Commands Transition to NWU Type II/III

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tim Drake Godbee, Naval Public Affairs Support Element- West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Expeditionary commands around the fleet began the scheduled 7-month transition to the Navy Working Uniform Type II and III (NWU Type II/III) this month.

The NWU family of uniforms is intended to replace multiple, less capable legacy uniforms, reduce the Navy's total ownership costs, modernize the warfighter, and complete the vision of Task Force Uniform. As such, these two new uniforms in the NWU series have been developed for use in the tactical expeditionary mission of today's Navy, tailored for desert and woodland environments.

Commands that have been approved to wear the NWU Type II/III uniform will transition to the new uniform in alphabetical order by the name of the respective command.

The NWU Type II (desert) uniform will be worn by Navy Special Warfare (NSW) operators and Sailors assigned to NSW units or units which directly support NSW operations. The NWU Type III (woodland) uniform will be the standard camouflage uniform for all personnel, to be worn in non-desert environments, including most stateside areas. The only difference between the two uniforms is the camouflage pattern.

The NWU Type III will replace the existing tri-colored woodland camouflage utility uniform. It will be the standard camouflage uniform worn in the continental United States, and can be worn while deployed as prescribed by combatant commanders. Occasion for wear of the NWU Type III will be the same as the current woodland camouflage utility uniform per NAVADMIN 188/09.

"The NWU Type II/III approval is a culmination of a four-year effort comprising all of the expeditionary stakeholders, ensuring we capture the true operational requirements our Sailors' need to succeed on the battlefield," said Master Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Robert McCue, NWU Type II/III Conformance Test Monitor during an interview in Aug. "They provide unmatched capabilities to the warfighter enabling tactical advantage and enhancing mission success thus saving lives."

Each Expeditionary Sailor will receive three blouses, three trousers, two cover insignia, one parka, one fleece liner, one helmet cover, and one sun hat (boonie cap). Fleece watch caps will be provided at a later time once available.

Items from the NWU Type II/III will be issued only by the approved commands and will not be available at Naval Exchanges.

The Chief of Naval Operations approved the final design for the NWU II/III Aug. 30.

Testing for the NWU Type II/III began in July.