Navy Tests a New Look - Task Force Uniform Announces E-1 Through
O-10 Working Uniform Concepts
Story Number: NNS041018-01
Release Date: 10/18/2004 9:06:00 AM
From Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy introduced a set of concept working
uniforms for Sailors E-1 through O-10 Oct. 18, in response to the
fleets feedback on current uniforms. The new uniforms, which will
begin wear-testing this winter, were unveiled aboard USS Iwo Jima
(LHD 7) at an All Hands call with Master Chief Petty Officer of the
Navy (MCPON) (SS/AW) Terry D. Scott.
The Navy Working Uniform (NWU) concepts offer four variations to be
tested in the fleet. Each variation offers a combination of
different patterns, dominant colors, fabric finishes and
designs.
Scott said these concepts are only the initial version of what the
working uniform may ultimately look like. To assist in deciding
exactly what uniforms Sailors will be wearing, Task Force Uniform
(TFU) developed a set of concept uniforms.
The concept uniforms are much like a concept car at an auto show,
Scott said. Its only a preliminary design of the final model, and
judging from the fleets response, we can make modifications to the
final design.
The Task Force Uniform initiative began after Sailors in the fleet
expressed their concerns about the current status of Navy uniforms.
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Vern Clark determined there
should be an evaluation of the uniform requirements.
Upon completion of a Navywide survey last year, TFU went to work on
interpreting more than 40,000 surveys with the help of an
organizational psychologist to determine what changes Sailors
desired. Some of the concerns expressed were that there are too
many uniforms, they wear out quickly and are difficult to maintain.
They also commented on the need for a working uniform that would be
practical in different working environments and climates. The
majority of respondents said they preferred a Battle Dress Uniform
(BDU) style working uniform.
The Navy Working Uniform is being designed to take the place of
utilities, wash khaki, coveralls, woodland green, aviation green,
winter working blue and tropical working uniforms. The normal wear
life is designed to last up to 18 months, compared to the current
wear life of six months for the working uniform.
The working uniform design is not intended to camouflage Sailors
against the background of a ship. Instead, the multiple colors on
the uniform - navy blue, deck gray, haze gray and black - are
common in the maritime working environment, making them a more
practical choice.
What we have heard from Sailors aboard ship is if they get a small
spot of paint or grease on a pair of solid-color utilities or
coveralls, its easily visible and detracts from the uniforms
appearance, Scott said. With the Navy Working Uniforms
multicolor pattern, a small spot or stain may be almost entirely
unnoticeable.
Another positive aspect of a multicolor pattern is that wrinkles
caused by daily wear would be less visible, and the new uniforms
will be wash and wear with no ironing required.
Why should we need to iron a working uniform? The NWU fabric
treatment will be a considerable improvement over the previous
working uniforms, said Scott. The proposed plan is for the NWU to
be the primary working uniform used in all Navy communities and
duties, including watchstanding. The NWU is also being designed for
wear outside the gate. Sailors will be able to go off base without
having to change from the working uniform into their service
uniform or civilian clothes.
With the CNOs approval for a wear test, the Navy is working to
provide as many possible options for Sailors to choose from during
the wear-test period.
Among the options will be:
- Woodland versus digital pattern
- Blue versus gray as the uniforms predominant color
- Tapered blouse versus standard-style blouse
- Rounded versus pointed collar
- Performance T-shirt versus cotton undershirt
- Pleated versus non-pleated trousers
- Elastic versus adjustable waistband
- Button versus zipper trousers
- No-polish suede versus polished leather boots
- 8-point versus round top cover
- Pocket locations and design
The Navy also plans to wear test a blue parka that will ultimately
match the design pattern of the final working uniform. The parka
will be designed for wear in various weather conditions, including
sub-freezing temperatures, wind, and heavy rain.
Although the NWU was designed to address the concerns of the fleet,
Scott said a test of how the uniforms will truly respond to the
needs of Sailors can only be determined by a fleetwide wear test
and evaluation before being mass produced.
