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From: Army Times
Soldier PT gear will continue its drastic makeover in 2015.
Over the next few years, more and more soldiers will work out in black threads with gold lettering. Touted highlights include lightweight moisture-wicking/quick-drying fabric, tag-less design, and better fit (including female-specific sizing).
The Army Physical Fitness Uniform has already begun appearing in stores, and the rollout will continue in the coming year. The estimated wear-out date for the current Improved Physical Fitness Uniform has been estimated at fall 2017, with mandatory possession of the APFU a year later.
The APFU drops reflective materials; that addresses stealth issues while working out in a war zone as well as cuts costs. PT belts can be used when better visibility is desired.
The Army will also offer an optional high-performance fabric. It will be lighter but less durable, appear the same, and cost more.
Optional gear costs are below (next to prices of the standard counterpart). Available now:
S/S T-Shirt: $17.95 (Regular version: $6.86)
L/S T-Shirt: $19.95 (Regular version: $8.35)
Trunks: $21.95 (Regular version: $16.41)
Available December-February:
Unisex Jacket: $59.95 (Regular version: $51.42)
Unisex Pant: $48.95 (Regular version: $32.69)
Female Jacket: $59.95 (Regular version: $51.42)
Female Pants: $48.95 (Regular version: $33.37)
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/01/01/pt-uniform-army-costs/21012929/
Soldier PT gear will continue its drastic makeover in 2015.
Over the next few years, more and more soldiers will work out in black threads with gold lettering. Touted highlights include lightweight moisture-wicking/quick-drying fabric, tag-less design, and better fit (including female-specific sizing).
The Army Physical Fitness Uniform has already begun appearing in stores, and the rollout will continue in the coming year. The estimated wear-out date for the current Improved Physical Fitness Uniform has been estimated at fall 2017, with mandatory possession of the APFU a year later.
The APFU drops reflective materials; that addresses stealth issues while working out in a war zone as well as cuts costs. PT belts can be used when better visibility is desired.
The Army will also offer an optional high-performance fabric. It will be lighter but less durable, appear the same, and cost more.
Optional gear costs are below (next to prices of the standard counterpart). Available now:
S/S T-Shirt: $17.95 (Regular version: $6.86)
L/S T-Shirt: $19.95 (Regular version: $8.35)
Trunks: $21.95 (Regular version: $16.41)
Available December-February:
Unisex Jacket: $59.95 (Regular version: $51.42)
Unisex Pant: $48.95 (Regular version: $32.69)
Female Jacket: $59.95 (Regular version: $51.42)
Female Pants: $48.95 (Regular version: $33.37)
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/01/01/pt-uniform-army-costs/21012929/
Posted in these groups: 
Physical Training
Gear
Physical Training Gear
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 20
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I thought the yellow base color and black trim would have been the best as far as safety goes. But we are always safe with our yellow reflective belts aren't we.
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PT gear, there wasn't any when I joined. What is the real purpose for PT equipment? None as far as I can see. Why did we go to that in the first place?
It is money that was unnecessarily spent on nothing and now the PT uniform is in turmoil over some stupid shirt and shorts. The Army needs to get back to basics and start wearing the combat uniform, like I did when I was doing PT.
The boots I see the recruiters wear, since I am retired, look like they weigh a ton. What is the purpose of boots of this nature when they have an 80 pound house on their back and that is dumb also.
I have many complaints about the uniform, in general and all around, but PT uniforms need to be thrown out and everything goes back to the basics.
It is money that was unnecessarily spent on nothing and now the PT uniform is in turmoil over some stupid shirt and shorts. The Army needs to get back to basics and start wearing the combat uniform, like I did when I was doing PT.
The boots I see the recruiters wear, since I am retired, look like they weigh a ton. What is the purpose of boots of this nature when they have an 80 pound house on their back and that is dumb also.
I have many complaints about the uniform, in general and all around, but PT uniforms need to be thrown out and everything goes back to the basics.
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SGM (Join to see)
SSG Becker, I tend to agree, but lean towards disagreement with you. Like many of my peers and colleagues, we participated in a survey several years ago to select the new uniform. Are you aware that several name brand athletic clothing corporations approached the Army to develop a uniform? This uniform would be similar to many found in a COTS environment today. My question to the board was this, "Why don't we invest in footwear over a uniform?" Soldiers are Soldiers. If the regulation indicates the shirt will be gray, the shorts black, the sweats black and gray (for example), 95% will comply the first time out. However, if we spend the money to educate our force on proper footwear, provide the necessary resource to outfit, we can cut down on lower extremity injuries. This application will lead to reduced sick call times, a better fit Soldier, and lost time from work. Thoughts?
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SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA
SGM Horsley, since I have been out of active service, I do not receive anything that you are privvy to. I fully believe in good footwear and our troops need the best that the Army can buy.
I still understand the ARs, though they have changed , perhaps a lot and that is where we draw our policies from. But, I still do not agree with a total separate uniform for PT. Please explain, COTS. When I was at Ft. McClellan, all I was seeing was a Tennis-shoe Brigade and you are correct about investing in the footwear. A good place to start was these tennis-shoe brigades because it would give these developers of combat footwear a better story about how the foot and the boot can be more functional to the soldier.
I still understand the ARs, though they have changed , perhaps a lot and that is where we draw our policies from. But, I still do not agree with a total separate uniform for PT. Please explain, COTS. When I was at Ft. McClellan, all I was seeing was a Tennis-shoe Brigade and you are correct about investing in the footwear. A good place to start was these tennis-shoe brigades because it would give these developers of combat footwear a better story about how the foot and the boot can be more functional to the soldier.
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As much as I think that the new PT uniform is nice, I just wish the Army would choose a uniform. I have been in the Army for 10 years, been through 4 different duty uniforms, 2 dress uniforms and this is my third set of PTs. I know we get clothing allowance, but with all the money sunk into the manufacturing and R&D, don't you think it could be better spent somewhere?
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SGM Reginald Thompson
I know that it is hard sometimes, but try to embrace the changes. These changes come from people voicing their dislike for the uniforms that you have, these changes take some time to occur and they are designed to make things better, easier and safer to for all. Now everyone is not gonna be pleased with these changes, just because it is a change, because now you have 4 different PT uniforms, and because it will cost more money for seasoned Soldiers, but try to embrace these changes. When I came in the Army in 1981, we were doing PT in our duty uniform (roll up your pants legs) with our combat boots on, then we moved up to the banana suit (that never fit any body) with converse sneakers that we signed out of the gym, and so on and so on (32 years of changes for me). Just be thankful you are not going back to those days.
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LTC (Join to see)
Are we truly on our third set of PTs in the last decade? I think I have hit my head too many times to remember my LT years. I can only remember the current set of PTs.
I agree that the money would be better spent in other places, but who decides where those better places are? You? Me? A bunch of Joes? A council of Colonels? The answers to who would answer that question would be different with every person.
I agree that the money would be better spent in other places, but who decides where those better places are? You? Me? A bunch of Joes? A council of Colonels? The answers to who would answer that question would be different with every person.
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Besides the fact that they are Steelers Colors, I like the way the feel. I am happy that I am off to TX soon, because trying to do PT in the winter here in Germany is going to be horrible. I also like that they don't make noise when I move in them. Holy Cow I would wake up the house house in the morning for PT just by walking to the door in the old ones. I love that fact that the spandex is built in. Maybe it is the slimming affect. As far as the price, I am pretty new to the military, but less face it, pricing isn't going to get any better. After having to pay for the ASU's, I just cough up the dough and move on.
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SSG (Join to see)
What makes no sense to me is when the Army implements a new Uniform, there are those that are so resistant to change. After spending the money to get the entire ensemble, I was actually told by leadership that we are not authorized to wear the new PTs until April (headscratcher) Sooooooo my question is what about when New Soldiers start arriving and the Black PT uniform is what they have?? Will they still restrict us, the leadership/cadre from wearing the new uniform?
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG,
I was wondering the same thing. However, they can resist for to long, because if were are in formation we have to be uniform. So they can only resist for so long.
I was wondering the same thing. However, they can resist for to long, because if were are in formation we have to be uniform. So they can only resist for so long.
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This new uniform looks great, I like it. As COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM stated, sometimes change is good....and he mentioned the banana suit....compare our new one to the banana suit we used to wear....much improved!
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
LTC (Join to see), are you suggesting a different color uniform for each unit, or let the unit choose their own? I could hear the comments now, here comes the Rainbow Brigade. We chose the color of this uniform and that uniform, pretty soon it bleeds over to a choice of what color you want your tactical vehicle.
I would not support mandating the same running shoe across the formation however, I absolutely agree that education of footwear does need improvement.
Regardless, I still believe this uniform looks a hell of a lot better....and with the variants, it is more functional than the uniform it will replace.
I would not support mandating the same running shoe across the formation however, I absolutely agree that education of footwear does need improvement.
Regardless, I still believe this uniform looks a hell of a lot better....and with the variants, it is more functional than the uniform it will replace.
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LTC (Join to see)
I have always preferred the standardization across the formation, but I was referring to SGM (Join to see) post as an alternative to having the Army spend money and putting the onus on the soldier's to get their own gear, offset somewhat by the clothing allowance. I can only imagine how much we are overpaying for the new uniforms, compared to the cost of performance gear off the shelf.
And to reiterate, the aesthetics of the uniform is not the point. How is it the services scream about personnel costs to justify cutting tens of thousands of soldiers, reducing benefits etc, but will spend millions of dollars on a uniform that won't improve our actual performance? This can't make sense to you, CSM Michael J. Uhlig, does it?
And to reiterate, the aesthetics of the uniform is not the point. How is it the services scream about personnel costs to justify cutting tens of thousands of soldiers, reducing benefits etc, but will spend millions of dollars on a uniform that won't improve our actual performance? This can't make sense to you, CSM Michael J. Uhlig, does it?
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
Sir, seems as though you are not the conventional thinker and I believe we'd get along great together! You give the Soldier an option, to make a decision as a group (together) and you get their buy-in on (in this case on the uniform)....which in turn drives the unit pride and esprit de-corps.
When the survey was released, I bet 90% of all the CSM & SGM population raised the cost issue, and if there was really a need for this change....here's a link that outlines the purpose behind the change:
http://soldiersystems.net/2013/07/26/more-on-the-new-army-physical-fitness-uniform/
When the survey was released, I bet 90% of all the CSM & SGM population raised the cost issue, and if there was really a need for this change....here's a link that outlines the purpose behind the change:
http://soldiersystems.net/2013/07/26/more-on-the-new-army-physical-fitness-uniform/
Additional Details On The New Army Physical Fitness Uniform - Soldier Systems Daily
This is the briefing provided to senior Army leaders regarding the new Army Physical Fitness Uniform. I am no longer in the Army but as a former Soldier, I really like what they’ve done. Traditionally, going back to the banana suit (yes, I’m that old) Army issue PT uniforms haven’t been much to write home about. For those of you unfamiliar, the Army colors are Black and Yellow so a Black PT uniform is quite fitting. For those of you worried...
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SGM (Join to see)
CSM, you and LTC Griggs provide intriguing perspectives. Interesting that during Basic Training, we "Train" recruits how to march, how to shoot, "Teach" them about the Warrior Ethos, Ethics, etc., but we don't "Educate" them on how to avert injury from wearing proper footwear. We, as an institution, promote "Life Long Learning" but what are we really doing to ensure it occurs? Training will occur because that's what we do. Training will be successful because we won't let it fail. BUT, will we have a full squad available to train successfully if a member is down due to an injury developed from improper footwear? We can go to WALMART today and figure out what our foot pattern is through Dr. Scholl's. We can review online what the proper shoe is. Soldiers, service members are doing this more and more today, because they don't learn this through our system. The average junior enlisted member will receive approximately $324.00 in clothing allowance in 2015. If they spent $100.00 on a new pair of running shoes annually, I believe lower extremity injuries would be greatly reduced. This methodology requires greater education in the wear and fit of a shoe. As I stated in a previous post, Soldiers will comply with uniform regulations if prescribed as gray shirt, black shorts as an example. One may prefer Nike, the other Adidas, but the risk of injury will be reduced because we've taken the time to educate. Thanks, Happy New Year and enjoy JMTC. v/r, Steve
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Anything is better than those dreadful YELLOW, or uniforms I wore in BMT in the 80's!! Talk about severe chafing!!
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I bought these as soon as they came out, mostly because I wanted to be ahead of the game. Only a handful of others in my unit have purchased them, which leads me to believe that leadership will eventually say everyone must wear the same uniform to avoid the mismatches in uniform everyday at PT formation. So far, I don't have any complaints about the new uniform.
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I think the uniform looks great. It is definitely fitting of our Army logo. I also like our current IPFU. I know most of us had a hand in the design, but this uniform was coming whether we designed it or not. The Reflective belt? Don't worry, it's not going anywhere.
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LOL. They actually said they were dropping the reflective materials for stealth issues? I am sure it had nothing to do with cost.
So I want to make sure that I am tracking what my beloved Army is doing, or at least talking abut doing, they having all of our warriors in black fitness uniforms while dropping 'Black Knights' for West Point. While this is not as dangerous as some of the other things done in name of political correctness, it is nice example.
So I want to make sure that I am tracking what my beloved Army is doing, or at least talking abut doing, they having all of our warriors in black fitness uniforms while dropping 'Black Knights' for West Point. While this is not as dangerous as some of the other things done in name of political correctness, it is nice example.
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SPC Daniel Bowen
Just out of curiosity, what was ultimately wrong with the PT uniforms that we have? Reflective issues? Stealth? Hasn't the Army been hounding soldiers for the past 5 years in combat zones to wear PT belts for "Safety" in places like Bagram and Kandahar? Come on.... no need to change it, stop spending money over this. This is not a heavily needed change for the Army. Who is in charge of the military's funds again?
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MSG Brad Sand
SPC Daniel Bowen
You are spot on. There was nothing wrong with the 'old' PT uniform. The part of the post that made me laugh was that they made the comment about stealth issues...if you are in an area where there are stealth issues, maybe you should not be in PTs? I alway smile when my BS meter pegs out and that was another example of it being pegged out.
You are spot on. There was nothing wrong with the 'old' PT uniform. The part of the post that made me laugh was that they made the comment about stealth issues...if you are in an area where there are stealth issues, maybe you should not be in PTs? I alway smile when my BS meter pegs out and that was another example of it being pegged out.
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SPC Daniel Bowen
Thanks MSG, I just wonder who pushes the ideas of stealth as a problem. The enemy doesn't necessarily need you to wear reflective gear to shoot at you. A 107 rocker may find us whether wearing black or grey. And last time I checked, yellow stands out more than grey over black with "some" reflective abilities.
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MAJ (Join to see)
When the survey came around, one of my critiques as the reflective aspect in a deployed environment. At least we can add or take off the stupid belt.
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