New PT uniform brings changes to wear guidance Published Dec. 8, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The familiar "swish, swish, swish, " sound of Air Force fitness uniform pants and jackets will soon fade to a whisper, as the new, quieter Improved Physical Training Uniform hits the shelves at clothing sales here next spring. The new and improved running pants and jacket are said to be quieter and lighter than the old gear. Gone as well are the short-shorts, which will be replaced by softer, more flexible shorts featuring a longer in-seem and side pockets. The new shirts will remain similar in design, but will feature lighter material with more moisture-dissipating properties. Unfortunately, with the new uniforms come stricter rules on how the uniform is worn. Here is the revised AFI 63-2903 figure 2.6, which features a list of PT uniform wear guidance. A. Commanders determine the required PTU/IPTU configuration during organized PT events. B. Reflective belts, reflective armbands, etc. are required during periods of low light conditions when wearing the optional running shorts as part of the PTU/IPTU. Reflective belts, armbands, etc., are optional when wearing combinations of the standard issue PTU/IPTU items that contain reflective material on the top and bottom garments. C. Footwear will be conservative, (plain, no bright/loud colors or excessive ornamentation) and athletic shoes will be worn. D. Socks will be white and may have small trademark logos. E. PTU/IPTU jacket: will be zipped at least halfway between the waistband and collar. Sleeves will end within one inch of the wrist. F. PTU/IPTU running pants: waistband will rest at or within two inches of the natural waistline. Both pant legs will extend below the ankles and will be zipped to within one inch of the bottom. G. PTU/IPTU running shorts (with reflective material) and optional IPTU running shorts (without reflective material): waistband will rest at or within two inches of the natural waistline. H. Short-sleeved PTU/IPTU shirt: will be tucked into shorts or running pants at all times. Do not remove or cut sleeves. I. Optional long-sleeved IPTU shirt: will be tucked into the PTU/IPTU shorts or running pants at all times. Do not push up, remove or cut sleeves. J. Optional IPTU sweatshirt: will extend no lower than 6 inches below the natural waist line. Do not push up, remove or cut sleeves. K. Appropriate undergarments are required to be worn with all PTU/IPTU combinations. L. Spandex: both short and full length solid black or dark blue spandex may be worn and visible under both the PTU/IPTU and optional running shorts. M. Headgear: installation commanders may authorize wear of a solid black or dark blue baseball/sport cap with the Air Force symbol or "U.S. Air Force" printed/embroidered on the front during organized PT; also authorized during individual PT. If authorized, caps are to be worn outdoors only. (bandanas and other similar head-scarves/headgear are not authorized unless due to medical waiver condition.) Cold weather accessories: may be worn outdoors only: 1) Knit watch cap: will be plain, solid black, dark blue, or sage green without logos (bandanas and other similar head-scarves/headgear are not authorized unless due to medical waiver condition) 2) Gloves: will be plain, solid black or dark blue without logos. 3) Scarf and earmuffs: will be solid black or dark blue; earmuffs may wrap around either the top or rear of the head. 4) Green or black fleece is not authorized to be worn with the PTU/IPTU. O. Do not mix/match the current PTU running suit jacket and running suit pants with the IPTU jacket and pants. All other combinations authorized. P. The lining in the PTU/IPTU shorts may be removed, however, do not modify the other PTU/IPTU items such as removal of the sleeves. Q. PTU/IPTU items are authorized for wear with conservative civilian/personal attire during individual/personal PT or while off-duty (e.g. pt shirt with personal shorts/pants, PT jacket with personal shirt/pants/shorts, etc.). No civilian/personal items with offensive wording, graphics or photos are to be worn with the PTU/IPTU items at any time. R. Headphones and earphones (Ipods, etc.) Are authorized while in the fitness center or on designated running areas unless prohibited by the installation commander. S. All personal grooming standards apply while participating in physical fitness activities (refer to AFI 36-2903 table 1.5) with one exception: long female hair will be secured but may have loose ends; body art (tattoos) and jewelry standards apply (refer to 36-2903 table 2.5) T. Proper military customs and courtesies honoring the flag during reveille/retreat will apply (this means coming to full attention and rendering the proper military salute when outdoors.) Saluting due to rank recognition is not required when wearing the PTU. U. Exceptions: 1) For accessions, PME and academic training environments (e.g. USAFA, ROTC, OTS, ASBC, SOS, BMT), commanders (or equivalent) will determine which PT events are organized. In these environments, students and staff may wear unit-specific PT gear to meet necessary training requirements (e.g. staff/student distinction, student squadron affiliation, etc.). 2) Wear policy for the PTU/IPTU in a deployed environment can be further defined by the Air Force forces' commander specific to that area of responsibility. 3. Installation commanders may temporarily adjust wear policy to address immediate safety or mission/operation concerns, and may be more restrictive with wear policy (e.g., no hats during organized fitness events, no head/ear phones due to safety concerns, etc.) to support unit cohesion and present a standardized image. However, long-term exceptions to policy must be submitted through MAJCOM to HQ USAF/A1 for approval. 4. Questions should be addressed through the proper chain of command. As Airmen prepare for the arrival of the uniform, they are asked to keep the changes in guidance in mind.