(photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. talks about the expectations of the first class petty officers to approximately 350 Sailors during the First Class Triad Symposium. Campa is wearing the new service dress khaki uniform for the first time as he participates in the wear-test of the new uniform. The wear-test is to evaluate the wear, appearance, functionality and comfort of the uniform.

The uniform is for year-round wear and replaces the summer white and winter blue uniforms. It is authorized to be worn for office work, watchstanding, liberty or business ashore when prescribed as the uniform of the day.

The new uniform is the result of significant research and input from the fleet.

''Over 500 Sailors participated in a six-month wear-test, evaluating four diverse uniform concepts, designs and colors,'' said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson. Overwhelmingly, the approved SU design was selected above the other three.

Sailors will have up to 24 months to purchase the new uniform, depending on their duty station location. The mandatory wear date for all E1-E6 personnel is July 2010. Clothing replacement allowances for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 were increased to cover the purchase of two sets of new uniforms by July 2010.

Basic uniform components include a short-sleeved khaki shirt for males and a short sleeved khaki overblouse for females; black trousers with black belt and silver buckle for males and black beltless slacks for females.

Collar insignia consists of miniature silver anodized metal rank insignia for E2-E6. Petty officers will wear large silver anodized metal rank insignia on their garrison cap. Males must wear a white undershirt.

Optional components include a black, Eisenhower-style jacket with epaulets, black pullover v-neck sweater and black skirt, beret and handbag for females.

Existing E1-E6 summer white and winter blue uniforms will continue to be authorized for wear until the July 2010 mandatory wear date.

Reserve component Sailors will receive their uniforms via their respective Navy Operational Support Centers.