We’ve written a couple of articles about the development and fielding of the Navy Working Uniform Type II and III designed to replace the Woodland and Desert Combat Utility Uniforms for Sailors who require them. The big hiccup in full implementation has been wear guidance from the Chief of Naval Operations and he issued it yesterday in NAVADMIN 259/11.
Here are a couple of highlights:
-The NWU Type II is DIGITAL DESERT and the NWU Type III is a DIGITAL WOODLAND pattern. These were developed for Naval Special Warfare by USSOCOM and have been referred to as AOR 1 and 2 respectively but will incorporate the Navy’s unique Anchor, Constitution, and Eagle (ACE) into the design in a similar fashion to how the Marine Corps has included the EGA in MARPAT.
-The only difference between Type II and III is pattern and not the style of uniform. The uniform style is a compromise between a combat and garrison style.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
-Sizing is NOT the same as the CUU.
-NWU Type II and II are organizational clothing. The basis of issue will be 3 blouses, 3 trousers, 2 eight point covers, 1 Goretex Parka, 1 fleece, 1 helmet cover, 1 sun hat, brown fleece watch cap, and brown belt.
-Yes, there will reportedly be a “waterproof, breathable” parka offered in the new patterns. At one point in the message it is referred to as a “Goretex Parka.” It will likely be in the current APECS cut but we have not seen any examples yet in either camo pattern.
-The Type III will replace the current Woodland CUU for everyone and serve as the standard garrison uniform. Only those assigned to NSW or working in direct support if them will be authorized the NWU Type II. This includes Coast Guard personnel assigned or attached to NSW.
-The wearout date for both the Woodland and Desert CUUs will be 1 June, 2012. Non-NSW units with an operational requirement for Desert uniforms after June of next year will have to ask the CNO permission. What is unclear is whether they will use the NWU Type II, continue wear of the Desert CUU, or get an entirely new hybrid uniform in the cut of the NWU but with the 3-color desert camo pattern. I think the NAVADMIN is vague for a reason. It gives them almost a year to decide what to do.
-Naval personnel performing duties outside the wire in deployed environments will continue to wear a mish-mash of FR clothing articles from a variety of sources.
-Sorry JB, but security forces will continue to wear the NWU Type I unless assigned to NSW.
-Some traditions never die. SEABEEs will still be allowed to embroider their logo on the pocket.
-The Navy is really worked up over which way the eagle faces. They mention it six separate times.
-Finally, one change implemented by this NAVADMIN that will affect all Sailors is that the blue fleece liner in the APECS parka can now be worn as a stand alone outer garment.
For the full message (more…)
