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Tough new rules for blue cammies released

Sailors hoping for less stringent rules with the Navy’s new blue and gray cammies might be disappointed.

The new Navy Working Uniform will debut around the fleet Dec. 15, when senior leadership, commanding officers and command master chiefs will be allowed to wear the digital camouflage uniform, which will become required gear for everyone on Dec. 31, 2010.

But don’t expect to see anyone wearing the uniform in an off-base grocery store, which is allowed in the Army and Air Force. Navy officials have instead decided to stick with the restrictions in effect for the existing utility and wash khaki uniforms, which the NWU replaces.

Sailors can wear the uniform to and from work, either in an automobile or by public transportation, but they can not make any stops along the way. The only exception to the rule is for emergencies, although it is not clear what qualifies as an emergency at this point.

The news is expected to be announced in a NavAdmin message scheduled to be released Tuesday. The message also spells out how sailors are to configure and wear the NWU and will include the official fleet rollout schedule.

Multimedia:

See a 360 degree view of the New Navy Working Uniform

The uniform will be the standard working uniform both afloat and ashore for the Navy, according to the message. It will replace:

• E-6 and below utilities

• E-7 and above wash khakis

• Tropical working uniforms

• Winter working blues

• Aviation working greens

The message also said the uniform will replace the existing woodland camouflage uniforms for sailors — unless they are required to wear it for tactical or environmental reasons. In addition, the uniform marks the first time the Navy has issued a cold weather parka for sailors that is now expected to replace command-issued foul weather jackets.

Navy leadership — including all flag officers, commanding officers, officers in charge as well as command master chiefs, senior chiefs and chiefs of the boat — will be allowed to order the uniform online and begin wearing it starting Dec. 15 The rollout will begin in mid-January for most other sailors.

The uniform will enter the fleet in geographic “waves” starting in January with the Tidewater region.

As of Nov. 15, sailors in that region were allowed to order their name and service tapes, rank and qualification badges via the Web or telephone through the Navy Uniform Support Center or via phone at (800)368-4088.

Advance ordering will continue each time the uniform becomes available in a new geographic area, officials said.

The rollout schedule is as follows:

• January 2009 — Tidewater

• April 2009 — Southeast

• July 2009 — Northeast

• October 2009 — Washington DC Capital Region

• January 2010 — Western/Northwest

• April 2010 — Gulf Region and Millington, Tenn.

• July 2010 — Hawaii

• October 2010 — Europe/Japan/Guam

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Questions? Comments? Write to staff writer Mark D. Faram at mfaram@navytimes.com

Related reading:

See frequently asked questions about the NWU