Do the PT belts really suck that much?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 06:02:22 -0400

So many people dislike them but I have never had the opportunity to wear one yet (havent left for basic yet) what's so bad about them?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 6:32 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 06:32:28 -0400

When you're required to wear one while running an APFT...on a closed track...then yes.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 6:34 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 06:34:29 -0400

No, they don't. It's just that you HAVE to put it on, and it's yet one more thing to wear, therefore we complain about it. Especially when it's daytime and it makes no sense to wear one. It's not that putting it on takes more than a second, or that they're uncomfortable, it's the principle of the matter. It stems from the sentiment that the military would cover you in reflective tape and bubblewrap and what not if they could, and that we're being infantilized to a degree.

However, on the flight line or certain un-lit roads, there are times when driving at night that I definitely could not see a person except for their reflective belt, even after getting within about 25m of them. They make sense at night, in certain circumstances, but not when doing simple things like crossing a well lit road on the walk to the chow hall or in broad damn daylight. Our complaints are rooted mostly in blanket, "good idea fairy" regulations, rather than the belts themselves.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 18 at 2015 6:41 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 18 May 2015 06:41:16 -0400

Good Intentions, Executed Poorly.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 18 at 2015 6:52 AM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 18 May 2015 06:52:56 -0400

Mostly just that it's overdone to the point that it's become silly.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 18 at 2015 7:42 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 18 May 2015 07:42:08 -0400

Not really it's just an ongoing gag about the overt, uber-emphasis and enthusiasm placed on their use by the powers that be.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 7:52 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 07:52:38 -0400

Nothing. They're just silly. I understand the intention to keep us safe, but they're still silly.

Some people feel embarrassed by the PT belts but that's even more silly. My commander requires us to wear them in the mornings and nights so I do.

Good intentions, just silly.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 18 at 2015 8:15 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 18 May 2015 08:15:31 -0400

I'll gladly donate you one of the 30 or so I've been issued along the path to safe PTing, safe ground guiding, safe vehicle backing upping, safe division running (in special commemorative colors), safe LZ aircraft entering and exiting, safe range safetying, safe road marching, safe field mess lining upping, safe on-post motorcycle and bicycle riding...

Just so you can experience the peace of mind and euphoria that the uber-omni-safety of the reflective belt provides you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 8:37 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 08:37:42 -0400

Suck much?
Not really. It is more of the principal of the matter. Leaders get so overran with "Safety stuff" that common sense takes a dump and the darn things proliferate into areas that make no sense (like daytime or APFTs on a running track) or are downright dangerous (like downrange).
If the boss wants to perscribe it as part of the uniform, great. I'll Soldier up and ensure my formation does the same.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 18 at 2015 8:41 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 18 May 2015 08:41:09 -0400

It's not the PT belt in and of itself. It's the symbolism that the PT belt has come to represent: a risk averse military that puts out really silly rules to CYA.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 9:29 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 09:29:19 -0400

It's not an actual suckage! It's just one of those things we all make fun of! You will learn that there are some things in the military that we all joke around about that aren't really even a big deal. PT belts is one. Good luck at basic. Just remember... Right place, right time, right uniform!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 9:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 09:32:31 -0400

They are not bad at all most just complain cause that is the American way. Now the PT Vest sucks.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 9:56 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 09:56:22 -0400

Also, you will never use them in basic haha

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 18 at 2015 9:59 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 18 May 2015 09:59:06 -0400

I have only had to wear it while working on the flight line at night. It's not something that was enforced while I served. It doesn't suck for me, I use it to hold my ear pro, and water bottle holster. It has its usefulness. It does however, suck if you're caught without one at night.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 10:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:00:39 -0400

There is nothing wrong with the PT belt, as a practical matter - most people just think it's silly. It isn't uncomfortable or anything.

Personally, my hope was that they would incorporate the reflective material into the new PT uniforms and eliminate the belt. I understand they didn't because we need to be stealthy in combat environments. Nobody has followed up with an explanation for why we are wearing our PT's when we need to be stealthy.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made May 18 at 2015 10:05 AM

COL Jon Thompson — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:05:18 -0400

My biggest gripe about the PT belt is that policies took the thought process out of when they are necessary. I understand a requirement when you are outside in a not well lighted area or in limited visibility. It when you are required to wear one, even when you are indoors doing physical activity or a place where there is no chance of a vehicle hitting you. We always talk about things depending on METT-TC and that is the way it should be with the PT belt.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 18 at 2015 10:18 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:18:00 -0400

There really is nothing wrong with them, other than another thing to lose or forget.

If someone was actually thinking proactively, it would just be adapted into the PT uniform...but people would still lose or forget it.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 18 at 2015 10:20 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:20:18 -0400

I have never really had any issue with wearing the PT belt. I think this is more a matter of a running joke. The uniform itself is designed to provide visibility. The PT belt is seen as overkill. Hence the pictures of vehicles with PT belts.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 18 at 2015 10:20 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:20:45 -0400

I don't have any problem with it.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 10:49 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:49:09 -0400

YES YES and just in case you are wondering YES! lol

Response by Matthew Torrelli made May 18 at 2015 10:49 AM

Matthew Torrelli — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:49:13 -0400

PT belts are awesome they are a reflective item for soldiers conducting physical training and are there for protection while running and so traffic can see you. The pt belt sucks when you have to wear it while deployed but enough ranting. You will see as you go to your unit.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 11:07 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 11:07:59 -0400

It's about the stupidity of every incident being blamed on a lack of reflective belt.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 1:12 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:12:18 -0400

Wait until the day comes that its 2 in the afternoon, completely bright outside, no sand or storms. Your outside working, or doing PT, and someone comes up to you yelling because you are not wearing a reflective belt. Then you will understand.

Response by SGT Jody Trapp made May 18 at 2015 1:18 PM

SGT Jody Trapp — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:18:45 -0400

It's just a hassle... Esp on a deployment when there are a lot more important things to worry about than if you have your pt belt on you if your outside at night

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 18 at 2015 1:31 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:31:05 -0400

Response by SFC Walter Mack made May 18 at 2015 1:39 PM

SFC Walter Mack — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:39:52 -0400

The PT belt serves only one purpose at this point, but that purpose varies from post to post. It's to identify you in some form of broad category so everyone knows who you are, unless you just arrived from another post.

At some posts, junior enlisted, NCOs, senior NCOs and officers all have their own happy little color. Other places identify the unit by a PT belt, but then we change it, so if you had it figured out, then now you don't. It's a huge infantile joke. We're currently transitioning from a blue vest to the good old yellow belt, so if you're looking for medical support on Leonard Wood, that's good to know.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 2:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 14:26:39 -0400

The Belt of Obedience... useful on the flightline or if you are jogging on the road where there is an actual risk of being hit by vehicular traffic. Beyond that, it's a anti-liability measure implemented probably because an incident motivated the "relocation" of an O-6. Sometimes ground safety measures are smart. Others are the result of an isolated incident and it becomes a ridiculous exercise in liability control. I was at a base in Germany for NCO Academy where it was mandatory to wear the belt of obedience at all times on base. Yeah... no thanks. For someone about to go to basic training, it's nothing to concern yourself with. You don't have to get one now and break it in or anything.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 3:08 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 15:08:02 -0400

They blow really bad. Yes they are reflective and protect you from death but they really do blow. I also agree with 1st Lt Matt A.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 7:09 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 19:09:44 -0400

its just a belt, put it on.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 8:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 20:53:20 -0400

I've noticed recently that the PT belt and "safety" have gotten to the point that more people are wearing it to become "invincible". It's become more of a joke than anything. For instance, we're you aware if you wear a reflective vest AND PT belt a tank can run into you and the tank will be destroyed? True story

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 9:04 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 21:04:11 -0400

"There's only one thief in the army. Everyone else just wants their stuff back."
It's something else to lose.
When you get to basic, by day two you should have your basic clothing bag. It's a lot of stuff. Stuff you have keep and maintain for the rest of your career. On the plus side, every year you'll get a clothing allowance that's supposed to be used for replacing and maintaining that gear.

It is not beer money.

Repeat that until it sticks. In the future, when you have an inspection and something is deficient, "I'm broke" is not an acceptable excuse.

When you get to your first unit, you will go to a place called CIF. They will give you more stuff depending on your unit. This stuff isn't yours. It's the army's and they will want it back. If you lose it, you must replace it or it will come out of your pay (statement of charges).
Then you'll finally get to your actual units supply office. They will give you more stuff, usually tailored to the specific company, that CIF doesn't issue.
That will include your first PT belt.

Unless something has changed, if you wear your full ASU, everything else the army gave you should fit in one duffle bag. Depending on your actual receiving unit you'll probably get another duffle bag (maybe more maybe less) worth of stuff at CIF. All things you signed and are responsible for. Barring an inspection, exercise, or training, most of that stuff will sit in a locker most of the time. It doesn't move and of you're smart you'll find a way to put your name all over it.
But that PT belt....
It's like car keys and that, you know you need it everyday, but somehow they disappear. So you'll lose it somehow, supply won't replace it, you'll go to clothing sales to buy one. You'll forget it one day at home, luckily the shoppette carries them so you'll buy another right before PT. Rinse and repeat. At the end of two years you'll have two you know the location of, but you bought six. When you PCS to another station, the army will box your stuff and ship it. When you unpack it you'll find twelve belts.
Then you'll think you're golden. TWELVE belts, you'll never have to buy one again.
But the army isn't going to lose this battle. At this new unit they don't use the orange belts your old unit did, here they use green belts....

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made May 19 at 2015 11:18 PM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Tue, 19 May 2015 23:18:41 -0400

Response by CW3 Craig Linghor made May 19 at 2015 11:40 PM

CW3 Craig Linghor — Tue, 19 May 2015 23:40:00 -0400

The PT belt is a symbol of the Army's growing risk aversion. I have never heard of the belt saving even one life. Some senior NCO sure made a lot of money from it though.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 19 at 2015 11:40 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 19 May 2015 23:40:55 -0400

Go buy one and wear it for the next 24 hours. Then report back. You can take it off when you take a personal break in your home.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 11:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 23:42:28 -0400

Them mayians were pretty smart. They made a calander that showed the date of the end of the word. There was no way foe them to perceive the comming of the PT belt lol!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 20 at 2015 12:11 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 May 2015 00:11:34 -0400

I have only seen one guy who actually needed a reflective belt and that was on a very dark paved road in Heber Springs, Arkansas along the beautiful Little Red River. I could have ran this man over. I stopped my car and asked, "Hey, you want a reflective belt" and he said yes and thank you and off he went.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made May 20 at 2015 12:26 AM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Wed, 20 May 2015 00:26:20 -0400

You will soon find out young private. Best of luck in BCT, apply yourself and wear that PT belt proudly.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made May 20 at 2015 11:25 AM

SFC Terry Murphy — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:25:57 -0400

When you see a company or battalion level run, with anywhere from 150-500 soldiers running in formation, road guards posted front middle and rear, and every single one has a reflective belt on. How about being smart and having the road guards wear them?

Response by SSG Wally Lawver made May 20 at 2015 1:47 PM

SSG Wally Lawver — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:47:10 -0400

yes they suck, and are a general nuisance...:)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:54 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:54:31 -0400

Yes, Yes they do.

Response by 1SG David Lopez made May 20 at 2015 5:28 PM

1SG David Lopez — Wed, 20 May 2015 17:28:47 -0400

Don't forget to put it on your ruck-a-sacka when you road march. Think Safety, Safety, Safety! (say it three times and you'll always remember: Safety).

Response by SGT LeTerrence Johnson made Jun 2 at 2015 12:49 AM

SGT LeTerrence Johnson — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 00:49:56 -0400

The PT belt is not bad in itself, but what makes it so bad is the fact that you have to wear it for "safety" reasons with certain uniforms. When I first joined the Army, we would only is it for PT, but now it's used for everything under the sun. It could be bright as the light from IT's forehead (the clown for the Stephen King movie "IT") and we would be required to wear it for visibility.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 4:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:06:45 -0500

they stick out like soar thumb plus to me personally they are just unnecessary