My first post that I wrote about how the Navy is changing the uniform was about my distaste for the Khaki uniforms. I touched a bit on the other uniforms that were in development for change, but because of the lack in information, I couldn’t really say much about them. That is a good thing for me because for every new uniform that prepares to roll out, I will give my opinions on the uniform. The next item out will be the replacement for utilities for E-6 and below, and the wash Khakis for E-7 and above.
From the start, I never really supported the changing of utilities because it is another uniform that has been in the Navy for a long time. Not as long as the whites and blues that we wear that are being replaced by the Khakis, but they were around before WWII era which anyone can say is a long time. The utilities were modified not too long ago from dungarees which were the uniform for a long time, but at least they remained somewhat similar besides the material they were used out of. Now the utilities are being completely removed and replaced by the camouflage Navy Working Uniform.
The first to officially wear these uniforms will be Flag Officers, COs, OICs and CMCs throughout the Navy December 15th. By December 31st 2010, it will be required by all hands fleetwide. When first announced, it was put out that you could wear this uniform anywhere just like the other branches, but after review, just like the utilities you can not leave your vehicle in the uniform unless it is a “genuine” emergency.
These uniforms were still in the testing phase when I was in boot camp and at the time, I thought they were decent looking uniforms. I was hoping that the Navy would decide against the digital style, but instead they did choose them, and that was chosen as the replacement uniform for utilities. The Navy was close to replacing the coveralls uniform as well with these, but because of the popularity of coveralls, especially for underway time, the Navy decided to keep them around which I am glad the Navy for once decided to listen to the little guys.
My dislike for the uniform is the digital style of them. We are not marines or soldiers, well the majority of the Navy anyways, and that is what the Navy is making us look like. All Navy uniforms stood out amongst the rest of the services and now they want us to conform to what everyone else is looking like. I know we are at war, but the majority of the Navy is out at sea. What do we need to blend into to keep the enemy from finding out where we are. The uniforms aren’t going to keep us stealth at sea, because when they see that haze gray piece of metal floating around, I think it would be a hint that it is a Naval vessel patrolling. Then again we will be wearing coveralls anyways, so what is the real reason behind changing to this uniform?
Master Chief Terry Scott (RET), then MCPON said:
“The intent of TFU always has been to give our Sailors a uniform in which they can work comfortably everyday and is more appropriate for the joint environment in which we operate,” Scott said. “Even better, we’ve created a uniform that’s also easier to maintain, is longer lasting, helps reduce the size of the sea bag, while at the same time recognizing the tradition and heritage of serving in the Navy.”
Conformity is the answer and I have to say why do we have to conform? When in the Navy’s history was there a time where everyone wore camouflage uniforms? When we are at war, I can understand wearing of these types of uniforms, but only for those who were sent to the war zone. What happened to the pride of having a squared away uniform? To me, the term easier is just a substitute for laziness and that is what the Navy is becoming.
I just don’t like the overall fact that the Navy is changing and conforming to the rest of the branches. I like being unique and having completely different uniforms than the other services. I like the idea of earning the Khaki uniform and not having them just given to me.