Navy Personnel Command (NPC) said Task Force Uniform announced December 14 that the fleet can expect to see two new uniforms appearing in Navy Exchanges by late Summer of 2008.
“We have coordinated with suppliers and manufacturers of the uniforms and we're on track for mid 2008,” said Command Master Chief Robert Carroll, Task Force director.
One of the two uniforms being rolled out in 2008 is a single Navy working uniform for wear by all Sailors E-1 to O-10, and a year round service uniform for all Sailors E-6 and below.
The uniforms will be sent to Navy Exchanges and Uniform Centers over a 24 month period. Fleet outfitting will take place in eight increments starting with fleet concentration areas. Recruit Training Command Great Lakes will start receiving the new uniforms in the beginning of FY09. Uniforms should be available to all regions within 24 months of the initial roll out, according to NAVADMIN 351/06.
The all ranks uniform is a BDU-style working uniform designed to replace seven different styles of current working uniforms. It is made of a near maintenance-free permanent press 50/50 nylon and cotton blend. Worn with a blue cotton t-shirt, it will include an eight-point cover, a black web belt with closed buckle, and smooth black leather boots. Black suede no-shine boots are available for optional wear when assigned to non-shipboard commands.