Service Dress Khaki May Be Coming Back
D. Spencer Hines
rid of the excellent, traditional Service Dress Khaki uniform in 1975. The
decision to deep-six it was reportedly driven by Admiral Elmo Zumwalt who
was the CNO from 1970-1974.
Now, Service Dress Khaki appears it may be coming back.
SDK is one of he best-looking of the naval uniforms designed for chiefs and
officers.
I've noticed that Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, has been wearing it for media appearances.
That's a Good Sign.
--
DSH
Lux et Veritas et Libertas
Vires et Honor
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Navy Tests New Khaki Dress Uniform
June 05, 2008
Navy News
WASHINGTON -- Wear testing for the proposed Service Dress Khaki uniform has
commenced in six major Navy communities.
The wear test encompasses commands in Washington, D.C.; Norfolk; Millington,
Tenn.; Newport, R.I.; Yokosuka, Japan; and Pearl Harbor.
Then-Chief of Naval Operations, (CNO), Adm. Mike Mullen, authorized the wear
testing of the new uniforms for chiefs and officers in March 2006, shortly
before turning over his position to current CNO, Adm. Gary Roughead.
The style of the Service Dress Khaki is reminiscent of the uniform worn
during World War II and Vietnam eras, according to Robert Carroll, Head of
Navy's Uniform Matters Office.
One of the key points stressed was the versatility of the proposed uniform.
"With the service dress khaki, the wearer could easily go from service to
dress just by donning a jacket," said Carroll. "Right now, we're evaluating
fabric, appearance, durability, comfort, fit and maintenance requirements.
We're also out to gauge the desire of the fleet to wear the uniform."
Carroll is optimistic that the proposed uniform could lighten the load of
chiefs and officers' seabags.
"Right now, chiefs and officers have to bring two sets of dress uniforms on
board ship to accommodate the potential and likely seasonal shifts
associated with deployments," he explained. "With the Service Dress Khaki,
they would only need one dress uniform."
The wear test is tentatively scheduled to end in August. Participants are
required to compete an on-line survey and attend focus groups to express
their experience, satisfaction with components and most importantly should
the Navy adopt the uniform as a requirement. A decision will be pending
after the survey and a Business Case Analysis is completed and briefed.
Tiger
> It was a really stupid and short-sighted decision by the Navy ever to get
> rid of the excellent, traditional Service Dress Khaki uniform in 1975. The
> decision to deep-six it was reportedly driven by Admiral Elmo Zumwalt who
> was the CNO from 1970-1974.
>
> Now, Service Dress Khaki appears it may be coming back.
>
> SDK is one of he best-looking of the naval uniforms designed for chiefs and
> officers.
>
> I've noticed that Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
> Staff, has been wearing it for media appearances.
>
> That's a Good Sign.
Interesting you bring this up. Mullen was on FOX NEWS Sunday this week.
The first that hit me was not the word from his mouth, but the khaki
rather than White uniform. Very retro.... Better than their other
uniform ideas.
Jack G.
Bring back the Service Dress Khaki uniforms was long overdue. Admiral
Elmo Zumwalt caused more damage to the Navy, than the Japanese did at
Pearl Harbor. Great move
Charlie Wolf
Let's assume the USN brings back this retro uniform. Now I spent 21
years + change, so I'm allowed to wear my dress CPO uniforms at
appropriate circumstances - like parades, or military funerals, and I
sometimes do that. If I were to obtain this uniform, could I wear it
for things like that, even though it was not an authorized uniform
when I was AD?
Regards,
John Briggs
> OK Spence - I gotta question for ya...
He doesn't "do" questions.
--
John Briggs
D. Spencer Hines
Yep...
Great Uniform.
DSH
"Jack G." <jgra...@pioneernet.net> wrote in message
news:8189b6cb-8bde-4a20...@i24g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
D. Spencer Hines
I'm no expert on such matters, Chief -- but it seems to me you certainly
could wear the SDK -- as the critical factor is that it will be [hopefully]
authorized for wear soon.
Anyone who tried to tell you you couldn't wear it would need some damn good
reasons...
And I don't see any.
Cheers,
Spence Hines
"Charlie Wolf" <charli...@noemail.com> wrote in message
news:k75f849k5bn43l4ds...@4ax.com...
Charlie Wolf
question - please do...
Regards,
On Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:35:51 +0100, "D. Spencer Hines"
BigRedWingsFan
"Charlie Wolf" <cw...@pleasenomail.net> wrote in message
news:q3of84lv5mep5h68v...@4ax.com...
> Thanks. If anyone else could weigh in on the legality of this
> question - please do...
> Regards,
Chapter 30, AR 670-1
(http://docs.usapa.belvoir.army.mil/jw2/xmldemo/r670_1/head.asp)prescribes
the wear of uniforms by retirees and former members of the Army. I'm sure
the squids have something similar.
Dave (The Other)
retired or the current active duty uniform appropriate for the occasion.
NAVPERS 15665I, Chapter 10 says the same.
Dave
(The Other)
"Charlie Wolf" <cw...@pleasenomail.net> wrote in message
news:q3of84lv5mep5h68v...@4ax.com...
David E. Powell
D. Spencer Hines
David E. Powell
> SDK can be seen in MANY films about World War II and the Korean War
G. Gordon Liddy has often said that the Army, especially, could use
some of that retro touch.
D. Spencer Hines
--
DSH
Lux et Veritas et Libertas
Vires et Honor
"David E. Powell" <David_Po...@msn.com> wrote in message
news:317148f6-34e8-4bf0...@z11g2000prl.googlegroups.com...
a425couple
> It was a really stupid and short-sighted decision by the Navy ever to get
> rid of the excellent, traditional Service Dress Khaki uniform in 1975.
I'll post / reminesce / ask, twisting considerably off original topic.
I served in the USMC.
By the time we finished the 6 month TBS we were all
required to have bought and shown for inspection:
Dress Blues,
Dress Whites,
Service Dress Greens - 2 sets!!
Service Dress Khaki
(If I recall correctly - we already knew they being phased out!)
Overcoat - green
Sword - engraved with name.
In addition to the clothes we needed for regular likely duties
(utilities, extra green slacks, extra khaki shirts & ties etc.)
All had to be 'perfectly' fitted - and I shaped unusually!
I know the cost sounds like a pittance now, but at the time
the $160 - 190 cost of each set was quite a bit, especially
when we knew many of the items would rarely/never
be worn again.
(IIRC - I wore the "whites" once, voluntary served
forming a sword 'arch' for another's wedding.)
(side bit - for I and fair number of others, it just
worked out easier to have about 15 sets of utilities,
5 to 7 in for laundering, starching, pressing each week,
and pick up the 5-7 from the last week, with a
couple in 'emergency reserve')
After my active duty, I served 3-4 years in active
reserve, and after that put away these uniforms
just in case of a rare 'emergency callback'.
(yeah, I'll admit, people have called me a "hoarder")
And then when I had to move, time was short,
quicker to pack them and move to new attic,
than take time to cull out.
I gave away many things (esp. the utilities) that
others could use. But seems I could never find
anyone that would fit the 'fitted' sets.
I hate throwing away stuff, , especially expensive
like 'new' stuff.
Well, even I am realizing that I should cull out
much more!
#1. What to keep? (if any??!?)
1A. Hmm, should I keep the blues??
Look neat, some nice memories, should I again
attend some USMC Birthday Balls?
Should I consider being burried it it??
1B. Greens, always sharp & frequently worn - but why?
1C. Whites ?!?
Well, certainly the Khaki's, and one Green
and rest of utilities, gotta go!
#2. Where give to?
The clothing donation places?
Drama groups?
(face it - military 'plays' are not in, and -- sizes)
I suppose I'm inviting comments,
(but not really feeling like I need to be beaten
up on --)
D. Spencer Hines
Sharpness Is A Virtue...
--
DSH
Lux et Veritas et Libertas
Vires et Honor
"a425couple" <a425c...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:JNWdnYoripk1AhXV...@comcast.com...
Charlie Wolf
'Preciate it...
Regards,
D. Spencer Hines
If there is no entry in Naval Regulations or lawful orders specifically
PROHIBITING some action then...
Proceed On Course As Desired...
Even then there's some flex...
As in CUMSHAW...
A Master Talent of good CPO's the World Over.
The Army and Air Force are far more timid in taking individual action in
such circumstances.
Marines wisely follow Navy Rules -- or lack of them...
As does the Coast Guard.
--
DSH
Lux et Veritas et Libertas
Vires et Honor
"Charlie Wolf" <charli...@noemail.com> wrote in message
news:2pnh84l04f68u7ift...@4ax.com...
>>>>>> Zumwalt, who was the CNO from 1970-1974.
william boyd
> Why not?...
>
> I'm no expert on such matters, Chief -- but it seems to me you certainly
> could wear the SDK -- as the critical factor is that it will be [hopefully]
> authorized for wear soon.
>
> Anyone who tried to tell you you couldn't wear it would need some damn good
> reasons...
>
> And I don't see any.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Spence Hines
>
>
can wear either the current uniform or the one in existent when you retired.
--
Posted by HOPPIE, 30 Years Active Duty ,11 Campaigns Vietnam, 100% DAV,
Life Member; Am.Lgn,DAV,VFW,AFSA,VVA.
Nigel Brooks
"william boyd" <willi...@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:488901c9$1...@newsgate.x-privat.org...
> I am not familiar with Navy directives, but the Air Force indicates you
> can wear either the current uniform or the one in existent when you
> retired.
Betcha can't fit into it
Nigel Brooks
Horvath
wrote this crap:
>
>> I am not familiar with Navy directives, but the Air Force indicates you
>> can wear either the current uniform or the one in existent when you
>> retired.
>
>
>Betcha can't fit into it
>
>Nigel Brooks
I can still wear my old Army uniforms. In fact, they are a little
big.
Hor...@Horvath.net
My T-shirt says, "This shirt is the
ultimate power in the universe."
Justin
> Thanks Dave. I believe that may be the definitive answer.
>
Right. US Navy Uniform Regulations, Article 61002 <http://
buperscd.technology.navy.mil/bup_updt/508/unireg/chapter6/
chapter_6.htm#sec10> :
<<5. GROOMING STANDARDS. Retired personnel must comply with the
grooming standards in these regulations, but uniforms and equipment
may either be those prescribed here or those authorized at the time of
their retirement.>>
So as soon as SDK shows up in the regs, you can wear it.
One thing I like about the re-born SDK is that chiefs will wear their
crow and hash marks; I like being able to see someone's rating. I
wonder if they will re-authorize the khaki rating badge with the blue
(black) stripes and the silver embroidered crow and specialty mark,
that was sharp looking. In photos of the MCPON the crow and specialty
mark are blue.
--Justin
frank
helmet.
though things went down hill when they scrapped the missile blue
flight suits.
Or the white overalls in SAC for maintenance.
Anything else?
There were blue flight suits, and orange flight suits, some were still
around in the late 80s at Edwards. Orange anyway.
William Boyd
I deep sixed mine a long time ago including the mess dress that I had
made in Korea.
--
BILL P.
&
DOG
Horvath
<willi...@bellsouth.net> wrote this crap:
>>> Betcha can't fit into it
>>>
>>> Nigel Brooks
>>
>>
>> I can still wear my old Army uniforms. In fact, they are a little
>> big.
>>
>
>I deep sixed mine a long time ago including the mess dress that I had
>made in Korea.
Shoulda sold it on e-bay. You coulda bought a round of drinks at the
VFW.
Horvath
wrote this crap:
>Well I'm getting ready to sell the house that I've been in since
>retirement & found a fully packed & ready "Go-bag" in the attic
>complete with all regulation required (for that era) shake-down shit.
My advise is to sell the crap on e-bay, and buy a round of drinks at
william boyd
I remember way, way back when I was in the Army around 1953 and we had
gabardines. That was a neat, clean looking uniform. Looked a lot better
than the 1505s the Air Force had with that Bush jacket later on. Both
were Khaki but the cotton they were made of would not hold a press. I
think the same time I was in the army, the Air Force had about the same
uniform as the Army.
rope...@gmail.com
Sadly, the uniforms I wore when I retired have shrunk considerably in
the years they've been hanging in the closet.....
CJ Adams
>
>
>
>
> Sadly, the uniforms I wore when I retired have shrunk considerably in
> the years they've been hanging in the closet.....
I've noticed that too. I think mothballs, cedar,
courrugated carboard and the glue fumes from sealing tape
are likely culprits. Wool seems to suffer the most. My
battledress seems to have dropped about five sizes.
I wonder about Cdr Hines (ret). Can he still get his hat on?
Cheers
CJ Adams
David E. Powell
> On Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:51:04 -0500, William Boyd
>
> >>> Betcha can't fit into it
>
> >>> Nigel Brooks
>
> >> I can still wear my old Army uniforms. In fact, they are a little
> >> big.
>
> >I deep sixed mine a long time ago including the mess dress that I had
> >made in Korea.
>
> Shoulda sold it on e-bay. You coulda bought a round of drinks at the
> VFW.
There are folks out there who will buy that stuff....
> Horv...@Horvath.net
David E. Powell
> "Retro" is the wrong word.
OK. Liddy's words were that the older uniforms looked better and had
more panache in his opinion. Not saying it is "old" jus that touches
can be sued and updated. Like the hats the women in the service wear
that trace their roots to the 1940s.
> --
> DSH
> Lux et Veritas et Libertas
> Vires et Honor
>
> "David E. Powell" <David_Powell3...@msn.com> wrote in messagenews:317148f6-34e8-4bf0...@z11g2000prl.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > On Jul 23, 11:53 pm, "D. Spencer Hines" <pant...@excelsior.com> wrote:
> >> SDK can be seen in MANY films about World War II and the Korean War
>
> > G. Gordon Liddy has often said that the Army, especially, could use
> > some of that retro touch.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
D. Spencer Hines
All Good...
Navy Traditions...
SDK is an integral part of that.
Admiral Mike Mullen seems to understand that and is leading the way -- as
his public appearances in SDK demonstrate. He is neither "retro"...
Nor Airy-Fairy, Ersatz "Practical" "Fashion"...
A la Elmo Zumwalt...and his successor James Holloway....
With their Pedestrian Uniforms that made Naval Folks look like longshoremen
and golfers or vacationers in Acapulco.
--
DSH
Lux et Veritas et Libertas
Vires et Honor
"David E. Powell" <David_Po...@msn.com> wrote in message
news:4d97a63d-e548-4bba...@f63g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
Andrew Chaplin
> Like the hats the women in the service wear
> that trace their roots to the 1940s.
I believe that, as women's hats, they drew on 1940s fashion, but those
fashions in turn drew on the 18th century military tricorn and bicorn.
--
Andrew Chaplin
SIT MIHI GLADIUS SICUT SANCTO MARTINO
(If you're going to e-mail me, you'll have to get "yourfinger." out.)
William Black
"Andrew Chaplin" <ab.ch...@yourfinger.rogers.com> wrote in message
news:Ip6dnf4IZqXeLRDV...@giganews.com...
> "David E. Powell" <David_Po...@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:4d97a63d-e548-4bba...@f63g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
>
>> Like the hats the women in the service wear
>> that trace their roots to the 1940s.
>
> I believe that, as women's hats, they drew on 1940s fashion, but those
> fashions in turn drew on the 18th century military tricorn and bicorn.
All fashion, even military fashion, is evolutionary rather than
revolutionary.
You can trace the 'patch pocket service dress' back through the officers
frock coat in its various incarnations right back to the buttoned foul
weather cloak/jacket called a 'casok' of soldiers of the seventeenth
century.
Military hat and helmets are fun though.
Especially the British ones, because the WWI British 'tin hat' is based on a
medieval 'kettle hat'...
--
William Black
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.
Barbeques on fire by the chalets past the castle headland
I watched the gift shops glitter in the darkness off the Newborough gate
All these moments will be lost in time, like icecream on the beach
Time for tea.
D. Spencer Hines
They are quite attractive naval caps...
Not hats.
--
DSH
Lux et Veritas et Libertas
Vires et Honor
"Andrew Chaplin" <ab.ch...@yourfinger.rogers.com> wrote in message
news:Ip6dnf4IZqXeLRDV...@giganews.com...
> "David E. Powell" <David_Po...@msn.com> wrote in message
D. Spencer Hines
All Good...
Navy Traditions...
SDK is an integral part of that.
Admiral Mike Mullen seems to understand that and is leading the way -- as
his public appearances in SDK demonstrate. He is neither "retro"...
Nor Airy-Fairy, Ersatz "Practical" "Fashion"...
A la Elmo Zumwalt...and his successor as CNO, James Holloway....
With their Pedestrian Uniforms that made Naval Folks look like longshoremen
and/or golfers or vacationers in Acapulco.
--
DSH
Lux et Veritas et Libertas
Vires et Honor
"David E. Powell" <David_Po...@msn.com> wrote in message
news:4d97a63d-e548-4bba...@f63g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> On Jul 24, 1:23 am, "D. Spencer Hines" <pant...@excelsior.com> wrote:
>> "Retro" is the wrong word.
>
> OK. Liddy's words were that the older uniforms looked better and had
> more panache in his opinion. Not saying it is "old" jus that touches
> can be sued and updated. Like the hats the women in the service wear
> that trace their roots to the 1940s.
>
>> --
>> DSH
>> Lux et Veritas et Libertas
>> Vires et Honor
>>