iPhone app iPad app Android phone app Android tablet app More

Royal Navy Trials New Uniforms, Complete With Baseball Caps (PHOTOS)

Huffington Post UK  |  By Posted: 19/03/2012 12:22 Updated: 19/03/2012 12:28

Amazing
 Inspiring
 Funny
 Scary
 Hot
 Crazy
 Important
 Weird
Royalnavypreview

The Royal Navy has unveiled its first uniform overhaul in 20 years.

The crew of the HMS Daring are using the new kit on counter-piracy operations in the Arabian Gulf.

Known as the Number 4 dress, the dark blue uniform replaces the familiar light blue outfits.

The Ministry of Defence said the uniforms are designed to adapt to the different conditions faced by the Navy at sea around the globe.

Among the upgrades are the addition of slanted pockets on the legs to make them easier to open while sitting down, and new baseball caps as well as more traditional hats.

Boots have zips and not laces, to make them easier to put on quickly, and collars are made with Velcro.

Rank badges will be form on the front of the uniform and not on the shoulders, as is more traditional.

Lieutenant Commander Ben Hughes, HMS Daring's Logistics Officer, said:

"So far the reaction on board the ship has been very positive. It is a comfortable, practical uniform that looks much more modern than the old style.

"The boots are very comfortable as well, especially for people who are stood on their feet all day and with the zip it makes it easier to just pull them on and off."

The uniforms will be made by a British company, and other trials on Type 23 Frigate HMS Windsor and Trafalgar-class submarine HMS Talent will follow.

The new uniform is being manufactured by a British company as part of a £250,000 contract. Similar trials of the new uniform are due to take place on the Type 23 Frigate HMS Westminster and the Trafalgar class submarine HMS Talent.

Launch Slideshow
?
 HIDE THUMBNAILS
1 of 7
PLAY ALL
VOTE ON THIS SLIDE

ADVERTISEMENT
FOLLOW UK

The Royal Navy has unveiled its first uniform overhaul in 20 years. The crew of the HMS Daring are using the new kit on counter-piracy operations in the Arabian Gulf. Known as the Number 4 dress...
The Royal Navy has unveiled its first uniform overhaul in 20 years. The crew of the HMS Daring are using the new kit on counter-piracy operations in the Arabian Gulf. Known as the Number 4 dress...
 
 
  • Comments
  • 40
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Post Comment Preview Comment
To reply to a Comment: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to.
View All
Favorites
Recency  | 
Popularity
Page: 1 2  Next ›  Last »  (2 total)
MCPWilk
0 Fans
12:37 PM on 03/20/2012
The baseball caps are dire. There's is no reason for rank to be on the chest, not on the shoulders. The rest of the outfit isn't too bad as working dress.

Shame we haven't got a navy anymore, so there won't be too many sailors wearing this rig. Since when were service personnel meant to look 'cool' (MOD statement)?

Mike W.
Permalink  |
MCPWilk
0 Fans
12:38 PM on 03/20/2012
P.S. the navy is not 'trialling' this outfir, they are trying it. Trial is a noun, try is the verb.
Permalink  |
Wstr
0 Fans
01:43 PM on 03/20/2012
As this is pretty much a blue version of the Army's PCS Lightweight Jacket the rank slide has simply been retained in the same position (and the same position Navy and RM personnel are used to seeing their rank when dressed in DPM or MTP combats).
In the Army the lack of epaulettes (to snag) and the ability to turn up the collar (to avoid chafing at the neck) is meant to facilitate the donning of packs and/or body armour. Whilst a distracting break from *recent* tradition, there's probably some Naval utility there for pack encumbered aid parties; damage control parties and topside force protection sentries or AA gunners.
I don't know if this makes it worst or better but it is also close to being the Euro standard as most EU countries have rank positioned there in their field gear.
Permalink  |
MCPWilk
0 Fans
08:52 PM on 03/20/2012
The new uniform was described by a former senior officer in one of today's broadsheets as not looking out of place in a fast food outlet!

I think it is the baseball cap I most take exception to.

Mike W
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
virtusfides
13 Fans
10:03 AM on 03/20/2012
The Britsh army have to obey the US military, like it or not we are under their command, so why not not it a similar uniform. It will be easier for the S commanders to recognize the British sailors under their command. Shame however that we are losing our identity just to please the US. Just wish that the US would pay for it it is after all in their interest!
Permalink  |
photo
allanwarren2000
0 Fans
09:04 AM on 03/20/2012
What are Royal Navy officers doing wearing American Baseball caps? The British don't even play the game. Surely if they are going to reduce the new uniforms to farce, then at least let them wear a cricket Cap, as without doubt it would be more dignified. Lets hope the Royal Navy's reaction is to raise them high and throw them where they belong into the Ocean!
Allan Warren
Permalink  |
Wstr
0 Fans
08:39 AM on 03/20/2012
There's a lot of ill informed outrage, the article says it's a replacement for the no.4 dress but I don't think many commentators know what that is. Let's get straight to the declining style/standards point. The 'smart' uniforms (blues & whites) are retained. This replaces the daily shipboard working dress of dark trousers and light blue shirt, that was never the best looking working dress in the world and with prominent high-contrast dark blue buttons could be particular unflattering on busty female crew (esp with standout chest pocket 'nipples'). As far as the international trend for moving to hard wearing but comfortable combat dress this is IMHO one of the smartest. Google 'USN NWU' for the American 'Banana republic police camo' equivalent, or 'RAN DPCU' for the Australian 'Sea Scout' look (nicer camo but festooned with too many coloured badges). As for baseball caps see any RN documentary over the last 15 years and they are very much in evidence (i.e. not new). Not only do they provide a sun shield for those not supplied with a peaked hat but they stay on the head in wind easier than a beret.
Permalink  |
Scam2
23 Fans
09:14 AM on 03/20/2012
Still have bell bottoms with the seven creases and tailored jackets ? Blues and whites as you call them are No 1's , and are now tailored more to the style of the US navy, as is this latest No 4 dress . So hardly ill informed outrage that the Royal Navy dress is being Americanised.
Permalink  |
Wstr
0 Fans
09:48 AM on 03/20/2012
My 'ill-informed' point was more aimed at those who think this is the be all of the Navy's uniform and what will be worn at procedure alpha when entering/leaving port. Your creeping Americanisation is well put but more measured than some of the hysterical 'might as well be yanks' comments that I was trying to tackle.
Blues and whites was indeed shorthand for the various permutations of blue & white (tropical) no.1-3 dress and despite minor modifications that you note, they thankfully still have a long way to go before being mistaken for US khaki. The combat style is following an international trend which includes the Americans so therefore will obviously share general look-alike similarities, but it still has distinct RN elements: UK/Euro style chest rank (same as Army); tucked-in shirt & staple belt rather than US baggy over-shirt 'pyjamas' look. I still think this is one of the smartest takes on that trend & more typically British than the style of the USN NWU.
Permalink  |
Wstr
0 Fans
09:58 AM on 03/20/2012
(damn sticky return key).... and no camo print either, thank the Lord! It's hard to not come away looking like a dictator's paramilitary police force, when trying that with various blue/grey palettes.
Permalink  |
billobong
5 Fans
08:39 AM on 03/20/2012
That's a great idea putting the rank insignia on the chest, makes it so much easier for a sniper to identify officers and makes an excellent target to ensure maximum internal injury!
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
jacksdad41
Quant Je Puis
169 Fans
 
10:25 AM on 03/20/2012
Couldn agree more @billobong and oh for the good old days (not slops - I am not that old!!) - rig of the day announced, square 8's and 5 creases on your ones and twos and if you were tall enough you got seven. All very Americanised as the Army and Air force plus NHS. Gieves and Hawkes military will be upset at losing a lot of trade to the "Senior service". Lots were learned about clothing after the Falklands and the adoption of these are specialist working uniforms. No. 4 is IAWD (Improved Action Working Dress) with flame retardant properties. A lot of my shipmates suffered flash burns down South.

NB On one occasion in 1853, the commanding officer of HMS Harlequin paid for his boat crews to dress as harlequins, an incident which may have contributed to the Admiralty's decision to adopt a standard uniform - matelots in Harlequin unfiorm?? Good dit ;-)
Permalink  |
Scam2
23 Fans
08:30 AM on 03/20/2012
The Royal Navy uniforms of the past were the smartest in the world. But I suppose as the establishment have been selling off the UK to foreigners since Thatcher, it is no real suprise that the Navy is now going to look like them.
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
jacksdad41
Quant Je Puis
169 Fans
 
10:31 AM on 03/20/2012
well @scam 2 - Along with your post and another blaming Cameron it must be a Tory conspiracy to re-dress the Andrew.
Permalink  |
whattamess
2 Fans
07:03 AM on 03/20/2012
Better we spend some money and get some ships first..........and keep our own identity with the uniforms our sailors currently wear.
Permalink  |
Steve2uok
0 Fans
04:10 AM on 03/20/2012
I know let's do something different.........Let's copy the yanks we haven't done that for a while???
Permalink  |
hxjp
19 Fans
04:01 AM on 03/20/2012
being a gardener, and out in the sun daily, i think it's a great idea for those serving to try.
let them decide. all these bad comments are offbase- support your troops.
they look nice, and help the women keep their hair protected and out of the way. just make sure they are 100% cotton (washable), blends make you sweat something fierce- and have a metal adjustment brad in the back.
i'd wear one, if they were available.
remember to use your spf daily, guys and gals.
Permalink  |
weskirk1
605 Fans
03:24 AM on 03/20/2012
Ido not know about the navy, but the old army
uniforms felt as if they were covered with glasspaper,
in the inside, including the shirts.
wes
Permalink  |
madkerrui
22 Fans
12:46 AM on 03/20/2012
Base ball caps are fine for baseball in any other scenario they are awful.
Permalink  |
dragopent
8 Fans
09:21 PM on 03/19/2012
so this was what cameron was in the US for buying uniforms for the navy who now look like they flip burgers for a living this totally insults our brave naval personel in my opinion and insults all thoses that sacrificed before them.
Permalink  |
The Toecutter
14 Fans
09:06 PM on 03/19/2012
That shot makes it look like the ship has been taken over by a load of chavs
Permalink  |
gazamartin
1 Fans
06:40 PM on 03/19/2012
The British Royal Navy is steeped in tradition and history. This is an insult to the memory of all those great sailors. And at around £800 per kit, based on number of those serving and cost of £250.000.00, it makes it even worse. Who is making them?? Louis Vuitton.
Get back to the white top and bell bottoms with the seven creases. Men (and women) were proud to be seen in that uniform. This makes them look like Kentucky Fried Chicken kids!!
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
HellBank
Curve: The loveliest distance between two points.
1340 Fans
 
06:03 PM on 03/19/2012
Great. Nice aiming point in center of chest.
Permalink  |
 
Page: 1 2  Next ›  Last »  (2 total)