New Royal Navy combat number 4 uniform.
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I'm not sure the noise would be a serious factor in most RN situations unless the iPod needed to be switched off in a hurry when operating in a clandestine environment. They would probably wear a combat uniform for that I suppose. When the Velcro wears out, they would probably exchange the item at stores.
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*for grammar school oiks, that's a Chaucerian phrase meaning 'an old fart'!
Were one more incensed, one might be tempted to say:
I wolde I hadde thy coillons in myn hond .... lat cutte hem of ...... thay shul be shryned in an hogges tord.
]
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RN uniform is a farce. The good ideas club are continually coming up with expensive ways to make pointless changes. In '96 we had the bright idea that ABs who did not wear epaulettes would now wear ones saying Royal Navy - just to remind them which service they were in. Then we had the Billy & Johnny style dungarees that were trialled on some ships to replace 8's at that time.
The only useful change post Falklands I know of was in around 2001 when a new style 8's (then re-named 4's) trousers were released which had thigh pockets. Those were released on a ship by ship basis along with a new norgie type top to replace the shirt. That was not too bad but - branch badges were not worn on them and - if you got drafted to another ship or shore establishment that had not yet adopted the new rig - you ended up having to get a re-issue of the old kit just to save the hassle of all the querying etc.
Baseball caps have always been worn on ships whilst on deployment. Never as official uniform policy but it was allowed. There was always a few who thought emulating the yanks looked somewhat cooler than a beret.
They were not issued but sold by the naafi - which was a pain if the captain decreed harbour stations would be wearing baseball caps if you didnt have one.
The only useful change post Falklands I know of was in around 2001 when a new style 8's (then re-named 4's) trousers were released which had thigh pockets. Those were released on a ship by ship basis along with a new norgie type top to replace the shirt. That was not too bad but - branch badges were not worn on them and - if you got drafted to another ship or shore establishment that had not yet adopted the new rig - you ended up having to get a re-issue of the old kit just to save the hassle of all the querying etc.
Baseball caps have always been worn on ships whilst on deployment. Never as official uniform policy but it was allowed. There was always a few who thought emulating the yanks looked somewhat cooler than a beret.
They were not issued but sold by the naafi - which was a pain if the captain decreed harbour stations would be wearing baseball caps if you didnt have one.
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Now in the tellygraph
Royal Navy's 'cool' new uniform will leave British sailors looking like garage mechanics, critics say - Telegraph
Their take on it.
Doesn't look that bad really, bit more practical with the big thigh pockets also useful. Dark blue hides the oil, the dirt and worse.
Their take on it.
Doesn't look that bad really, bit more practical with the big thigh pockets also useful. Dark blue hides the oil, the dirt and worse.
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Dark blue hides the oil, the dirt and worse.
Some years ago there was a bright idea that a ceremonial uniform would be provided and working/protective clothing also but only for those needing same - everybody would otherwise wear civvies.
Furthermore, at places like HQs, nobody in uniform wore a hat and all this saluting do dah went out the window, again except when necessary.
Perhaps fortunately, the days when I need to trouble myself as to where I left my sword and white gloves (and is it the canvas belt under the jacket or the gold wire one over it), are fast reducing and soon the sword will be just for opening the champers with a single stroke and the white gloves will be used for laying out the snooker balls or in my new job as a Toastmaster - all engagements welcome!
O-D
PS I've just forgotten how many gold bands a Squadron Corporal Major of Horse wears round his forage cap - anybody know offhand?
Furthermore, at places like HQs, nobody in uniform wore a hat and all this saluting do dah went out the window, again except when necessary.
Perhaps fortunately, the days when I need to trouble myself as to where I left my sword and white gloves (and is it the canvas belt under the jacket or the gold wire one over it), are fast reducing and soon the sword will be just for opening the champers with a single stroke and the white gloves will be used for laying out the snooker balls or in my new job as a Toastmaster - all engagements welcome!
O-D
PS I've just forgotten how many gold bands a Squadron Corporal Major of Horse wears round his forage cap - anybody know offhand?
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Who comes up with these designs? This one I have no opinion one way or another but the Royal Air Force had some crazy changes. Horrible and cheap.
Sister Exascot says that the PMRAFNS trialled out a new uniform 20 odd years ago. It was see through. To get your knee on a bed to move a patient you had to hitch your skirt above your stocking tops. Then when lifting said person the uniform top was so tight that it ripped open.
Now who designed that? Give him a KCB
Sister Exascot says that the PMRAFNS trialled out a new uniform 20 odd years ago. It was see through. To get your knee on a bed to move a patient you had to hitch your skirt above your stocking tops. Then when lifting said person the uniform top was so tight that it ripped open.
Now who designed that? Give him a KCB
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You can get dark blue "bump" hats. I despised mine at first but wouldn't be without it now after 4 months or so, it really does do what it says on the tin, might be useful onboard, just a thought...
I still think Rank epaulette on the front looks like one of those 'speaking dolls' of my youth, but I can see the benefit, especially for those vertical challenged sorts who had to squint to try and catch a glimpse of what rank a taller chap was. Still too 'American' for my grumpy old self.
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Rank on the front makes a lot of sense, especially when extra equipment smothers the shoulder area.
Anyone remember those awful 'invisible' rank brooches that went with RAF wetties?
Anyone remember those awful 'invisible' rank brooches that went with RAF wetties?
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oooh ... and that from California!! I do suggest that 'World's Smartest Dressed Military' may lave the USofA trailing in the league table
Rank works on the front as long as no one minds being called 'mate' from behind as you can't see it on their shoulders!
...sounds like a song about Jaguars, actually, so to speak...
LJ
...sounds like a song about Jaguars, actually, so to speak...
LJ
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This sort of change often seems to generate opinion and debate, but I suspect it's mainly from the old, bold (!) and retired who will never get to experience wearing the uniform concerned.
I'd be more impressed if I read comments from those who actually have to use it for real as their opinions may be more relevant.
I can't see much of a problem with uniform change - things move on.
I'd be more impressed if I read comments from those who actually have to use it for real as their opinions may be more relevant.
I can't see much of a problem with uniform change - things move on.
