Navy Ditched the “Blueberry” Uniform, Opted for the NWU Type III
The last day of approved wear of the Navy Working Uniform Type I is Sept. 30, as this uniform has been replaced by the NWU Type III, as announced in Naval Administrative Message 174/16.
Additionally, the NWU Type III eight-point cover with the Anchor, Constitution, and Eagle, or ACE, logo replaces the eight-point cover with rank insignia. Sailors will be required to have the NWU Type III uniform and ACE cover as of Oct. 1.
Initially announced August 2016, Sailors were given 24 months, beginning Oct. 1, 2017, to purchase required NWU Type III components. During that 24-month period, active duty Sailors received an increase in their annual clothing replacement allowances to purchase the new NWU Type III uniform.
The change serves as part of a multi-phased process to streamline and consolidate the Navy’s uniform requirements and ultimately improve uniformity across the force.
Navy Exchange Service Command officials encourage Sailors who still need the NWU Type III uniform to visit any worldwide NEX or call customer service at 877–810–9030 before the Oct. 1 deadline. In some cases, special orders may be needed for certain sizes, and NEX tailors require a two-week turnaround time to create and sew on name tapes.
March 2019:
The Navy announced updates to uniform policy, grooming standards, uniform item availability and mandatory possession dates for new uniform items in NAVADMIN 075/19, released March 25.
Highlights include:
A command/unit logo shoulder patch is now an option for wear on the left shoulder pocket of the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type II and III in place of the Don’t Tread On Me shoulder patch.
Black leather and non-leather gloves can be worn with the black NWU parka fleece liner.
NWU Type III O-6 rank insignia will be available for purchase and optional wear in silver thread starting June 1, 2019 for easier visual recognition and distinction from the E-4 insignia.
Effective June 1, 2019 all enlisted Sailors with 12 years of cumulative service in active or drilling reserve time in the Navy or Marine Corps may wear gold rating badges and gold service stripes on dress uniforms in lieu of red rating badges and stripes.
Women have the option to wear smooth or synthetic leather flat shoes (flats) in service and service dress uniforms.
Nursing T-shirts may be worn with service uniforms, NWU Type I, II and III and flight suits.
The message provides clarification on the definition and manner of wear for ponytail hairstyles.
Effective immediately, Sailors who are assigned to Joint/Unified Commands are authorized to wear the command’s identification badge only during the period of assignment.
Navy Exchange (NEXCOM) uniform stores will provide a free replacement collar if needed to improve the fit of the officer and chief petty officer (CPO) service dress white coat (choker) effective March 1, 2019.
The NAVADMIN announces the completion of the testing and evaluation of the improved female officer and CPO slacks and skirts.
It also provides the schedule for when the NEXCOM Customer Contact Center and Uniform Centers will have slacks and skirts, the Improved Safety Boot (I-Boot 4) and the optional physical training uniform available for purchase.