Air Force PT uniform moves in the right direction

By CHairforce.One
CHairforce.com Webmaster

The Air Force is moving in the right direction when it comes to dressing its Airmen in physical training gear. The original PT uniform regs were filled with official, uniform-like guidance that allowed Airmen few options during personal PT. The result -- the snazzy, new uniform was rarely seen outside official, organized unit physical training environments.

In addition to establishing an Oct. 1, 2006, mandatory wear date for the uniform, the Air Force Uniform Board recently released additional guidance that allows Airmen many more options when wearing the PT uniform for personal workouts.

Here's a snapshot of the new changes, provided by the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph AFB, Texas. During personal workouts:

• T-shirts may be worn out or tucked in.
• Jackets may be zipped, unzipped and worn with civilian clothes.
• Black or navy blue leggings or stretch shorts may be worn under the uniform shorts.
• White socks of any length and small conservative trademarks are authorized.
• Any athletic shoes may be worn.
• Safety items -- such as reflective belts, camelbacks and fanny packs -- are authorized, but remember, nobody wants to see you in a fanny pack.
• Hats or knit caps are authorized provided they fit the military image.
• Headphones are still authorized.
• Bandanas and other similar head scarves are not authorized unless Airmen have a medical waiver.
• Saluting is not required.

One important note released by the uniform board concerns tats and jewelry. Apparently, the Air Force still doesn't want to see your body art. The new guidance states that "all Airmen must comply with tattoo and jewelry standards as stated in Air Force Instruction 36-2903 (Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel)."

Additionally, Female Airmen cna let their hair down while exercising.  According to the new guidance, females exercising in the PT uniform don't have to wear pins or other hair accessories normally required to meet uniform standards.  Also, because know one wants to see a pregnant woman pass them on the track, there is no mandated maternity PT uniform while participating in formations or unit activities.

And, of course (this is a no-brainer), your unit commander will determine what uniform items (i.e., jacket, pants, shorts and T-shirt) Airmen will wear during unit fitness events.

In more good news, the Air Force uniform board is working on optional PT uniform items, including a long-sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, and another style of running shorts.