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Top Five Mistakes Sailors are Making Wearing the Navy Working Uniform
21 March 2013 By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Stilipec, Defense Media Activity - Navy
In an effort to address concerns about the proper wear of the Navy Working Uniform (NWU), MCPON(AW/NAC) Mike Stevens is educating the fleet on the proper wear of the uniform. Below are the five most common mistakes made in wearing the NWU throughout the fleet and how to correct them according to NAVPERS 15665, U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations and NAVADMIN 366/11.
1. Improper Wear of Cover
WRONG: Rolling the brim, wearing the cover too high or too low, tilting to the side, or backwards.
RIGHT: The cap will be worn, forward, squarely on the head so the visor and headband are level to the deck and the visor is just above the eyes (NAVPERS 15665, Article 3603.1). Headgear shall fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion, and no hair will show from under the front of the brim.
2. Incorrect Fit
WRONG: Shirts too big or too small, rolling sleeves too high or too low, or not wearing a belt.
RIGHT: Shirt length must extend to the bottom of the crotch, but not lower than the middle of the cargo pocket flap. No gapping at front of shirt as both sides of shirt opening must overlap. Sleeve cuff should cover the wrist bone, but not extend further than the first knuckle at the base of the thumb. Rolled sleeves should form a three-inch band with the cuff buttoned and fabric side out, positioned two inches above the elbow. All buttons and must be secured. Belt must go through all belt loops, and a plain buckle must align with the opening of the fly. A decorated buckle shall be worn centered.
3. Worn in Unauthorized Areas
WRONG: Inside the Pentagon, around the National Mall, or for commercial airline, train or bus travel.
RIGHT: Can be worn at all facilities on base, while commuting to and from work in a privately owned vehicle or public transportation, and on government-contracted flights to and from overseas locations (NAVPERS 15665, Article 3603). Can be worn for all normal tasks and associated stops before, during and after the workday. This includes stopping at child care, gas stations, off-base shopping, banking, DMV and dining. Can be worn by recruiters in malls, schools or other recruiting areas (NAVADMIN 366/11). The area or regional commander may further restrict uniform policy within their geographic limits.
NOTE: NWUs are not a liberty uniform. Consumption of alcohol in NWUs is not permitted.
4. Bad Blousing
WRONG: Pants unbloused, tucked into boots, or too high or too low.
RIGHT: NWU trousers should be worn with the belt at the waistline with legs long enough to touch the deck when not wearing boots. Use blousing straps and position the fold between the third and fourth eyelets on the boots (NAVPERS 15665, Article 3603.6).
5. Unauthorized Boots
WRONG: Anything other than the three types of authorized boots.
RIGHT: The only boots authorized for wear with the NWU are as follows. A black, plain, steel-toe smooth all-leather high-top (9-inch) safety boot with oil resistant rubber outsoles and speed-lace eyelet closures. A rough-out leather safety boot is authorized for Sailors at shore commands only. Bootlaces will be tucked in neatly (NAVPERS 15665, Article 3603.9). Also, Sailors whose primary duties are performed on the flight line and flight deck, and who are issued aviation flight deck boots as organizational clothing, are authorized to wear the flight deck boot with the NWU while commuting. The approved non-spark safety boot is a black, all leather (smooth), 8-inch boot with FOD outsole, lace-to-toe closure and steel safety toe (NAVADMIN 271/09).
The reg does not say anything about specific brands of boots being required. Sailors whose primary duty is on the flight deck are the only ones authorized to wear the flight deck boot, why? Anyone should be allowed to wear them. The 9" requirement, which isn't even in the reg, only the title, serves no purpose other than to force sailors into the Bates brand. Look at the boot, you will see that Bates simply sewed on an extra 1" piece of leather onto their original 8" boot. The regulation should be 8" to 10" to give every sailor the opportunity to find a boot that meets the requirements and is comfortable on their feet. There is ALMOST always a good reason for regs, but I see no good reason in having the 9" requirement on the NWU boot. Good sailors are on their feet many hours of the day, give them the opportunity to purchase a nice set of boots by changing this reg.
I think what bothers me the most about any of these uniforms is that it's made to be a "wash and wear" type of uniform. We're in the freakin' United States Military, here and we're not supposed to iron the uniform?! I remember needing to have creases in my cammies (yes I'm a Seabee) and now with the type III NWU, I'm not even allowed to iron anything other than the collar. What happened to the military looking sharp and being proud? That is how leaders should judge their new troops (sailors) is when they see how they present themselves in the uniform. If you walk up to me and look like you just pulled that uniform out of the dryer, I don't think you care enough, so I'm going to give you the dirtiest job I can think up. But, kinder and gentler.
The dungarees and blue shirt and ball cap were the best working uniform. Easy to work in and easy to maintain. Wore them from working in DD engine rooms to the flight deck of my carrier. USN - IC2 - CVA 43.
Why have a "marine corp lookalike" uniform that appears to be from a Kmart clearance sale, that can easily catch on fire and melt into the person wearing the outfit and has to be reversed to clean? if you want to look like a Marine, join the Corp. Why did you let them make this out of a material that is flammable? You have to turn the uniform inside out to protect the material from washing damage? i can only imagine wearing this and trying to get aroung diesel fuel, grease and paint. Do you really think one would have time to change out to the FIRE RESISTANT "ENSEMBLE" when the alarm goes off. Quotes from leaders: THE SHIRT AND TROUSERS SHOULD BE LAUNDERED WITH THE FABRIC TURNED INSIDE OUT TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF FRICTION ON THE OUTER FABRIC DURING WASHING AND DRYING. FIRE FIGHTING ENSEMBLES ARE PROVIDED FOR SAILORS SPECIFICALLY ASSIGNED TO COMBAT A FIRE.
Great job by CNOCM getting the word out on standards. Communicate the standard and enforce it. It's not hard. If Sailors cannot wear a uniform properly, it's because they don't understand the standard...or are lazy. I give Sailors the benefit of the doubt the first time..."oh I didn't realize I couldn't wear any boot found at the NEX that was black..." The second time they are just lazy. Sailors are capable of getting to work on time, so they are capable of wearing the proper uniform that is provided to them. It's just like doing proper maintenance. There is a right way and a wrong way...do it the right way, always.
I agree with the top post......the Admiral had way too much time on his hands!!!!
Stupid nonsense. Some Admiral had too much time on his or her hands! They're sailors, not Marines (that goes for the standard uniforms as well.) Just plain stupid to throw out 200 years of tradition, just like Zumwalt did in the 70's, for someone's pet project. Sorry, that's how I feel. Tom - former USN
I love the Blueberries! I think they make the guys look sexy...but I also like the Army's desert cammi....My husband is a Chief, and I don't like the Khaki uniform AT ALL!! What I DO miss are the black pants with the khaki shirt....I hate ALL khaki!!
With the budget crisis, I don't see the reason why the Navy keeps changing the uniform every ten years. As a Deck Supervisor and part of SAR team, yes you are right about if a Sailor goes overboard in the NWU's. Some ships require watchstanders to wear the NWU vice Coveralls. It is hard to see them cause they do blend in even with only the blue undershirt on especially at night. Dungarees were the best uniform and comfortable. I was going through my old uniform box and found a pair. They still look inspection ready with the iron-on PO2 crow. As the old saying goes, "If it's not broken, don't fix it."
Aside from the number one problem of safety (not fire retardant), this uniform is pure ugly. Everyone that had something to do with making this costume a uniform should be fired. It's a joke; a very bad joke. How often do you see senior leadership wear this costume? When was the last time you saw an Admiral wear it during a media interview? Nuff said.
In my 37 years around the Navy, I never could understand why they keep changing uniforms. Going to the NWU is icing on the cake. Except for Seals, SeeBees etc., The uniform makes no sense for Sailors, either ashore or afloat. In hot weather, it's uncomfortable and the laced up boots are ridiculous. Someone must know something.
The last mistake like this was made in the 1970's with the utilities. Anyone remember those? The only difference I see between those and these are 1. These are uglier and 2. They can melt (is that a feature?). Has someone resurrected Adm. Zumwalt?
When I was active duty wearing a working uniform of base was strictly prohibited. You could not get past the guard at the gate with your work boots on.
First off, this solves the problem of sailors on shore duty running around in working uniforms in unauthorized places. Since it is authorized almost everywhere it is a great alternative to having to wear a dress uniform. Now - what about work? With the cost of this uniform, I doubt if a lot of Sailors really want to do a lot of work in it. Sea Duty Sailors Still can wear Coveralls at sea (which will not melt when exposed to shipboard fires). However on shore duty, as well as sea duty, Sailors will still have to change to Cammies or Civies so as to save their dress uniforms for really special occasions. (Turn of your Sarcasm detectors please.) My wife did finally explain why Navy needs this uniform: When a Sailors falls overboard, sharks will not see him/her so he/she has a chance to be rescued. Oh, wait, Shipmates may not be able to see him/her either - camouflaged! (And you tough retired Command Master Chief's did not understand!)
ooorah! the new Navy robots
Bet the sailors miss the old navy dungarees and blue ball caps.
In find it absurd that there is only one brand of boot you can wear with the NWUs. I had a perfect good pair of boots that fit the same wear and design parameters as the official shoe, yet I could not wear them because some idiot lobbiest convinced the Navy to use ONLY this one brand.
Finally and long overdue. I have seen this uniform in many inappropriate places so I am please to see it is being addressed. Now the important thing is to enforce the policy. CO's need to set the standard.
Thanks James, that's really the issue regardless of the uniform - know the standard, hold the standard.
Aside from being some desk jockey's idea of a joke, probably because the person never wore a uniform (don't even tell me fleet sailors OKd this)... It seems to invite a reprimand with the many ways which are incorrect in the wearing of this heinous excuse for a uniform. With that being said, I would think the reports that the uniform has the "slightly inconvenient" tendency to MELT when exposed to fire... even a short exposure, there would be more emphasis on REMOVING the uniform from service than instructions on how to wear it. I was proud to wear the uniform for 22 years, as a Damage Controlman, I would hate to think that when I had to do my job as a firefighter, I would be laminated in what is supposed to be the first line of defense of fire fighting gear. Shame on the people in charge for not ridding the fleet of this dreadful mistake.
I'm still a little confused as to why sailors need an expensive cammy uniform for shore duty. I can't imagine any reason for them to be worn at sea. If I go overboard the last thing I want to do is blend in. I can understand the ground forces needing a uniform to blend into the jungle, but why does a sailor need them? Can someone enlighten me?
Simply put, if your uniform looks like you just pulled it out of your sea bag.... Fix it. I believe forget what it means to be in a proper uniform. Yeah the uniform was a tad bit expensive, but, you paid for it, why not make it look presentable. If you buy a pair of high fashion sneakers for $135 and a pair of $90 jeans, Im willing to bet that you made sure you wear them properly.
This uniform looks like crud,go backto dungarees for Gods sake.