Sailors and Marines join the USMC to be Marines….there’s nothing wrong with unique identities and unique uniforms….the Navy is even trying to copy the Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem…..”Join the US Navy….we will let you look like a Marine without having to earn it” Sorry….I got off track.

  God Bless the US Navy…..why are you trying to look like anything other than Sailors?!

• 44 ArmyAirborne // Jul 21, 2007 at

  The Fact is the ass soon as the Corps introduced the digitized uniform it was almost a givin that everyone else would do the same and as far as Black berets go. I’m not Ranger Qualified but the dunce caps the army used to have people wear was horrible for morale. Hence the switch and Rangers still get their own Tan beret

  My unit has been deployed over to Iraq twice and worked along side Sailors and Airmen Alike although most are not in direct harms way, When your downrange it does you feel a litte better if you don’t stand out from the pack. I know I don’t want to be in an Urban area wearing woodland. Granted it doesn’t really make that big a difference no ones going to mistake me for a wall or anything. The Psychological impact tough of having a uniform like that is great.

  Also people seem to be forgeting that uniforms have and will continue to Evole and change that’s just what happens if everyone was oppesed to change there would be no M16, New Modern Helmet, even woodland camo at one point was a brand new idea

• 45 FMF CORPSMAN // Jul 27, 2007 at

  As a corpsman, I prefer to keep the Johnny Cash and the Service uniforms. Honestly I would liketo get rid of the white uniforms. I agree with changing the dungarees to BDU’s. If I could I would always wear my marine BDU’s. I also think that having E-6 and below wear the khaki is a slap in the face to our navy chiefs. I look up to all of my chiefs and I wouldn’t feel right wearing a uniform I didn’t earn.

• 46 Tony // Jul 28, 2007 at

  I think that the Navy has the most hideous unifroms in the service. Any improvement is better. The new Service Dress looks way better and says military. The new work uniforms are awsome. Now the Navy needs to work on the enlisted Dress uniforms. I can’t imagine have to wear butt ugly uniform

• 47 Chris // Jul 31, 2007 at

  If I wanted to look like a Marine, I would have joined the Marines. Sailors are supposed to look like Sailors, not Marines. The new uniforms are hideous, not an improvement. The current Navy uniform isn’t hard to take care of, and besides, they are traditional. The old dungarees had a practical purpose to them-for the Sailor to work in and to save his or her life should they go overboard. Now they’re going to equip Sailors to look like Marines with stupid digital cameoflage. This is huge waste of time and money….whats going to happen to all the stock uniforms that they aleady have in all the stores? IF anything, i wish they would allow us to wear the Dixie Cup with the service uniforms that way we can still look like Sailors instead of Marines, Air Force or Army. If they had to go with a BDU uniform, why not go with a solid dark blue cover instead of cameos?

• 48 colt45 // Aug 1, 2007 at

  It may be more practicable to wear a grey shirt instead of khaki.
  Grey would go better with black or grey pants. Working blue uniforms are also professional looking. (Why are they dumping this uniform?) The BDU uniform is much better to work in however, I would have picked a urban camo pattern,
  (Grey & Black).
  The so called dress uniforms (with an exposed undershirt and the upside-down doggy dish hat) needs to be put out to pasture. It is astonishing how the ones opposed to uniform changes always shout “tradition”. It was tradition to have a limited number of females serving in very few billets. But you will never hear these politically correct wimps try to exclude women by saying: “tradition”!

• 49 Petty Officer O'Hare // Aug 8, 2007 at

  The dungaree’s NEED to vanish from the Navy NOW! Shove your traditions in your man-holes! They were and always will be trash! What else is trash is the white undershirt exposed. It looks like trailer trash, truck stop scum! The Cunt-Caps look ok but the White Dixie Cup Sailor Hats look better!
  The work uniform should be regular digital BDU’s like the Marines wear. The Navy needs to get away from uniforms that make them look like non-masculine prison inmates which is currently what they look like! It was embarrassing to wear dungarees in public!

• 50 DEP Recruit McKenzie // Aug 9, 2007 at

  I leave for RTC Great Lakes on Sept. 11th, 2007. I’m very excited. I spent 4 years in NJROTC here in Las Vegas, and finished my 4th year as the CO of the battalion. I learned ALOT about the Navy, and its customs and traditions. I look forward to being able to wear that “Dixie Cup”, and all of the uniforms that the Navy currently has. I do think that the Khaki shirt deal is a bit Marine-ish, and I’m not so much a fan of the garrison covers, but one thing I was most excited for after completing RTC, was being able to wear dress whites and what not, not those new uniforms. I don’t think that it’s wrong to think that the new uniforms are awesome. Cause it’s so split on whether or not it’s better or worse. But I ultimately just want to wear that uniform with Pride and Honor, cause it’s the uniform of the world’s finest Navy, so with that being said, I don’t really care which uniform it is.

• 51 Johnny // Sep 24, 2007 at

  O’Hare. You’re not supposed to wear the dungarees off base anyway.

• 52 Brian // Sep 25, 2007 at

  Shove ‘tradition’ in your man holes? Wow. You’re out of touch with your nation and its military history sailor. Wear it with pride, or join the Merchant Marine and sail in civvies if you don’t like looking like a sailor.

• 53 seadutysucks // Oct 1, 2007 at

  Hey you! Mattera! IT2…SHUT YOUR FREAKIN’ PIE-HOLE! Who the hell are you trying to fool? I really hope you’re not on active duty any more, cause’ I guarantee this forum that you’re a fuckin’ dork! NO ONE would ever put up with your excentric regurgitated boot camp shit in the fleet. Boot camp is a transition for everyone, and each branch prides itself on its own niche characteristics. But, upon graduation, you’re not a recruit any longer; it’s time to go to work, and for many of us - we go to War. Sure, military bearing is important, but performance is PARAMOUNT. Creeds, codes, poems, and shit; do you really believe that’s going to shape and define our servicemembers? You gotta’ be kidding man - that’s rediculous; God…I mean REDICULOUS! Our history defines us; and, history is made when, in the face of danger, our volunteer force can perform as trained. And, “survive”! I’m positive you’ve never been in combat; as a matter of fact, I bet your bitch-ass has never even been on deployment. Notice my screen name says “seadutysucks”; it’s not because I don’t have pride. It’s because sea duty sucks; going to the field sucks, but most of us do our best, remain focused, and savor the memories. You belong in public relations or marketing -something phony like that; cause’ that’s just exactly what you are - “fake”. By the way, I like receiving a paycheck; if you don’t, you can send me yours immediatley. Do us all a favor Mattera; head down range and change my target.

• 54 tiffany (depper) // Oct 13, 2007 at

  im a fellow depper for the us navy. i didnt leave for boot camp yet im leaving the end of this month once my request is cleared by anyway. i signed up for the navy because of the white uniforms. they look like the marines. i respect the marines but the marines are already cocky but believing they own the navy but to dress like them too only boosts their eego. there’s nothing i can do put my comment like everyone else. i agree with everyone when it comes to the khaki’s the chiefs and other officers work hard to keep their title and their uniform represents that title. i want to become an officer some day. but what would distinguish us besides our ranks and insignias? i agree we have too many uniforms but hey…i will still serve my country proudly with a different uniform. im going to be a ma so i mean i will be in the bdu’s most of the time anyway so no need for me to complain really lol. just sharing my input. GO NAVY!!!!

• 55 Peter Smith (HT3) // Nov 1, 2007 at

  Personally, I think that uniform looks God-awful. Khaki? What the heck are we, a bunch of jarheads? The good old working blues and working whites are fine, no need for change. What’s with the gray? The Staff weenies are determined to make the US Military look like every 2nd rate European outfit. Just look at how stupid the Army Rangers look now with their tan berets. Leave the uniforms alone! No wonder recruitment is down, who wants to be forced to dress like a jackass?

• 56 PS1(SCW) ret Piper // Nov 10, 2007 at

  My feelings on uniforms:
  Dress Blues: Don’t Change
  Dress Whites: 1; Change material 2; Blue Cuff w/piping, Blue Flap w/piping
  Working Uniform: Black Trousers, White Short Sleave Shirt w/rating badge on sleeve, either dixie cup or fore and aft cap in the summer. For winter: Black Trousers, White Long Sleave Shirt with tie and/or black sweater. Soft epaletes w/crimson or gold chevrons, fore and aft cap.
  Seagoing: See Coast Guard
  Seabees: BACK TO THE PICKLE SUIT AND STARCHED COVER!!!!!!

• 57 ma3 fattorusso // Nov 16, 2007 at

  i hate all this crap. i love the new digi cami’s but the rest of it is crap

• 58 Lone Wolf // Dec 2, 2007 at

  … Hey Shipmates, I have to agree with many of you on the new uniform, both it’s pickups and downfalls. We really should speak out here. I came in when the uniforms were in midst change. The loss of the undresswhites, and the modest removal of some of our seagoing uniforms. I say tradition has been the pride of us all who have served. My Grandfather, my Father , then me. From a family of sailors over the past 70+ years

  My Family agrees on one thing. Keep the Dixie, that’s one thing that spells pride of who we were, and what we do. Some say the navy are the military of pirates. heh I always laughed when I heard that! SO what? Yeah we got sandpaper for hands, we got rugged looks when we work in our duties. Didn’t matter if you were a Gunner, or a Cook, A boatswain or a Store keep.

  We are pirates? Maybe cause we sail the seas. But we are the backbone of the U.S.A. God bless all of you who are currently still in. If we add this new uniform, I say give it a try, but Keep tradition alive also. from the door step of RTC, to every A/C school from SEAL camp to the flatdecks. GO NAVY!!

  I joined the Navy to carry on a family tradition. I fought tooth and nail for my stripes and awards. And I wore those blues with PRIDE, DIGNITY and HONOR. Was I a hard up head held high after Basics? Damn straight. Always will too. Why? I was proud then as I am now. By the way… I wish I could have been there to welcome the team back from kickin’ N.D.’s Rudders!!!!! Go Midshipsmen! Great Football boys. We needed a win!

  In closing, Whatever the path the uniforms go from here on out, If they change, try to accept it, And at the same time.. Keep that fighting spirit, It’s not a job it’s an adventure!
  PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE OUR BELOVED DRESS BLUES!!!!
  GM PO1
  “Lone Wolf”

  One more thing….. I read a post not long ago about Some squids that were doin’ wrong things, and a PO1 or Cheif not doing anything or making a mention. I’ll have you know I most of the time DID say something when I saw something that was not shipshape.

• 59 Mike // Jan 13, 2008 at

  uhhh why are women allowed wider leg pants than men? some uniforms men wear look STUPID cause the jackets are huge and the pants are TIGHT.

• 60 Rm3 Villarini // Feb 14, 2008 at

  When I close my eyes and invision a US Navy sailor, with respect to the navy women. I see a male wearing traditional blue cracker jack uniform with pipings on his sleeves and flap. A uniform with its thirteen buttons,silk black neckerchief topped off with the good old white dixie cup cover. I still have mine and will always cherish it with pride. I can understand that with time things change. The new uniforms do look nice but it not Navy…let the chiefs keep their khakis. I liked the traditional bell bottom uniforms whether they were the summer whites or the blues. As for the work uniforms? Keep the dungrees as well…The US Navy is unique…we don’t need to look like any other branch of service.

• 61 navalwarfare // Mar 13, 2008 at

  Hey “seadutysucks’, thanks for the reply and sharing your opinion Shipmate.
  Let me address a couple of items that you brought up. First of all I am on the same page as you when it comes to “cliché” sayings, creeds, poems, songs…whatever you want to call them; You’re absolutely right that in and of themselves they are empty words, however they can verbally capture an idea and can serve as a motto for us to follow. Military organizations have been using mottos for thousands and thousands of years…just part of our business; I really believe in the message what our Navy mottos/slogans. I am sure you do too.
  Second, as far as me being on sea duty…read my signature on the bottom of my last post. I was aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, CV-63 Forward Deployed with 7th Fleet from Yokosuka, Japan and been on SEVERAL cruises in direct support of Joint/Allied, and coalition forces; prosecuting the current war on terrorism.
  I have been underway, earned both my Surface and Air Warfare pins and wear them proudly as I am sure you do as well.
  I value my sea time, the experiences that I had, both the shitty times at REAL General Quarters and the good times on liberty.
  I share your consensus that, yes, in many ways sea duty does suck. I hated leaving my wife and daughter, and even more painful, I hated getting 2 AMCROSSES for deaths within my family. Yes in many ways sea duty does suck…but that is the life that many of us chose. So be it…no bitchin’ :)
  I shared my posts with the deepest sincerity and put some heart felt thought into what I had to say.
  I have had a great career, with ups and downs; but I think I am so passionate about the Navy is because it has given me a home. Some of us grew up with no family, lots of tragedy, and the Navy gives us something to belong to…something that is bigger than us. I’m sure you can feel me on that point.
  Any ways, just thought I’d bounce that back in your court…I am sure you are a great Sailor, and maybe I might get the chance to serve with you…who knows.
  Well take care…God bless.

  P.s. I can’t wait to put the new uniforms on…they look pretty cool.

  IT1(SW/AW) Mattera

• 62 FC3 'The' Sackman // Mar 18, 2008 at

  Wow, this post has been going on for a while, well I’ll throw my opinon.

  Working Blues: Favorite Uniform, don’t touch them

  Working Whites: Get rid of them, especialy the cottons

  Dress Blues: Most unique dress uniform of all the services leave them alone

  Dress Whites: I like the idea of the blue piping, but the open sleeves are so comfortable though

  Coveralls: Being in school for my year and half in the navy haven’t worn them all to often, but when I have had to they were very comfortaable so leave them alone

  Utilities: Why do we Iron a working uniform? I can understand looking good, but we can’t look good in that, several of my shipmates at my command have actually boycotted them in favor of coming to school in working blues everyday

  As for wearing Kahki I have aspirations for becoming a pilot, I want the chance to EARN the kahki. What next the give us all bomber jackets cause they look cool? Also I am very proud of being an FC and with the new uniforms they remove the rating bade replacing them with a collar device, I am not amused.

• 63 Nick Flynn, FCCS USN (Ret.) // Apr 14, 2008 at

  I have to say I couldn’t disagree more about some of the comments here regarding the E1 -E6 uniform. When I first wore my dress blues in bootcamp back in 1972, I couldn’t be prouder, and was devastated when I first saw that crappy Zumwalt uniform. It was little more then a cheap knockoff of the officer/cpo dress uniform. I continued to wear my ‘crackerjacks’ for as long as possible until I was practically threatened with Captain’s Mast if I did not get a set of the Zumy dress blues.

  While I was always proud to wear my ‘crackerjacks’ in public, I avoided wearing the Zumwalt crap on the beach as much as possible.

  Needless to say when the old dress blues were reinstated, I gave my Zumwalt uniform the ‘Float Test’ and purchased a new set of real sailor dress blues. Ironicly after having my real uniform restored, I made Chief within the year never to wear my beloved ‘crackerjacks’ again.

  Regarding the proposed uniforms, who’s idea is it to make sailors copy marines? I do like however the idea of the return of the service dress khaki for officers & chiefs. While we’re at it, I think they should bring back the old Flat Hat!

  One problem I have with the uniform as worn today, is the way today’s sailors wear their whitehats. They wear them like little formless white pill boxes uncomfortably perched on top of their heads. Not very flattering. When I first came in, sailors wore their hats with a bit of panache. (Think Jack Nicholson in “The Last Detail”, Steve McQueen in “The Sand Pebbles” or Gene Kelly in any of his ’sailor’ roles.) It may not have seen strictly regulation, But they sure looked alot better! Check out on Google images to see what I mean.

• 64 HT3 Smith // May 14, 2008 at

  Thank God I’m not on active duty anymore. I’d rather have shot myself in the groin than wear that ugly sack of crap uniform. We’re sailors, and it’s gonna be a lot harder to be proud of that if we have to dress like the Air Farce and a bunch of Jarheads. Those 2 look like a couple of soup sandwiches. I’m proud of my service, and it made me feel 10 ft tall when I put on the uniform. When I thought about the history that uniform represented, all those who had fought and died wearing that same uniform. No one should feel embarassed by their uniform, except the Air Farce.

• 65 Tom the Sailor // May 23, 2008 at

  Okay this is my only questions and it is targeted to the Sailors that hate the Service Whites, Blues and Dungarees. if you hardasses hate the Navy Uniform so much the way it is then why did you join in the first place, it’s called pride in uniform and these new uniforms don’t reflect the Navy and they sure as hell won’t make you look like anymore of a hardass Task Force Uniform needs to shit canned and shit canned fast while it still can be.

• 66 John F. McCarthy // May 26, 2008 at

  As a former FMF Corpsman HM3 from 1st MarDiv Camp Pendelton, CA, I think the uniform changes are great. The new proposals are a great reflection of the uniforms of old. The military spirit never changes–just the appearence ! Change and innovation are instincts of survival ! I think everyone can agree on that ! Go for it! Go Navy ! Go Marines ! Thank you all for your sacrifice and remember all who have given all for our country ! God bless this nation and keep hoping that world leaders will lead instead of sacrificing people in the name of freedom. JMACK.

• 67 SN_SCHMITTLE // May 26, 2008 at

  Been in service about 4 months, so I basically have no experience shipboard at all. But walking around DLI Monterey (the CTI school for all who are unaware) in my utilities n’ ballcap makes me feel like an embarassing sack of ass. Besides that they are uncomfortable and are already fading. Summer Whites and Johnny Cashes are however the ‘real’ Navy uniforms. I’ve always liked the whites in concept, but hated them in practice. I mean, we look pretty damn badass in them, but they stain entirely too easily. And what’s with the 2 different materials? If you ask me, the Navy ought to just phase out the whites (both Service Dress and Summer) in favor of a lighter, cotton-poly blend Winter Blue-type uniform, or maybe an open-collar short-sleeve version (think this new uniform, but all-black). Blue crackerjacks should be made the ‘year-round’ dress, as they are supposedly in uniform regs…
  At any rate, I welcome the new NWU duds, since being in USMCJROTC I loved that uniform to death. Besides, Marine charlies (the uniform the new Navy one is so similar to) was pretty sweet, but should be left to the Marines. I look forward to all the changes, though, since the new khaki-black things will have permanent creases and the NWU will be wash-and-wear, so much more practical.
  Finally, everyone who’s out of the Navy now, please, for God’s sake, let the old shitsack utilities die.

• 68 ex-airedale // May 28, 2008 at

  SN Schmittle, you have basically the same idea as me. I say get rid of the whites, keep the winter blues, and issue a black open-collar short-sleeve shirt (with black plastic anchor buttons) to replace summer whites and call it summer blue (like the TFU uniform, but all-black). Wear a black garrison cap, or a black combo cover to dress it up (dixie cups only look good with crackerjacks). Also have a black cold-weather cap that can be worn with winter blues. That way you have a year-round service uniform, except in the winter you wear the long-sleeve shirt with black tie and a tie bar, in the summer you wear the short-sleeve open-collar shirt. Now that would look sharp, and no one could talk crap that sailors are copying the jarhead look. Hoo-yah!

• 69 SeabeeSteve // Jun 9, 2008 at

  Don’t mind the new working uniform, Camo uniform is very comfortable and easy to care for. Not quite sure about the service uniform, not for the crybaby khaki is mine mentality of E7’s, (I guess they never noticed that a Marine could wear the same shirt from E1 to O10) but I don’t like going away from white. I would have kept the dark trouser for year round wear and have a white short sleeve shirt in summer, long sleeve white shirt w/tie for winter. Fore and Aft covers. Oh well..

• 70 Billy // Jul 21, 2008 at

  i realize the need to get rid of the summer whites. coming from a corpsman in a hospital setting, it is difficult to keep the whites clean of any gunk and or bodily fluid one might run into in a hospital setting. “why dont you just wear scrubs?” we used to, but our command master chief changed it up and said we have to be in working uniform on the wards. stating that it looks more professional. bad idea says i. i really like what they did for the dress white uniform though. the black piping makes the uniform stand out more than it used to. essentially they dressed up the dress whites. im all for it. i AM NOT however for the khaki uniform for everybody. being a corpsman, i pride myself with the fact that i keep marine regs. i EARNED that khaki uniform. it wasnt just handed to me. very much like the chiefs who dont just get promoted to chief. they earn chief. as for the new BDU’s, i see them as unnessicary. as a force primarily deployed on a ship, i dont really see the need for ANY kind of camoflauge. even when your on the pier, who are you hiding from in those? we have the marine corps camo for when we are deployed to the sandbox or wherever we are needed. the tape says navy though. the blue camo was probably someone making sure each service has some sort of BDU’s. they serve no purpose other than the fact that its harder to tell if they are dirty or not. having said that, who are you trying to impress underway?
  im sad to see our johnny cash uniform getting cut. it is agreed by my marine buddies and myself that it is one of our sharper, and more professional looking uniforms. as for the utility uniform, i could care less. they look like prison outfits or some sort of abandond airforce uniform idea.
  but we are here to do a mission, and i personally am not one to let how i look dictate how well i complete that mission. i take pride in my work and hope everyone else does too.
  fair winds and following seas by brothers and sisters.
  kill.

  -HN Ryan

• 71 ISC (SW/AW) Manning // Jul 30, 2008 at

  I think I may have gotten the “ditch the dungarees” thing started when Admiral Jay Johnson became CNO. I worked for him when he was CCG8 on the Teddy Roosevelt. When asked, I let him know that, when I had been a Sheriff’s Deputy prior to the Navy, when I had to take a convict to prison, I noticed that all the residents wore dungarees and chambrais shirts. And that it was sometimes depressing to recall that when required to where them in the Navy (it was).

  Let’s face it, WWII was another era. At sea, sailors didn’t (and mostly don’t now) care a crap what they looked like. Times change. Sailors get more formal training and interact more with the world at large. And their ideas of how their image fits in with what they do has also changed. Morale is important. It is fitting that sailors have practical, distinctive uniforms in which they can ALWAYS

• 72 ISC (SW/AW) Manning // Jul 30, 2008 at

  I think I may have gotten the “ditch the dungarees” thing started when Admiral Jay Johnson became CNO. I worked for him when he was CCG8 on the Teddy Roosevelt. When asked, I let him know that, when I had been a Sheriff’s Deputy prior to the Navy, when I had to take a convict to prison, I noticed that all the residents wore dungarees and chambrais shirts. And that it was sometimes depressing to recall that when required to where them in the Navy (it was).

  Let’s face it, WWII was another era. At sea, sailors didn’t (and mostly don’t now) care a crap what they looked like. Times change. Sailors get more formal training and interact more with the world at large. And their ideas of how their image fits in with what they do has also changed. Morale is important. It is fitting that sailors have practical, distinctive uniforms. It is proper that they can ALWAYS look in the mirror and feel pride and professionalism, not in the uniform, but what it stands for. Regards to my shipmates. dm

• 73 Chris // Jul 31, 2008 at

  I am a little curious about the dubious honor of wearing khakis, while I agree with the sentiment that Chiefs worked hard to earn their fouled anchors, the khakis are given to brand new wet behind the ear ensigns, I’m fairly sure that we’ve all known an ensign or two in our time who couldn’t have both of his buttcheeks with both hands and detailed instructions. I for one never considered khaki to be the goal, I want thhe anchors, those are what you earn.

• 74 Fischer // Aug 6, 2008 at

  As an E5 in the navy I won’t be sad to see to seperate working uniforms dissapear. Maintaing four uniforms in my seabag is a little frustrating. Not only cost but keeping them clean and updating insignias is another problem. As a junior sailor I am not made of money. The new uniforms seem like a simplified solution to me. They are good all year round and when if and when I make E6 then I simply change a pin. You can’t tell me these uniforms can’t be worn with pride.

  I am not sure what you would be taking away a chief. These uniforms do not come with the priviledges of khaki trousers and caps. Simply stated there is no gold anchor attached. I think some people lost the point here. Chiefs are still chiefs - who I am sure at one time wore more of a dungaree uniform - but it didn’t make them any less of a chief did it? Anyway what is done is done and everyone will have to move on. I guarantee you I will not receive any chief treatment for wearing this uniform.

  I do like the utility uniform as it what I know. But it is hard to maintain and I find myself continually buying new shirts because they are solied or get grease on them. I do not favor loosing our dress uniforms at any time in the future. The crackerjack is the symbol of the sailor if you ask me. That is an old school tradition and if you take that away I am gone. There is very little else I take more pride in than wearing my dress whites or blues.

  Just a couple thoughts from a junior guy with some time ahead of him.

• 75 CE1(SCW) Fletcher // Aug 22, 2008 at

  Well i am kind of in the middle here i am all about change i love the look of the new uniforms there is no way someone can be confused with a chief so stop whining i hate the fact that the navy seperates its ranks anyway i think everyone should look the same but thats my opinion but everyone keeps saying keep tradition i am all for that but i am not a sailor yes i am in the navy but i dont like to be called one dont get me wrong i love the navy but i have never set foot on a ship so to consider myself a sailor althogh i am by default i think is a slap in the face to all who goes haze grey and underway so dont hit me with the why did you join the navy then crap if you dont want to be a sailor i got the rate i wanted . Now i love my Dress Blues working whites and johnny’s. I dont know everyone elses pain (shipboard life)but they should keep coveralls and me being a Seabee we hardly ever wear our other uniforms we stay in BDU’s ihave bee through the seabee greens woodland and soon to come a woodland digital pattern. so i am saying you should have pride in your service no matter what you are wearing it may not be a good idea for some to change but ther are some very good points on both sides.

• 76 SN_SCHMITTLE // Aug 26, 2008 at

  Hey, me again. I just bought the new service uniform, it’s phasing in and already being sold at the NEX here in California. It’s being worn sporadically, and I’ve had a few conversations with officers about how they’re a little chafed about us getting khaki. In one such conversation, a commander and lieutenant came to the conclusion that the uniform was still distinctive to e6-below, and quote, “we’re still THE khakis.”
  It’s damn comfortable, doesn’t take but 5 minutes to iron out the wrinkles, and looks 5,000 times more professional than anything else in the seabag. Granted, we get shit from the Marines, and one Army specialist once mistaked me for a coast guardsman, but mostly because no one really knew about the uniform changes. In any case, I’ve basically decided dungarees are a “wear only when I have to” uniform, and to hell with the color white entirely. I had fun burning my summer/winter unis. NWU comes out in February in California, can’t wait to start up my dungaree bonfire….
  Funny, though, we did get salutes at first in it, mostly from some undisciplined air force folk who can’t tell an officer from their own tiger-striped asses. Oh yeah, and our females no longer look like cows. I’m telling you shipmates, this new stuff is awesome. Just speaking from experience…

• 77 SN_SCHMITTLE // Aug 26, 2008 at

  Oh yeah, and the jacket is really well designed, with a removable Thinsulate liner. Great for cold/marginally inconvenient weather for short sleeves. Again, this is truly a well thought-out uniform, I honestly don’t think TFU could’ve done better. I mean, who really, seriously would have worn the gray variant? That in itself is just as bad as utilities.

• 78 peter // Aug 28, 2008 at

  all of you stop bitching its falling on def ears

• 79 Joseph // Oct 30, 2008 at

  Im leaving In may to start my trainig to beome a U.S navy sailor. I was looking forward to wearing the old uniforms. The new uniforms look like the marines. Nothing against them but i like to show that im part of the navy. My uniform should be unmistakable ,when you look at me they showed knew im a proud U.S Navy sailor. Thats what I hope to become and these uniforms dojt show that the way the old ones do. I wish that somebody would stop this from happening.

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