The following questions are from a recent All Hands call in Norfolk - Speaking with Sailors

All Hands, Nov, 2003 by Terry D. Scott

Q: What is the purpose and status of Task Force Uniform?

A: The charter for Task Force Uniform (TFU), signed by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, set out to deliver a proposal and implementation timeline for Navy uniforms that will reflect the Navy's requirements. The vision of TFU is to give Sailors a cost-effective set of uniforms presenting a professional appearance, recognizing naval heritage and offering versatility, safety, ease of maintenance, storage and comfort.

TFU has built on the experience and insight from a core group of members drawn from fleet and shore. The task force consists of Sailors, enlisteds and officers, from across a spectrum of communities, ranks, genders, commands and platforms.

Specific tasks for the task force included:

* Develop alternatives for a working uniform for E-1 through 0-10, to be worn at sea or ashore, across all communities.

* Develop a service uniform for E-1 through E-6 which can be worn year round.

* Evaluate the usefulness of each uniform item against specific factors, with an eye toward reducing the number of uniform items and increasing inter-changeability.

* Streamline and simplify the uniform regulations into an easily understood and enforceable document.

To ensure we included your input from the fleet, the task force conducted a survey to get your views on the sea bag and the uniform regulations. More than 40,000 Sailors participated in the survey, and represented virtually every rank, specialty, geographic location and gender in the Navy.

The results of the survey, along with all TFU's findings and recommendations, will be presented to the Chief of Naval Operations this month for approval.

Q: What can I do to improve my chances for promotion?

A: I recommend you always look for the most challenging assignments. Not only are they the most rewarding, but they can also be beneficial toward advancement. Some of the most rewarding tours I have had, were those that challenged me professionally, and offered new experiences for my family. And while ideal career paths vary from one rating to the next, there is one word of advice that can benefit any Sailor--that word is "balance."

Some Sailors believe that serving several back-to-back sea tours is good for their career. I disagree, serving several consecutive sea tours is no better for growing a well-rounded Sailor than serving consecutive shore tours. It is far more important for Sailors to seek challenging duty assignments that are in keeping with their prescribed sea/shore rotations.

Speaking with Sailors is a monthly column initiated by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy as a way of reaching out to the men and women of the fleet, whether they are stationed just down the road or halfway around the world.