3/23/2006 - GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- With the evolution of the Air Force’s “Fit to Fight” culture, a new uniform has also evolved. It has been almost two years since the Air Force physical training uniform came on board and I still see -uite a few troops struggling to wear it properly. To start with, the Air Force guidance is fairly simple:
The mandatory wear date is Oct. 1. All enlisted members with 36 months time in service received the full clothing allowance on their anniversary month (between October 2004 and October 2005) in order to purchase the uniform (consisting of a jacket, one pair of pants, two shorts and two shirts). Members with less than 36 months TIS received 70 percent of their allowance to purchase the PTU (as of October 2005). All enlisted members will also receive another full clothing allowance for these items through this October. The PTU is also currently being issued at basic military training.
The PTU is a work-out uniform, designed to provide maximum comfort and visibility for Airmen. Uniform standards generally apply while wearing the PTU; however certain allowances have been made for wear during individual PT. The intent is to strike an effective balance between utility of wear and a professional military image.
Individual Guidelines
- Saluting is not re-uired when wearing the uniform.
- The wear of headphones is authorized while wearing the PTU during personal fitness and other off-duty activities, except when determined by commanders to be unsafe or inconsistent with operational re-uirements.
- Airmen will not wear headphones in formation, during unit PT sessions or in performance of official duties.
- The T-shirt may be tucked in or worn out.
- The jacket may be zipped, unzipped or worn with civilian clothes.
- The lining in the PTU shorts may be removed, however, modification of the other PTU items (such as sleeve removal) is not authorized.
- Additional civilian clothing may be added to the PTU, but color consistency should be reasonably compatible and support a professional appearance.
- Black or navy blue spandex shorts and leggings may be worn under the PTU shorts.
- Only white socks will be worn (any length) and small conservative trademarks are authorized.
- Any athletic shoe may be worn.
- There are no restrictive female hair standards while wearing the PTU, e.g., long hair is not re-uired to be pinned or tied up to comply with normal length re-uirements.
- Tattoo and jewelry standards remain in effect and members must comply with guidance specified in Air Force Instruction 36-2903.
- All hats/winter caps (knit) are authorized but members must maintain a professional military image, with no offensive wording, graphics or photos on any item worn with the PTU. Bandanas and other similar heads scarves and head gear are not authorized unless due to a medical waiver condition.
- There is no mandatory maternity PTU.
- Safety or additional items such as ski wraps and sweatbands (black, blue, or white only), reflective belts, camelbacks, fanny packs, armbands, gloves, etc., are authorized while performing individual PT.
Pending Optional Items
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- An additional style of running shorts.
The real intent of the PTU policy is for wear of the uniform at all organized PT functions. Installation commanders may restrict wear to support unit cohesion and to present a standard, professional image during organized fitness events, and can further limit wear if deemed necessary for safety or mission reasons. Safety is always be the first priority.
In addition to the Air Force policy, the wing policy applies to all active duty Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Reserve members assigned to or visiting Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Wing Policy
- Headphones are prohibited during organized unit fitness: they may be worn during individual fitness while conducting PT indoors at the base fitness center or while running or jogging on designated base fitness tracks.
- The t-shirt may be tucked in or worn out during individual fitness; unit commanders will ensure uniformity during organized PT.
- Additional civilian clothing items are prohibited except for the following; a long sleeve, black or navy blue, undergarment may be worn during the periods of Oct. 1 through March 31; color consistency will be compatible with legging, if worn.
- Individuals may also wear a black or navy blue (no emblems or logos) knit cap or optional Air Force-style ball cap at their discretion. If an optional Air Force style ball cap is worn, it must be black or navy blue and the only emblem allowed will be the Air Force symbol; organizational hats will not be worn.
- Parka, Gortex parka and pants may be worn during the period of Oct. 1 through March 31.
So now you can see what the Air Force and the wing have to say about the wear of the PTU. Ask your first sergeant for more information and don’t be afraid to get out and show your colors!