Safe and Economical Uniforms

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:55:57 -0400

Within the last year, the Navy has unveiled new Flame Resistant Variant (FRV) coveralls. For those who aren't familiar with this, the FRV coveralls are a 100% cotton uniform treated with flame retardant, intended to replace the polyester and poly-blend Navy Working Uniforms (NWUs) and coveralls. I am all for this transition, as the FRVs better protect Sailors should they find themselves fighting a fire. Here's the catch I disagree with: it is yet another uniform change that is costing the Navy money...lots of it. The NWU will remain in service as a work uniform when not underway and the FRVs will be worn at sea. With this comes certain regulations, such as where you are allowed to wear coveralls, when you are not allowed to wear NWUs.
The Coast Guard has it figured out! They wear fatigues that are not only acceptable in public and when transiting to or from work, they are the uniform worn underway. They don't have to deal with the hassle of shifting to a different uniform under different circumstances. With these fatigues, they wear a ball cap.
Why won't the Navy follow suit? Why not scrap the NWU and current coveralls and use the FRV material in a new set of fatigues that are acceptable both in public ashore and underway? This would save money, lessen the number of uniforms included in a Sailor's seabag, and greatly enhance shipboard life and service pride.
I mentioned the last two points for these reasons: starting 1 September 2014, COs will be able to authorize the wear of their unit's ball cap with NWUs. The unit ball cap is a point of pride in command and service that goes back to Sailors earning their NAVY ball cap in Boot Camp. The ball cap may be acceptable at a Sailor's command, but elsewhere the Eight-Point Cover is the required uniform item. If FRV fatigues were adopted, Sailors could sport their ball caps much like they wear various belt buckles. As it pertains to shipboard life, adopting a uniform consisting of a blouse and trousers would make it easier on Sailors. If they are conducting a gun shoot on a flight deck in the Gulf, they can simply remove the blouse rather than unzipping the coveralls and rolling them down. Even matters as simple as answering nature's call can be awkward in coveralls.
This is a brief pitch, but there's more to this. What do you think of this proposal? Is it feasible? Safe? Conducive to shipboard life? Is there some reason why we wear coveralls that I haven't thought of?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2014 5:03 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 17:03:06 -0400

Sir,
Although your point about cost is a valid one, I do think the new uniform looks good and low maintenance-- which is certainly a plus.
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78847

Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Introduces Sailors to New Flame Resistant Variant Coverall

Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific (CSFWP) Sailors had the opportunity Jan. 27 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, C

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 6:40 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 18:40:35 -0400

Certainly better than the comfortable, durable, flame-retardant, inexpensive dungarees. What a horrible idea for a working uniform!