NWU Type III Transition Begins
5 Things You Should Know
19 October 2016
Earlier this month, the Navy began its transition from the Navy Working Uniform Type (NWU) I to the NWU Type III as its primary shore working uniform. Here are five things to know about the uniform switch:
1. Sailors can wear either the NWU Type I or III right now, but effective Oct. 1, 2019, all Sailors will be expected to wear the NWU Type III as their primary working uniform when ashore or in port.
2. Until further policy guidance is issued, black boots will be the standard boot worn in the United States and its territories with the NWU Type III, but units can set a command-wide policy authorizing use of the tan boot. In addition to black boots, the black fleece is authorized for wear with the NWU Type III. Expeditionary forces in the United States or any forward deployed forces may wear the desert tan or coyote brown boots at the discretion of the unit commanding officer with the NWU Type III. A future NAVADMIN will be released to specify the revised manner of wear to include authorized components worn with the NWU Type III.
3. As announced this past August, Sailors will be able to purchase NWU Type III components for personal wear through Navy Exchange uniform stores and call centers once there is sufficient inventory on hand. NEXCOM expects to have Type III uniforms in select uniform stores next fall and will expand sales based upon inventory availability. While the Navy is developing an incremental regional fielding plan for the NWU Type III, this transition period will give Sailors time to prepare for the change and allow them to get maximum wear out of recently purchased NWU Type I uniforms.
4. This change is the first step in a multi-phased process that will streamline and consolidate the Navy's uniform requirements, and ultimately improve uniformity across the force. The Navy has listened to Sailors' feedback and is incorporating their desires to have a working uniform that is better fitting, more breathable and lighter weight.
5. Enlisted clothing replacement allowance will be adjusted to cover costs of these uniform changes and requirements. By law, commissioned officers pay for their uniforms with personal funds. Officers are currently entitled to a one-time uniform stipend ($400), paid at the beginning of their careers. An additional stipend cannot be granted without a change in law.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.