The White Falcon - 25.06.1971, Blaðsíða 12

Uniform switch sparks local comments
Last week the Navy announced
sweeping changes in the uniforms
its people wear.
Basically these changes are:
a change to CPO-type uniforms for
E-6 and below, phasing out of the
white hat, jumpers and necker-
chiefs, and service dress whites
for chiefs, and khakis for both
chiefs and officers.
The White Falcon has sampled
Navymen here to test their re-
action to the announced change.
This sampling is completely at
random, however it does not re-
flect a base-wide trend of feel-
ings on the change.
• DK1 Roy Bollinger, Disbur-
sing Office:: "I think the change
is good, and will boost morale.
Although 1 hate to see the tra-
ditional uniform go, the change
will make the younger men feel
more human, and they will have
more pride in their uniform."
• AA Martin Yeip, Passenger
Service: "I like the change to
the new uniforms. The present
uniform is uncomfortable, and I
feel the ch ge is long overdue."
• HM2 Pa^JL Smith, Medical De-
partment: "I think the new uni-
form is a good improvement. We
in the medical profession will
present a better image to the
people we serve. The coat and
tie are more professional,and the
trouser pockets are sure going to
be handy."
• UTC Howard Daves, Housing
Office: "I don't like the change
in uniforms. I like my khakis,,
and they're going too. The pres-
ent uniform in the Navy is more
practical and economical, and has
been proven over the years. Its
distinction from the other ser-
vices is one we have enjoyed for
a long time, and has been a big
incentive for making Chief. With
the new uniforms, this incentive
will be lost."
• BT2 Kenneth Boyles, Security
Department: "I'm not in favor of
the change. I believe an E-6
should look like an E-6 and not
like a Chief."
• LI1 Bob Prout, Print Shop:
"Other than the cost of upkeep, I
think the change is great. The
new uniforms should be more com-
fortable, like wearing a suit."
• PH3 Dennis M. Behling, Nav-
Sta Photo Lab: "I prefer the
12
This is the new enlisted uni-
form Navymen will start wear-
ing in July 1973. It becomes
optional wear then when the
Navy starts issuing it to new
recruits.
present uniform because it giv>^^^^
every position a distinctio.^^^H
With the new uniforms, everyonl^^^
will look like a bunch of Chiefs.
I don't think it will have much
effect on morale in the Navy."
• ACC Carl Evans, Leading CPO,
GCA: "It's a good idea and should
be a big morale boost. It does
not really affect me, therefore
I have no real personal reaction,
but I would be in favor of a sin-
gle uniform for all U.S. military
services."
• YN2 James Pearson,IDF Staff:
"I think it is a good idea, but I,
also feel we should retain the
present dress blue uniform. We
could use them both as options,
and utilize the new uniform for
formal and ceremonial occasions..
The old uniform appears more prac-
tical in some liberty ports."
• RM1 Billy McPherson, CommSta
Message Center: "I don't like
the new uniforms. I think
present uniforms look more
tary, distinctive, and are
practical. The new uniforms will
present problems aboard ship with
proper cleaning facilities, and
storage, especially for the coats
and white shirts."
• YN2 Arthur Nettis, Supply
Department: "I think the change
is long overdue. The Navy has
had too many uniforms for too
long. The lightweight uniforms
are the best idea, and should be
more comfortable to wear. In
short, this change will make us
look more like men instead of
boys."
• PHAN Michael K. Burke,VP-24:
"I think it is a lot better uni-
form. There is a lot of tradit-
ion going down the drain. It's
good, but I won't stay in the
Navy for it."
• AG2 John Gilzean, Fleet Wea-
ther:: "Good. I think it's about
time for a change. The style of
the new uniforms is a complete
break with tradition."
• DTI Walter J. Wojciecnowlcz,
Dental Department: "To be honest
I don't think I'd like it. I've
looked forward, my whole career,
to that uniform when I make Chief
and now everybody is going to get
it. It should have remained an
incentive for everyone to make
Chief."
June 25, 1