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DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation Wins Navy SBIR PHI Computer Learning Obfuscating Adversarial Kit (CLOAK) Contract

Thursday, October 18th, 2018

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corporation (DAC), a leader in cutting-edge Machine Learning development and application, has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop the Computer Learning Obfuscating Adversarial Kit (CLOAK) system. Under this effort, DAC will provide the Navy with a portable camouflaging kit by advancing state-of-the-art adversarial imagery though physical-world manipulation and data synthesis.

In Phase I of this effort, DAC will select and train two modern classifiers on military and commercial vehicles, develop an advanced data synthesis pipeline, and develop an algorithm for learning camouflage configuration. DAC’s algorithms will combine advanced 3D data synthesis with a constrained adversarial generation process for generating physical-world robust computer vision camouflage.

Posted in Camo, Contracts, Navy, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Navy Announces Updates to Uniform Policies

Monday, September 24th, 2018

WASHINGTON (NNS) — Navy announced updates to uniform policy, grooming standards and the launch of a uniform working group in NAVADMIN 233/18, Sept. 21.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan U. Kledzik.

Highlights of the changes include:
• Completion of fittings and wear tests for new, improved female officer and chief petty officer slacks and skirts, scheduled to be available for purchase by the end of 2018
• Announcement of the improved general safety boot (I Boot 4) with enhanced comfort and durability features, expected to be available for purchase in October 2018
• Commanding officer’s (CO) approval for the wear of coyote brown ball cap with coveralls and flight suits
• CO authorization of command logos on t-shirts worn with Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I, II and III, coveralls and flight suits
• Fingernail grooming standards for men and women, including guidance on length, shape and color of nails
• Lock hairstyle standards for wear, size, length and guidance for wear in uniform
• Wear guidance and changes to the allowed material for rings and bracelets
• Announcement for Sailors assigned to Marine Corps units, who must now abide by Marine Corps grooming standards when wearing Marine Corps uniforms
• Authorization and wear guidance for the optional simultaneous wear of the Post-Tour Command at Sea and Command Ashore/Project Manager insignia

Navy has launched a uniform policy working group to provide a forum for direct Fleet feedback on uniform wear and regulations. Commands interested in having a crew member participate in a future working group can submit a command endorsed request with the name, rank, rate and availability of the Sailor to the “Ask The Chiefs” email list at umo_cmc@navy.mil.

Sailors can provide feedback and recommendations on Navy uniforms and the Navy Uniform App at any time via the “Ask The Chiefs” email, on the Navy Uniform Matters Office website at www.npc.navy.mil, or a link available on the Uniform App.

Read NAVADMIN 233/18 in its entirety for details and complete information on all of the announced uniform changes, updates and guidelines at www.npc.navy.mil.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Editor’s Note: The message is available here.

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, Navy | Comments Off on Navy Announces Updates to Uniform Policies

US Navy Testing 2-Piece FR Uniforms

Wednesday, June 6th, 2018

Referred to as the Maritime Heritage Maritime Utility, the US Navy is currently testing 2-piece Flame Resistant garments for wear underway, in lieu of the current Coverall, which is also undergoing an FR makeover.

Testing began 14 May but the concept has been on the drawing board since last year. The Heritage variants replicate traditional sea service uniforms, with a Khaki shirt and pant for Officers and Chiefs and a Blue version for lower enlisted and noncommissioned Sailors.

Interestingly, the Blue version is similar in appearance to the old Dungarees, but one style harkens all the way back to the Dark Blue on Dark Blue of enlisted deck wear, worn up until WWII. Another option, replaces the Dark Blue shirt with a Light Blue, similar to the Chambray shirts worn until the advent of the current Navy Working Uniform.

Below, you can see all three options currently being evaluated.

Design Features in the Test

Blouse

• Untucked shirt that can be tucked in during general quarters (GQ)
• Covered button placket, six buttons — no top button
• Exposed six buttons — no top button
• External patch pockets with flap stitched on three sides
• Pen pocket with two channels on left sleeve
• Rolled 1/4″ hem, curved front and back that rises up at the side seam (men)
• Adjustable two button cuff
• Sleeves can be rolled to the forearm or to the bicep
• Back yoke with box pleat
• Side panel for female fit (women)
• Internal signle welt pocket with hidden zipper closure, pen pocket inside
• Drifire Fabric

Trousers

• Internal thigh pocket flap with velcro
• 1/4 top side pockets
• External patch pockets with flap stitched on three sides
• Wider waistband for rigger belt
• Wider belt loops for rigger belt
• Button closure at waist
• Waistband with concealed elastic for adjustability
• Reinforced cuff to prevent fraying
• Cell phone pocket, single welt with zipper closure (only on Test Code D)
• Internal single welt back pocket with zipper closure
• Drifire Fabric

Flame Resistant Undershirts

• Drifire Fabric

Molder Boots

Most Sailors currently serving won’t be familiar with these, low cut, slip-on boots.

Participating Commands

West Coast
•Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9 (CSG-9)
•Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC)
•Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet
• Commander, US 3rd Fleet
• USS Nimitz
• USS Montgomery
• USS Maine
• USS Jefferson City
• USS Bunker Hill
• SWRMC
• VFA 97
• VFA 151

East Coast
• US Fleet Forces Command
• MARMC
• SURFLANT
• AIRLANT
• NNSY
• USS McFaul
• USS Nitze
• HSC-2
• VFA 83
• VFA 105
• VR 56

Outside Continential US (OCONUS)
• FDRMC
• PCRON 1
• USS Devestator
• USS Monsoon
• USS Squall
• USS Tempest
• USS Thunderbolt
• DESRON 60
• USS ROSS
• USS Carney

Meanwhile, the Canadian Navy is considering this working uniform, displayed at the recent CANSEC by developer Logistik Unicorp. Initially it was baggier and based on a prototype ground Combat Uniform. After slimming the garment slightly, they are now working on zipper and button options.

This Canadian uniform is much closer to the Modern 2-Piece garment also being considered by the US Navy which adapts the cut of the Digital Woodland camouflage Navy Working Uniform Type III, to a similar Tan and Dark Blue color scheme of the Heritages Uniform being tested here. It also introduces FR fabrics to protect Sailors from shipboard hazards.

No matter which uniform the Navy eventually adopts, it will be Organizational Clothing, like the currently issued Coverall. Sailors will wear the Black Fleece Jacket or an upcoming FR Fleece Jacket with this uniform.

All photos from US Navy except Canadian Navy prototype uniform.

Posted in Clothing, FR, Navy | 31 Comments »

Ask SSD “What’s The Latest For USN FR Clothing For Shipboard Wear?”

Monday, July 17th, 2017

While development and fielding of an FR Coverall (Improved Flame Resistant Variant) to replace the Blue Coverall has been ongoing for several years, the Navy has been working more recently on a two-piece design. Undergoing trials have been Heritage and Modern variants.

The Heritage variants replicate traditional sea service uniforms, with a Khaki shirt and pant for Officers and Chiefs and a Blue version for lower enlisted and noncommissioned Sailors. Interestingly, the Blue version is similar in appearance to the old Dungarees, but one style harkens all the way back to the Dark Blue on Dark Blue of enlisted deck wear, worn up until WWII. Another option, replaces the Dark Blue shirt with a Light Blue, similar to the Chambray shirts worn until the advent of the current Navy Working Uniform.

On the other hand, there is a Modern variant utilizing the cut of the NWU Type III, which was recently adopted for wear as the service’s utility uniform while ashore, and replaces the AOR 2 pattern with Khaki for officers and Chiefs and Dark Blue for lower enlisted and NCOs.

Additionally, NAVAIR continues to approve FR materials for Deck Jerseys and the service is working on FR base and insulation layers as well as hardshell garments for inclement weather.

Posted in Clothing, FR, Navy | 11 Comments »

Office Of Naval Reasearch TechSolutions Develops New Steam Suit For Submarine Crews

Thursday, April 13th, 2017

Sailors from the Los Angeles class-attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) try out a prototype submarine steam suit ensemble during an orientation class held at Naval Submarine Base New London. The Navy Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) via the Office of Naval Research (ONR) TechSolutions Office has funded the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) to develop the next generation of protective gear for emergency responders to steam line leaks aboard submarines.

Excellent work by the material developers on this project!

Posted in Clothing, Navy | 1 Comment »

Great News! US Navy Announces Elimination of NWU I Blueberries for NWU Type III Woodland Pattern

Friday, August 5th, 2016

WASHINGTON (NNS) — Today, the Navy announced in NAVADMIN 174/16 that it will transition from the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type I to the NWU Type III as the service’s primary shore working uniform beginning Oct. 1, 2016.

Over the next three years, Sailors may wear either the NWU Type I or III, but effective Oct. 1, 2019, all Sailors will be expected to wear the NWU Type III as their primary Working Uniform when ashore or in port.

While the Navy is developing an incremental regional fielding plan for the NWU Type III, this transition period will give Sailors time to prepare for the change and allow them to get maximum wear out of recently purchased NWU Type I uniforms.

“As the CNO and I travel to see Sailors deployed around the world, one of the issues they consistently want to talk about are uniforms,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “They want uniforms that are comfortable, lightweight, breathable … and they want fewer of them. We have heard the feedback and we are acting on it. As a direct result of Sailors’ input, effective Oct. 1, we will transition from the NWU Type I to the NWU Type III as our primary shore working uniform.”

This change is the first step in a multi-phased process that will streamline and consolidate the Navy’s uniform requirements, and ultimately improve uniformity across the force. The Navy has listened to Sailors’ feedback and is incorporating their desires to have a working uniform that is better fitting, more breathable and lighter weight.

NWU Type III will be issued to new accessions and recruits beginning Oct. 1, 2017.

Until further policy guidance is promulgated, black boots will be the standard boot worn in the United States and its territories with the NWU Type III. However, expeditionary forces in the United States or any forward deployed forces may wear the desert tan or coyote brown boots at the discretion of the unit commanding officer with the NWU Type III. Additionally, Sailors may wear the NWU Type I black fleece liner.

Sailors will be able to buy NWU Type III components for personal wear through Navy Exchange uniform stores and call centers once there is sufficient inventory on hand.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command (FFC) continues its multi-phase wear test of improved flame resistant variant (IFRV) working uniform components, for shipboard wear. FFC most recently conducted in-depth focus groups with fleet Sailors aimed at refining the design of the IFRV coverall. Additional feedback from the focus groups, subsequently validated by a senior level working group, resulted in the preliminary design of a more professional looking two-piece utility shipboard uniform that can be worn both at sea and operational support jobs ashore. Wear tests of the prototype two-piece variants are expected to occur in 2017.

Also announced in NAVADMIN 174/16:
* The Navy will transition to the black Cold Weather Parka (CWP) starting Oct. 1, 2018, as outerwear with the Service and Service Dress Uniform. Navy All Weather Coat, Pea Coat and Reefer coat will become optional items. Mandatory wear date for the parka is Oct. 1, 2020.
* Women, E7 and above, are now authorized to wear men’s uniform khaki pants without the belt and buckle with the khaki over blouse. Gig-line issues prevent wear of the male slacks with the tuck-in shirt.
* The rollout date of the male Service Dress Blue uniform at Recruit Training Command has been moved to Oct. 1, 2017, due to manufacturing delays. This change also aligns the uniform release with the introduction of the new E1-E6 Service Dress Whites.
* Navy sweat shirt and pants logo has been replaced with silver reflective lettering “NAVY,” which is similar to the logo on the Navy Physical Training Uniform shirt and shorts. The sweatshirt and pants are now available for purchase at Navy Exchange uniform centers.
* Commands may now authorize the wear of a “Don’t Tread on Me” and Reverse U.S. Flag patches on NWU Type II and Type III.
* Approval for the replacement of the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) insignia. Going forward, there will be three separate insignias to denote a Sailor’s specific qualification level, which are SWCC basic, SWCC senior and SWCC master. The implementation date is Aug. 19, 2016, with a mandatory wear date of Oct. 1, 2016.
* The Navy Uniform Matters Office is in the process of redesigning their website to enhance the dissemination and information regarding recent uniform changes. We expect the site to be running in the coming months.

The Navy continues to conduct a wear test of new women’s khaki pants and is developing options to improve the sizing of women’s khaki pants for E7 and above. We expect that the new women’s khaki pants will be available for purchase in late 2017 or early 2018.

Enlisted clothing replacement allowance will be adjusted to cover costs of these uniform changes and requirements. However, by law, commissioned officers are currently entitled to a one-time uniform stipend ($400), paid at the beginning of their careers. An additional stipend cannot be granted without a change in law.

NAVADMIN 174/16 contains more detail on the uniform changes and can be found at www.npc.navy.mil.

Posted in Camo, Navy, Press Release | 59 Comments »

West Coast SEALs One Step Closer to New Compound in Imperial Beach

Wednesday, April 8th, 2015

Naval Special Warfare Group One has been working on a plan for a completely new compound situated just south of their current location in Coronado. The $1 Billion facility will be constructed on the Silver Strand Training Complex South located in Imperial Beach, California.

Last week, an environmental impact assessment was released meaning the process remains on track with possible groundbreaking before the end of the year. However, a WWII bunker (bldg 99) currently located on the property must be demolished in order to make room for the campus. The elephant cage antenna on the site has already been dismantled.

The new facility will include a 120′ tall parachute drying tower but the remainder of the planned buildings won’t be over 45′ tall so as not to upset the coastal view. Although this MILCON project includes NEX fuel and shoppette in addition to dining and logistics/maintenance facilities as well as classrooms and Team buildings there won’t be any ranges. The SEALs will still have to travel to use those.