It's that time of year again, the time where hubby waits until the last minute to tell me he needs all new uniform patches, this on what was supposed to be "my day", a day of nothing scheduled except my own list of things to do.
He moves from young guy to old(er), more experienced, more learned (hopefully), and more senior (citizen)! In the Navy you can't hide, your status is proclaimed for all to see by your insignia going from red to gold for 12 years of successive honorable service (means you didn't get in trouble) LOL. If anyone wants to count along that's one hash mark for every 4 years of service for a grand total of 12 years active duty. Not really very long actually, but another year closer to retirement.
If I have any pre 2000's Navy veteran readers out there and this photo gave you pause, you aren't alone- I too come from the "old skool" where you would not earn gold chevrons at the 12 year mark, alas the New Navy is like the New Math we have to learn to help our kids. Good Conduct Awards are also given every 3 years instead of every 4 like it used to be, which I find ridiculous...how hard could it possibly be to be "good" for 3 years?! I'm starting to sound like my dad, the "old salt" :)
Front: yes that's 14 buttons!
The Navy isn't done yet with their comfortable design... this is the back LOL!
See? Only good for photos and cheesy movies with Mickey Rooney!
The torture of finger pricking medals/ribbons pinning, sewing and ironing this uniform is now 30 minutes past and I can put it in the back of my mind for another year. Anyway, love to blog about my progress on my "list" today, but I have to run because I think I may actually get all my items checked off today! By the way... props to hubby because this is the uniform he was issued back in boot camp and IT STILL FITS! :) Our bank account thanks you!
Congratulations to him! (and you!) How many more years until retirement - or do I dare ask? My dad (and mom) were in the Navy and the uniform hasn't changed, has it?
ReplyDeletePretty snazy if you ask me. I had a pair of my older brothers white pants like those with all the buttons in front,BIG mistake to wear to a kegger.YEP,I was a hippie ,but don't tell anyone
ReplyDeleteImpressive!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your hubby! It would probably cost too much to change their uniforms and thus they stick to the old ones. I have to agree with you they may look nice but not at all practical.
ReplyDeleteI haven't got anything done on my to do list so you are putting me to shame!
Susan, the first eligible date of normal retirement would be 20 years, but all bets are off now with the government letting go thousands of military over the next year, we hope we will be "normal", I can't even get started on all the people that gave so much and wanted a career in return and are being pushed out with little notice this year...
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Judy, LOL those pants must be kind of old since the white jumper pants have been zippered for a while now hahahaha
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Poppy, every now and then hubby can impress LOL
You have to wonder who comes up with those designs---certainly not the ones that have to WEAR them (OR maintain them!)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could wear stuff I wore 12 years ago. OMG-I'm TWICE the Sue I used to be. Eeeesh..........
There is new math? What is new math? 2+2 is still 4, right? I really like life in my cave. Nothing is ever new here ;)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you both. DH for his years of service and to you for being the loyal seamstress. And those pants- seriously, there isn't a hidden zipper somewhere?? But, you'd probably get in trouble for unauthorized modifications, wouldn't you....
ReplyDeleteJudy
It still fits? Holy moly. I think that deserves a special patch or medal all on its own!
ReplyDeleteI do not miss the uniform and all the "Spit and Polish". After 24 years of dealing with that uniform, It was the first thing that went when I made the retired list!
ReplyDeleteGood conduct every 3 years and GOLD after 12 years? Things do change!
TOM
Congrats to the Hubby!
ReplyDeleteI am working on a household binder, a second brain of sorts. Wish you were near- you would whip me and my binder right into shape!
ReplyDeleteSo impressed hubby still fits in his uni, not being military all these changes don't mean as much to me, but I was sorry to read good people are being forced out. It is such a shame as the people I know that love being in the military are not as well suited to the civilian world, it must be a tough tranisition. Fingers crossed hubby will get his 'normal' retirement.
Congrats to your hubby, and to you for keeping that uniform looking so spiffy!
ReplyDeleteI loved the photos... I never realized how ridiculous those uniforms were! I mean, c'mon... 14 buttons!
ReplyDeleteJane, oh YES there is "new math"! It started in the 90's I think but of course I wasn't in the child market yet LOL
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Judy, nope no hidden zipper LOL
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MamaTea, LOL, you'll inflate his ego!
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Tom, 24 years that's great! I hope you are enjoying your well deserved retirement!
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Dani & Patty, poor guy definitely needs some recognition around here LOL
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Kelly, do a post on your binder when you're done :)
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Prairie Cat, with all those buttons isn't it amazing that I didn't have to sew new buttons on this time?!