INFO SHEET #2 FROM WESUPPORTTHEVETS
NAVY CONSIDERS UNIFORM CHANGE FOR SAILORS E6 AND BELOW
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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 Sailors desired.
The survey found that Sailors E-6 and below were the least satisfied group in
the Navy with their current service uniforms. Some of the dissatisfaction
factors expressed included the impracticality of white uniforms, unflattering
and non-functional designs, lacking a professional appearance in comparison to
other services and seasonal change requirements.
"For example, the problem that Sailors found was that if they brush up against
anything that is not entirely clean, they end up with a very noticeable mark on
their whites," said Carroll. "And a stain of any size or color on a pair of
whites renders them useless."
With the CNO's approval for a wear test, the Navy is working to provide as many
possible options and solution for Sailors to choose from during the wear-test
period.
Among the options will be:
- Grey versus khaki short-sleeved shirt
- Sewn-in military creases vs. pressed creases
- Rating badge versus collar device
- Dry clean versus wash and wear
- Open or closed-face belt buckles for males
- Over blouse design for females
- Redesigned beltless skirts with kick pleats for females
- Redesigned beltless slacks for females
- Reinforced garrison caps (two styles)
The Navy will keep the Navy blue trousers and optional skirts that look similar
to the winter blue uniform, but will improve the fabric and design. One of the
most noticeable differences will be the contrast between the male and female
uniforms.
For females, both the slacks and optional skirts will be beltless, and the khaki
or grey top will be an over-blouse design. For males, the uniform will be of
similar style to the current winter blue and summer white uniform, but with
improved fabric quality. Both shirts will be tested for their balance between
comfort and appearance with different polyester and wool fabric blends.
Force Master Chief (SW/AW) Karen O'Connor, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific
Fleet, said she believes the design of the female uniform directly addresses
issues brought up in the fleet-wide survey.
"The uniform survey showed that female Sailors were particularly concerned with
the fit and design of their service uniforms," said O'Connor. "I believe the
over-blouse design has a more professional, streamlined look."
The director of TFU said although each service uniform seems to address the
concerns of the fleet, 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.
"We realize that there are Sailors out there who are eager to receive a
year-round service uniform, but we are determined to do this the right way and
come up with a year round service uniform that our Sailors will appreciate,"
Carroll said.
Fleet Master Chief (AW/SW) Jon Thompson, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, said the
purpose of TFU is not about changing colors - it's about addressing issues
Sailors have faced for a very long time.
"The vision of Task Force Uniform is to give Sailors a cost-effective set of
uniforms presenting a professional appearance, recognizing naval heritage, and
offering versatility, safety, ease of maintenance and storage, utility and
comfort," said Thompson. "These uniforms were designed to do exactly that."
The fleetwide wear test scheduled to begin this winter will be conducted at
commands around the world and across the spectrum of different climates. A total
of approximately 550 participants, both male and female, will wear-test these
concept uniforms among each of the following commands/locations:
- Center for Naval Leadership, Little Creek, Va.
- Center for Naval Leadership, Coronado, Calif.
- Commander, Fleet Activity Yokosuka, Yokosuka, Japan
- Commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean, Naples, Italy
- Commander, Naval Forces Japan, Yokosuka, Japan
- Commander, Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
- Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Fla.
- Naval Personnel Command, Millington, Tenn.
- Naval Submarine School, New London, Conn.
- OPNAV, Washington, D.C.
- Training Support Center, Great Lakes, Ill.
- U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.
Issues with dress uniforms, as well as service uniforms for E-7 and above, will
be addressed later to see if any future changes are needed.
