Chiefs, officers say khaki must be earned

[unhappycamper]

Chiefs, officers say khaki must be earned
By Mark D. Faram - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Feb 21, 2009 15:13:56 EST

Six months ago, the only people in the Navy wearing khaki were chiefs and officers. That changed with the rollout of the new service uniform, a khaki shirt, black pants combination for E-6s and below.

So far, the sailors who wear it — or see it around — love it.

But it’s not the case on the other side of the khaki divide.

Last fall Navy Times solicited feedback on the new uniform. More than 200 people sounded off on the color shift. Based on those responses and follow-on interviews, whether you love it or hate it depends on your pay grade.

Most chiefs and officers hate the concept. They said it devalued the elite status they had earned. It’s more than a shirt, they argued. It’s a symbol of belonging to the chief’s mess or the wardroom. Something they worked for had been compromised. A vital distinction between ranks was gone.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/02/navy_khaki_022009/%2e