Aviation Uniforms and Customs for the new ENS

[Renegade One]

The RN makes it look awesome - I saw a few dudes try the soft shoulder boards from the white SDB shirt on the blue flight suit - it looked dorky and there was a fair amount of JOPA shaming as a result. I'd love to see USN adopt something like the RN and Canadians...

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If the Navy MANDATED those, most folks would have a major cow. RN doesn't, I don't think, have any form of collar devices to use in lieu of the above, but I'm guessing some of them they wish they had. I'd file this under "Grass Isn't Always Greener". Caveat: Except for the whole drinkie-poo in the wardroom thingie. THAT's greener...

 

[Treetop Flyer]

I was under the impression that the Navy and Marines used the CWU-74/P - designed to be worn as an outer garment

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After a quick search I may have had a CWU-86/P. At least it’s close, although some pictures lack the feet and mine had feet

 

[ChuckMK23]

After a quick search I may have had a CWU-86/P. At least it’s close, although some pictures lack the feet and mine had feet

Nice - https://www.switlik.com/military/cwu-86

 

[SynixMan]

If the Navy MANDATED those, most folks would have a major cow. RN doesn't, I don't think, have any form of collar devices to use in lieu of the above, but I'm guessing some of them they wish they had. I'd file this under "Grass Isn't Always Greener". Caveat: Except for the whole drinkie-poo in the wardroom thingie. THAT's greener...

Having worked with a Brit Deputy CDRE, Royal Navy and Aussie LNOs, and spent some time underway with the Brits, they fucking get it. Their uniforms are sensical (working and dress), they take the job seriously, and they know how to party.

 

[HAL Pilot]

When did the navy start sewing rank on the shoulders of flight suits? It wasn’t normal back in the late 80’s, early 90’s.

It happened during the Desert Shield/Storm. All the other services were pissed off they couldn't tell the Navy guys rank without looking at the name tags.

The Marines added the U.S. Marines and name strips about that time for the same reason. The other services wanted them to add rank to their flight suits too but they successfully resisted that one. They used the argument that if shot down, it provided unnecessary information to their capturers.

 

[ChuckMK23]

When did the navy start sewing rank on the shoulders of flight suits? It wasn’t normal back in the late 80’s, early 90’s.

It became mandated in 1994 - PR's were busy that year. Its been a thing since - the up side is the flight uniform - be it the one piece zoom bag or two piece - is a "uniform" on par with our AF comrades.

You have to hand it to the Marines on managing their uniform culture with the long view. No shoulder insignia there! A sensical look.

 

[Gatordev]

I believe that type has been phased out. I only had one that was worn instead of a flight suit, not under it. Unless that has changed again in the last few years

They do issue the new ones, but unfortunately if the old ones were still servicable, they reissued the old one. About a year before I retired, my old one was due for expiration. Naturally this happened during the winter, so I figured I'd get issued a new one. Nope, mine came back back in service from AIMD. So naturally I did what I had done my whole career...continue to not wear it.

I think I tried to get rid of it when I retired so if I came back as a contractor I would have to be issued a new one, but my old one ended up following me home, I believe. It's like a bad penny.

 

[AllAmerican75]

Having worked with a Brit Deputy CDRE, Royal Navy and Aussie LNOs, and spent some time underway with the Brits, they fucking get it. Their uniforms are sensical (working and dress), they take the job seriously, and they know how to party.

Can confirm, the Brits are consummate professionals. A word of advice, never go drinking with them. I made that mistake in Key West and not only was it in my top 10 of the drunkest I've ever been, but I also couldn't understand a word they were saying. And we were all speaking English (supposedly)!

 

[SynixMan]

Can confirm, the Brits are consummate professionals. A word of advice, never go drinking with them. I made that mistake in Key West and not only was it in my top 10 of the drunkest I've ever been, but I also couldn't understand a word they were saying. And we were all speaking English (supposedly)!

A) I have the x-ray to prove it

B) Never ask a Scotsman if they wear underwear

C) Thanks to COVID I missed out on the chance to go to Faslane, Scotland and kick it with them again

BT BT

Since I'm bored today at a desk, OPNAVINST 10126.4E specifically says of leather jackets "Wear is authorized upon completion of Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination" Now does it make sense to wear it without patches and in Corpus/Whiting typical weather? Probably not. But it's in black and white you can wear it.

 

[nittany03]

But it's in black and white you can wear it.

Never underestimate the irrational superstitions of SNAs/SNFOS. The Whiting helo crowd once had lucky bamboo.

 

[AllAmerican75]

Never underestimate the irrational superstitions of SNAs/SNFOS. The Whiting helo crowd once had lucky bamboo.

We Sailors sure are a superstitious bunch.

 

[Renegade One]

We Sailors sure are a superstitious bunch.

If PC runs amok and the Navy renames STENNIS and CARL VINSON..."Arrgh...accursed ships they'll be!"

 

[Hair Warrior]

The Navy will probably let TikTok and Fortnite users decide the new names. We will end up with the USS GRAY THICC BOI and USS WHITECLAW.

 

[AllAmerican75]

The Navy will probably let TikTok and Fortnite users decide the new names. We will end up with the USS GRAY THICC BOI and USS WHITECLAW.

"No laws when you're on the Whiteclaw!"
I can only imagine the memes and mirth on board.

 

[Birdbrain]

So the current uniform regs for flight suits green/tan are basically a garrison cap, a set of a sewn on shoulder ranks, patches of - one American flag or Navy Jack on the left shoulder, one leather or cloth squadron name tag with crest or warfare device on the left breast, one squadron patch on the right breast, and one right shoulder patch intended for weapons schools, cotton black/tan shirt, cotton underwear, cotton or wool green or white socks, and brown or black flight boots for E-7 and above and E-6 and below respectively. What would you change, if you were in command of NAVAIR's uniform board?