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New Navy uniform compared to a 'fire-retarded bin liner' New Navy uniform compared to a 'fire-retardant bin liner'
(about 3 hours later)
The Royal Navy’s first new uniform for 70 years has been compared to a “fire-retarded bin liner” and frequently compared to overalls worn by garage machanics. The Royal Navy’s first new uniform for 70 years has been compared to a “fire-retardant bin liner” and frequently compared to overalls worn by garage machanics.
The new darker blue uniform will replace the light blue shirt and trousers known as Action Working Dress, or No4, that had been in action since World War II.The new darker blue uniform will replace the light blue shirt and trousers known as Action Working Dress, or No4, that had been in action since World War II.
The Ministry of Defence had described the new design as “cool and more modern”, however wider reaction to Thursday’s unveiling was somewhat less enthusiastic.The Ministry of Defence had described the new design as “cool and more modern”, however wider reaction to Thursday’s unveiling was somewhat less enthusiastic.
One Twitter user compared it to a “sack of spuds tied in the middle,” another said that it had the look of a “fire retardant bin liner” and frequent references were made to similarities with jumpsuits worn by mechanics.One Twitter user compared it to a “sack of spuds tied in the middle,” another said that it had the look of a “fire retardant bin liner” and frequent references were made to similarities with jumpsuits worn by mechanics.
Still look like a sack of spuds tied in the middle :) BBC News - Royal Navy unveils 'modern' uniform http://t.co/qU4ziFbzUr (with respect!)Still look like a sack of spuds tied in the middle :) BBC News - Royal Navy unveils 'modern' uniform http://t.co/qU4ziFbzUr (with respect!)
However, on the site, a member of the Royal Navy said: “Can’t wait to get the new Royal Navy Uniform! Looks a lot better than the one we have now!”However, on the site, a member of the Royal Navy said: “Can’t wait to get the new Royal Navy Uniform! Looks a lot better than the one we have now!”
The navy have said that the majority of feedback from sailors has been positive.The navy have said that the majority of feedback from sailors has been positive.
The new design has several layers, including a t-shirt, top and thermals, and will offer more protection from fires. Badges denoting rank will also be worn on the front, instead of on the shoulders.The new design has several layers, including a t-shirt, top and thermals, and will offer more protection from fires. Badges denoting rank will also be worn on the front, instead of on the shoulders.
Still look like a sack of spuds tied in the middle :) BBC News - Royal Navy unveils 'modern' uniform http://t.co/qU4ziFbzUr (with respect!)Still look like a sack of spuds tied in the middle :) BBC News - Royal Navy unveils 'modern' uniform http://t.co/qU4ziFbzUr (with respect!)
Officially called the Royal Navy Personal Clothing System (RNPCS), the new design has already been tested on several ships and submarines.Officially called the Royal Navy Personal Clothing System (RNPCS), the new design has already been tested on several ships and submarines.
It will only be worn during operational duties and will not replace more formal uniforms or the berets when sailors return home from deployment.It will only be worn during operational duties and will not replace more formal uniforms or the berets when sailors return home from deployment.
It is fitted with Velcro fasteners that allow crew members to dress quickly if called into action and new boots with “fake” laces at the front which are “non-operational.”It is fitted with Velcro fasteners that allow crew members to dress quickly if called into action and new boots with “fake” laces at the front which are “non-operational.”
It has undergone a three year trial period, perhaps appropriately on the HMS Daring, and the next crew to wear the new No4s will be those on board the Portsmouth-based HMS Lancaster, which will head out to the South Atlantic on Saturday on a nine-month deployment.It has undergone a three year trial period, perhaps appropriately on the HMS Daring, and the next crew to wear the new No4s will be those on board the Portsmouth-based HMS Lancaster, which will head out to the South Atlantic on Saturday on a nine-month deployment.
It's been 70 years since the Navy's uniform was changedIt's been 70 years since the Navy's uniform was changed
Cdr Peter Laughton, commanding officer of HMS Lancaster, said: “We are extremely proud and genuinely delighted to be the first ship to wear the Royal Navy’s new uniform.Cdr Peter Laughton, commanding officer of HMS Lancaster, said: “We are extremely proud and genuinely delighted to be the first ship to wear the Royal Navy’s new uniform.
Still look like a sack of spuds tied in the middle :) BBC News - Royal Navy unveils 'modern' uniform http://t.co/qU4ziFbzUr (with respect!)Still look like a sack of spuds tied in the middle :) BBC News - Royal Navy unveils 'modern' uniform http://t.co/qU4ziFbzUr (with respect!)
“It is a really practical, smart and modern uniform, and the extra branding allows us to much better represent our service.”“It is a really practical, smart and modern uniform, and the extra branding allows us to much better represent our service.”
Around 22,000 sets of uniforms are being issued to sea-going ships in the current roll-out.Around 22,000 sets of uniforms are being issued to sea-going ships in the current roll-out.
Vice Admiral David Steel, who led the changes in his previous post of Second Sea Lord, described the old look as “a bit out of date.”Vice Admiral David Steel, who led the changes in his previous post of Second Sea Lord, described the old look as “a bit out of date.”
He added: “This is a modern uniform which suits a modern Navy.He added: “This is a modern uniform which suits a modern Navy.
“But the most important thing is that it is comfortable to wear in the extremes of climate in which the Royal Navy operates – from the Antarctic to the Gulf.”“But the most important thing is that it is comfortable to wear in the extremes of climate in which the Royal Navy operates – from the Antarctic to the Gulf.”
@BBCNews Oh dear, a fire retardent bin liner look! :( @thinkdefence @seapowerthinker@BBCNews Oh dear, a fire retardent bin liner look! :( @thinkdefence @seapowerthinker