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Physical Training Uniform mandatory wear policies effective now

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Copeland
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Updated guidance in Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel, released Oct. 28 by Air Force A1 may send some Airmen scurrying to purchase new items to ensure compliance with restrictions on how Airmen will and will not wear the Air Force Physical Training Uniform, or PTU.

The updates, authorized by the Air Force A1 Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, include a list of requirements when wearing the PTU and the Improved PTU, or IPTU, effective immediately. Air Force A1 is the governing organization for the new Physical Training test to be implemented Jan. 1, 2010.

The IPTU will be available in limited quantities later this year.

"The new PTU guidance will enhance our professional image within our joint and coalition communities, as well as demonstrate team unity and pride as we step up our efforts in physical fitness to meet the new PT standards," said the 42nd Air Base Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Mark Repp.

With the PTU/IPTU now uniform items, Airmen are required to conduct group physical training sessions and the Physical Fitness Assessment in the uniform, as designated by the commander. The PTU/IPTU configuration during these events will be determined by the unit commander.

"The key is education," said the Air Education and Training Command, Command Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana. "Most people will learn the new rules quickly and move to implement them accordingly."

The following have been noted as the top-10 PTU violations by command chiefs from across AETC since the enforcement of the new wear policies.

Untucked shirts

Long- or short-sleeved shirts will be tucked into PTU/IPTU shorts or pants at all times. When wearing the long-sleeved PTU/IPTU shirt or sweatshirt Airmen are not authorized to push up, remove or cut the sleeves. The PTU/IPTU sweatshirt will not extend six inches below the waistline.

Hats

Wear of black or dark blue baseball caps with the Air Force symbol or U.S. Air Force insignia is only permitted outdoors if approved by the installation commander.

Incorrect color spandex

Short- or full-length solid black or dark blue spandex is allowed.

Unzipped jackets

PTU/IPTU jackets must be zipped halfway between the waistband and collar, and jacket sleeves must end within one inch of the wrist.

Cold weather items worn indoors

Any cold weather items are permitted outdoors only. Scarves and earmuffs may be solid black or dark blue and may wrap around the top or rear of the head.

Grooming standards breaches

All personal grooming standards, including jewelry and body art standards in AFI 36-2903, Table 2.5, apply except secured long female hair may have loose ends.

Bright, neon or highly ornamented shoes

Athletic shoes will be plain and conservative. No bright/loud or excessive ornamentation is permitted.

Incorrect color cold weather gloves

Cold weather gloves are to be plain, solid black or dark blue without logos.

Sagging pants/shorts

When wearing the PTU/IPTU running pants or shorts, the waistband is to rest at or within two inches of the natural waistline. Both pant legs are required to extend below the ankles and be zipped within one inch of the bottom.

Incorrect color/logo watchcap or stocking caps

Watchcaps are required to be plain, sold black, dark blue or sage green without logos.

Airmen are also required to wear reflective belts and/or armbands during the hours of darkness when the PTU/IPTU do not already contain reflective material on the top and bottom garment.

PTU/IPTU items are authorized for wear with civilian PT gear in an effort to allow Airmen to show their pride in the service while out in the community, Chief Tappana explained.

The sage green or black fleece jackets are not authorized to be worn with the PTU/IPTU, and mixing or matching the PTU running suit with the IPTU running suit is not permitted. All other combinations of PTUs are authorized.

Although saluting is not required when in PTU/IPTU, proper customs and courtesies will be rendered to the flag during Reveille and Retreat when outdoors.

"As always, our [Airmen] have a direct voice to the uniform process through the Air Force Virtual Uniform Board, or AFVUB," Chief Tappana said. "Those with suggestions for improvement to the PTU or the wear instructions should be encouraged to put them into the system via the AFVUB."

Airmen can 'Submit a Uniform Change Request,' via the AFVUB Web site, https://ipds.randolph.af.mil. For a detailed list of the PTU/IPTU updated wear policy, visit the Uniforms and Recognition Branch Web page on the Air Force Portal.