Posted on Sep 9, 2014
1LT Fire Support Officer
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In the past, I have always worn a very modest 1 piece swim suit during pool pt. However, at my new duty station the females wear their APFU shorts and t-shirt. From asking around, I have gathered there is no uniform standard saying females must wear APFU in the pool, also no one has confronted me saying my suit is inappropriate, but it does feel a bit faux pas to be the only female in a swim suit. Wondering if anyone had thoughts or advice! TIA
Posted in these groups: 4276e14c UniformsImgres Physical Training
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Responses: 16
COL Jean (John) F. B.
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Seems to me that the unit should designate the correct/desired uniform. If that has not happened, I would ask the commander to do so. Barring that, if no uniform is prescribed, I guess you are free to wear what you want, keeping in mind that you are an officer and, therefore, you should be setting an example. If you feel out of place in a swimsuit, that should be a clue.

What are the male soldiers wearing? The APFU? That should also be a clue as to what the uniform is.

If the AFPU is the designated or preferred uniform and wearing the APFU at the pool makes you uncomfortable (and I could see how it could, as it is not designed to be swimwear and could be "immodest"), I think it would be appropriate to wear a swimsuit under it, instead of standard underwear. Clearly, this appears to be a case of "common sense should prevail".

Take charge, LT, and have someone in authority specify the uniform or state that there is no requirement and people can wear what they want.
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MAJ Dallas D.
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I agree with many of the responses here, I see no problem with it at all and have seen females wear 1 piece suits BUT the training schedule should dictate the uniform and therefore you would have to follow that.
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LTC Cavalry Officer
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Edited >1 y ago
I love doing Pool PT (PRT) with my Soldiers (usually Staff or Leaders), but before my current assignment I did not have to think about this issue (female uniform for the pool).
With only male Soldiers, I would have them wear the APFU, or a dark colored trunk during our unit PT workout. Over time, we relaxed the color of the trunks, but most Soldiers wore APFU anyway.
With female Soldiers in the Battalion, the last time we did Leader Pool PT, I told everyone to wear appropriate swim attire which I said could be any color trunks for the males and either a one piece suit for the females, or if they prefered, trunks, etc. (No racing speedos or tri-shorts for the males.) My male Soldiers wore a variety of appropriate trunks (some wore APFU), my female Soldiers wore one-piece suits and/or shorts and shirts based on their discretion. We had no issues. No one felt out of place and we got a great workout combining swimming with pool exercises.

I agree with COL Jean (John) F. B. as well, take charge!
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