“Yeah, but why?”
Morale.
Zumwalt was the worst CNO in living memory. After he blessedly left, the Navy began to try and rescue the uniform.
I was in the club on Treasure Island in 1977 when, for the first time in forever, a sailor walked in wearing the old crackerjack uniform. Every sailor in the place stood up, cheered, and applauded.
And some of those guys were waiting for admin discharge.
Of course, the Army has shot themselves in the foot with this picture of a woman wearing the 1st Cav patch and combat infantryman’s badge. It is truly nauseating.
I joined in 1975 and our dress uniform was the double-breasted coat with combination cap. It pissed off the Chiefs and Officers for quite awhile. I remember the change back to Crackerjacks and the cost.
To be honest, I didn't like Crackerjacks then and still don't. They look goofy compared to other branches' dress uniforms, but I get the reversal to tradition as the Army is doing.
I think the change to working camis in the Navy was a good move. The chambray shirt and dungarees showed every little grease spot or stain imaginable that's on a ship, not to mention sweat stains. I had to replace them all the time out of my low pay. Also, a good idea about cami-looking internal deck coverings rather that one solid color.