Rules to adhere whilst in PT gear

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristoffer Kaubisch
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Portraying a professional military image as a service member, as well as remembering to uphold proper customs and courtesies maintains respect, order, and discipline among service members of all ranks.

Thus it is important to step back once and a while to make sure we are all keeping ourselves in check.

One area that could use a little oversight from our part is enforcing the proper wear of the Physical Training Uniform.

Some common mistakes when in PTU include having the shirt un-tucked; having the PT jacket improperly zipped; wearing bright shoes or wearing items with offensive wording, graphics or photos in conjunction with any PTU item.

Below are some guidelines Airmen should remember to abide by when in PTU according to AFI 36-2903 while in PTU/IPTU gear.
· If PTU/IPTU items are worn during individual/personal PT, the following guidelines apply:
o Jacket
 The jacket will be zipped at least halfway between the waistband and collar. Sleeves will end within 1-inch of the wrist.
o T-shirt
 The short-sleeve shirt will be tucked into shorts or running pants at all times. Do not remove or cut sleeves. Short and long-sleeved white or light gray form fitting undershirts, (i.e. spandex, lycra or elastic material) may be worn and visible under the short-sleeved PTU/IPTU shirt. Undershirt must be tucked in.
o long-sleeved IPTU shirt
 The long-sleeve shirt will be tucked into the PTU/IPTU shorts or running pants at all times. Do not push up, remove, or cut sleeves.
o IPTU sweatshirt
 The sweatshirt will extend no lower than six inches below the natural waist line. Do not push up, remove, or cut sleeves.
o Short/Running Pants
 Pants - The 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.
 Shorts - The waistband will rest at or within two inches of the natural waistline. The lining in the PTU/IPTU shorts may be removed. Short, mid and full length solid black or dark blue form fitting sportswear (i.e. spandex, lycra or elastic) may be worn and visible under the PTU/IPTU.
o Footwear
 Socks are mandatory. Socks will be white and may have small trademark logos.
 Athletic style shoes are mandatory. Shoes will be conservative (plain, no bright/loud colors or excessive ornamentation).
o Reflective Belts
 Reflective belts are required during periods of low light conditions when wearing the optional running shorts (without reflective material) 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.
o Undergarments
 Appropriate undergarments are required to be worn with all PTU/IPTU combinations.
o Cold Weather Accessories
 Cold weather accessories may be worn outdoors only.
 Knit watch cap
· If worn, will be plain, solid black, dark blue, or sage green without logos.
 Gloves
· Gloves will be black or dark blue leather, knitted, tricot or suede, or a combination of leather, knitted, tricot, and suede and without logos.
 Scarf
· The scarf will be black or dark blue, all wool or cotton simplex, with or without napped surface, and less than 10 inches in width.
 Earmuffs
· Earmuffs will be solid, black or dark blue, made of any material and may wrap around either the top or rear of the head.
 Do not mix/match the PTU/IPTU running suit jacket and running suit pants. All other combinations authorized.
· 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.
· Headphones and earphones (IPods, etc.) are authorized while in the fitness center or on designated running areas unless prohibited by the installation commander.
· All personal grooming standards apply while participating in physical fitness activities with one exception, long female hair will be secured but may have loose ends and may extend below the collar; i.e., ponytails.
· Proper military customs and courtesies honoring the flag during reveille/retreat will apply (this means coming to full attention and rendering a proper salute when outdoors). Saluting due to rank recognition is not required when wearing the PTU/IPTU. However, salutations are still expected to be rendered to military officers when rank on military attire is present. It's important to remember a salute is a gesture that displays respect.

Dress and appearance is very important when it comes to customs and courtesies. It is imperative for Airmen to know the appropriate regulations regarding proper protocol and procedures while in PTU.