PT Belts: Are we creating safety-overkill?

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:14:01 -0500

What color PT belt does your unit/installation wear? Is it based on rank?

Do you only wear PT belts for PT? When else do you wear PT belts?

With reflective PT uniforms, do PT belts actually create a safer environment?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 26 at 2013 10:15 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:15:21 -0500

<span style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px;">Wearing PT belts (across shoulder) when conducting police calls/clean-up at high-noon on a clear day...stop the madness!</span>

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 26 at 2013 10:17 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:17:44 -0500

When working in a joint environment, our sister services snicker and make jokes about our 'over-use' of the PT belts. Isn't this a form of bullying? :(

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 26 at 2013 10:18 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:18:53 -0500

Better yet tell me where this is in 670-1???

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 26 at 2013 11:23 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:23:59 -0500

There was actually a study done not too long ago that found PT belts are dangerous because we've conditioned ourselves to look for them and when we don't see them we assume there's no one there. So the people who aren't wearing them are almost invisible.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 26 at 2013 11:24 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:24:47 -0500

Sometime in the mid 2000's there must have been a bajillion soldiers ran over on post.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 11:37 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 23:37:56 -0500

I saw something saying that the new PT uniforms may not be made of refective material; because why spend that extra money when we are just going to throw a PT belt over it. My current unit in Korea we are not required to wear them because why my jacket is reflective. Best thing i have heard of.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Nov 27 at 2013 3:00 AM

CSM Mike Maynard — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 03:00:04 -0500

Our unit wears reflective belts when needed - imagine that. We actually have leaders do risk assessments to determine if they need to wear them or not.<div><br></div><div>8th Army in Korea started having this discussion a couple months ago and they determined the same thing - Reflective belts are "safety" items, not "uniform" items. They changed their policy.</div><div><br></div><div>We can only hope that common sense takes hold in other places so that the wearing of the reflective belt isn't looked upon so humorously.</div>

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 7:23 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 07:23:08 -0500

While I will make fun of the PT belt as much as the next guy, it really is no skin off my back to wear it. However, I think it's indicative of a greater problem within the military: personal accountability is conflated with leadership.

I know it is all under the auspices of safety, but there is an inherent lack of trust institutionally when we have numerous reflective articles of clothing on...on top of a gaudy-colored belt.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Nov 27 at 2013 8:02 AM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 08:02:07 -0500

Here at the "Great Place" (Fort Hood) units have no choice but to do PT, unit runs in particular, on one road.  That road is blocked off to all traffic during PT hours....Here's the kicker, units are conducting PT on a road devoid of all traffic, in a uniform that's naturally reflective, and we still wear PT belts.  I'm sorry but how does that make sense to anyone?  It's so blatantly obvious among every single person who I've ever talked to so how is it not obvious to the higher ups who make that call?  Look, there's doing the right thing, then there's going above and beyond, and then there's this in a whole league of its own.  I think those who institute policies like this need to be forced into retirement for clear inability to make effective decisions that pass a common sense test.

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Nov 27 at 2013 8:20 AM

CPT Laurie H. — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 08:20:39 -0500

We all wear yellow Army Safety Straps regardless of ranks. We wear our A.S.Ss for PT, in the motor pools, near moving vehicles, and anywhere outside ebtween 1800 (or sundown) and 0600. It creates great opportunities for harrassing the new LT for not having one at all times on his/her first day of his/her first drill.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 8:25 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 08:25:46 -0500

<p>We don't really use them at PT. Primarily because not everyone has them and we are Reservists typically conducting PT in closed area. </p><p> </p><p>I would say that the most useful aspect of the PT belt for us is not for PT, but for working around equipment on jobsites during low light/low visibility times. It's often hard to see someone from a D-7 dozer, a Scraper, or any other piece of equipment, so the PT belt can help. </p>

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Nov 27 at 2013 10:16 AM

SFC Josh Watson — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 10:16:29 -0500

The PT belt is the "Bacon" of PPE!

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 27 at 2013 10:42 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 10:42:57 -0500

When I retire as a CSM I'm going to implement a new uniform item and then start the only business that sells them, all in the name of safety. Maybe a reflective fleece cap.

Response by SFC Michael Boulanger made Nov 27 at 2013 11:22 AM

SFC Michael Boulanger — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 11:22:26 -0500

What color PT belt does your unit/installation wear? Yellow or what ever they show up with, if they show up with one

Is it based on rank? refer to the first question

Do you only wear PT belts for PT? No, also used for situations in which additional safety measures are needed

When else do you wear PT belts? Refer to questions 1 and 2

With reflective PT uniforms, do PT belts actually create a safer environment? no but it makes the 1SG and SGM feel at ease

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 27 at 2013 12:36 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 12:36:38 -0500

When's the last time someone was hit by a car on post during PT hours while the roads were closed...go ahead I'll wait.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 2:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 14:52:33 -0500

Wow! After reading some of the responses about the PT belt, no wonder why everyone wants it gone. Some of the units here wear the PT belt in this order:

Yellow: Enlisted, Green: NCO’s, Blue: Officer’s, Red/Orange: Warrant. If the unit has Yellow, then the Unit and Rank are on the belt. Besides that, if your in the motor pool, ground guiding a vehicle in or out, PT, (this includes you doing any type of running or biking military or civilian on the installation, a PT belt or reflective vest is worn) or a Range Safety, the PT belt is on. The APFU is designed with a reflective material in it but the units will still have Soldiers wear the PT belt for “Safety”. But like it has already been stated, "How safe?"

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 27 at 2013 5:12 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:12:10 -0500

I worked on a joint base first administered by the Navy and then the Air Force. Our unit was at the end of a dead end road leading to a swamp which hid an Army cargo

terminal, our building & boat docks, and a large contingent of vicious mosquitos, poisonous snakes, alligators and other assorted wild animals which routinely menaced the crew in the parking lot. The number one safety concern, reflective PT belts. Die because the base logistics contractor regularly hires longshoremen who are chemically enhanced and don't have driver's licenses to move M1A1 Abrams tanks and MRAPS to the staging area. Die because you fell off a dock into alligator infested waters in the dark because there are no lights on the pier. Die because you contracted malaria or West Nile virus from the mosquitos. Perfectly acceptable! Formation run in broad daylight on a dead end street. Major safety violation!!! Help me please!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 6:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:14:59 -0500

In my unit (for some reason) it is part of our uniform. They say "cant go anywhere without it. I said whats the point of wearing the damn thing when its not visible to anyone . They make us wear it under our acu's . I think its the dumbest thing ever.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 6:57 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:57:53 -0500

The only time someone should wear reflective belt, if their commercial clothing doesn't provide any which is almost impossible now, is when someone decides to go jog on the interstate in the middle of the day. I have never heard of one person getting hit by a vehicle on a closed road during PT hours. Its an overreaction to some tribal lore event that happened over 13 years ago. Its a joke.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 2:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 14:04:09 -0500

Ok, really!!!!
We are all issued pt belts, but the only freakin time we have to wear them is when you do a company run, or if you are over seas in a red light environment. What the heck! Oh, we'll I guess it works well if you ride a motorcycle too. Yeah, I think we have gone too far!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 2:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 14:23:46 -0500

We wear the blue vest with rank and name on it

Just for PT

They are more reflective

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 5:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 17:25:13 -0500

No PT Belt.... we rock the old PT Vest with Rank and Name.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 6:13 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 18:13:02 -0500

The reflective belt is an additional item to the PT uniform-it is not a mandatory item. No where in the regulation does it state it must be worn when wearing the PT uniform. Second to None!

It should only be worn if a leader decides it is required after a risk assessment.

Response by SGT Michael McMahon made Nov 29 at 2013 10:16 PM

SGT Michael McMahon — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 22:16:50 -0500

Yes, we were just as well off, when we only had road guard vests on road guards. There is nothing gained, sefetywise by everyone having to wear that stupid reflective belt.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 2 at 2013 1:08 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 01:08:48 -0500

On my PT belt I have pouches for hand sanitizer, rubber gloves, miniature screw driver set, and a pen holder.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Dec 2 at 2013 2:02 AM

SSG Ronald Limbaugh — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 02:02:30 -0500

Ok... I gotta admit that, yes, we have gone a bit overboard with the whole reflective belt issue. I've been here at USARCENT for the past 2 1/2 years and have seen it change slightly for us during that time. Luckily, the latest change actually seems to hold common sense, as it involves the required wear of the reflective belt only during hours of darkness, while conducting PT, in uniform. Up until this change, we were required to wear it at all times while outside during hours of darkness, no matter what we were wearing (PTs, ACUs, Civies). I agree that the reflective belt is a safety item, not a uniform item. It should be utilized when a risk assessment has been conducted at the appropriate level and it has been judged as being beneficial to the mission and the safety issues at hand. I remember using the older reflective belts and bands for PT when we still wore the old cotton sweatsuits, but they were not reflective. I think that it might help some with visibility when used with the new summer uniform (Army) but the new winter IPFU jacket, without a doubt provides plenty of visibility when hit with light from an oncoming car... almost looks like a disco ball.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 2:54 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 02:54:13 -0500

My unit wears solid orange PT belts and its standard across the ranks.

We only wear PT belts for PT or on our ruck sacks when ruck marching. I also wear my PT belt in civilian clothes when I go running after work when the sun has gone down.

i do believe that wearing reflective belts for PT does create a safer environment for the most part. In cases such as unit runs which are usually conducted during early mornings when it is still relatively dark. I know alot of times it has been the one thing that has allowed me to spot a runner on the side of the rode or a bicyclist who failed to put any additional reflective gear on their bicycle.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Dec 3 at 2013 6:15 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 06:15:34 -0500

Here at Stewart, the pt belt is part of the Marne Standard pt uniform. It's even specified which shoulder it must be worn over.

Units appear to select their own color here, but I've seen some units with mix and match belts.

I can see using it during hours of low visibility for pt, but using it as a ground guide in the motorpool, while operating lawn cutting equipment or conducting police call, heck even as a range safety sounds a bit ridiculous. That being said, I've seen units enforce these "precautions" at all sorts of awkward times.

I think most leaders, like someone else said here, use pt belt as a "cya" tool. Junior leaders say, oh my CSM/1SG would want this, so to keep from getting yelled at, joe's gonna wear it. Senior leaders, I imagine, don't want the responsibility if a soldier gets hurt while not wearing it. I think it should fall a little more in the category of individual responsibility, as I'm glad to hear some installations are moving toward.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Dec 3 at 2013 6:15 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 06:15:35 -0500

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 9:07 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 09:07:00 -0500

All I know is, i've had zero accidents while wearing my super safety reflective PT belt. Coincidence?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 12:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 00:02:02 -0500

I believe them to be overkill, especially when our uniforms are reflective. However, I have been required to wear them my entire career (who hasn't?). But I have never been supplied one by the unit. That being said, if we are required to wear them I wish that AR 670-1 would just MAKE A STANDARD for what COLOR!! Every unit I have been to is different.. I have over 20 belts in a rainbow of colors. Is it that big of a deal? No.

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Dec 5 at 2013 2:09 PM

SFC Josh Watson — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 14:09:57 -0500

Not sure if it's just a Brigade thing at this point or if it's a post wide policy, but now while conductin PT INSIDE any gym on JBLM, you must wear the reflective belt. This is ridiculous at best. I'm sure it's not in the name of safety (since there hasn't been a rash of civilian/POV accidents in the gym), but rather to be able to identify Soldiers in a particular unit by the required markings on the belt itself. Hogwash I say!

Response by CPT Mike M. made Dec 6 at 2013 4:17 PM

CPT Mike M. — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:17:30 -0500

Forget it, blending in to your surroundings is hazardous to your health. I suggest we do away with camo altogether!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 7:23 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 07:23:00 -0500

My unit wears our PT belt TO PT everyday, but unless we are running on the street, or playing a belts vs. nobelts sport, we usually take them off...

I highly recommend retro-reflective materials when on/near the street from dusk till dawn, as well...

I think that having hot/cold weather casualties wear the blue belt can also help leaders keep an eye on those prone to further hot/cold weather problems...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 9:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 21:08:16 -0500

My unit has yellow. When I first got here we had orange and the color was based on the brigade you were in. When I was stationed at Ft Drum the colors were E-4 and below yellow, E-5 and above green, and all officers were blue. I liked it this way. this way during PT you were able to tell who was correcting you. or when you were passing an officer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 9:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 21:10:07 -0500

In my particular unit...... here at Fort Hood, we are not only required to wear the pt belt but it must also be adorned with our rank and unit crest....... Really, no one cares what unit I'm in, plus while doing pt these delicate metal items break and fall off about once every few weeks..... That gets really expensive really quick!!!

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 20 at 2014 10:17 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 22:17:58 -0500

The second Tuesday of next week.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 2:45 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 14:45:36 -0500

Actually SPC Nguyen, wait and see it will be soon. A new PFU is coming out this year I heard we will not have to wear the belt with it. So cross you fingers.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 3:12 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 15:12:30 -0500

Never. Don't you follow Duffle Blog? SMA Chandler is going to start requiring every soldier to wear 3 PT belts at all times.

On a serious note, I've never understood having to wear the PT belt during morning PT when most posts close the roads durinng PT hours and the APFU already has reflective materiel.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 14 at 2014 7:53 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:53:14 -0500

Army PT belts are a popular target on RallyPoint to discuss/gripe. The overuse of PT belts is difficult to defend.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/12243-pt-belts-are-we-creating-safety-overkill

PT Belts: Are we creating safety-overkill?

What color PT belt does your unit/installation wear?  Is it based on rank?Do you only wear PT belts for PT?  When else do you wear PT belts?With reflective PT uniforms, do PT belts actually ...

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Feb 14 at 2014 7:54 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:54:39 -0500

I do believe so. Almost every piece of PT uniform has a reflective surface. IMO, what makes the Army use the PT belt is the fact Soldier's tend to use their equipment way beyond their serviceable wear dates. I believe that have a PT belt at night is smart considering, if you wear ACUs, or even ASUs, you remain unseen. However, I do not agree with PT belts in combat situations even if the FOB is run like a "garrison".

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 7:56 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:56:52 -0500

Is the Pope Catholic?<br>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 12:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 12:15:06 -0500

My battalion recently told us we cant use PT belts no more except for the road guards.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 1:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 13:03:58 -0500

Yes, absolutely.

Most especially when Soldiers on Prosperity in Baghdad (FOB surrounded by high rise buildings) were forced to wear them at night.

One of my favorite things on Facebook was the new PT uniform being made from 100% recycled PT belts with a note that "PT belt still required".

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 3:18 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 15:18:00 -0500

Yes, I believe it is. With roads constantly be blocked off for PT and the built in reflective nature of the uniform, what is the purpose of an extra belt? I can see using it at night when in ACUs for detail or for safety purposes, but not at morning PT. And, at Fort Hood, it was REQUIRED piece of the uniform when you went to the GYM!? I mean really, in the GYM? Am in danger of being hit by a car who won't see me IN THE GYM!?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Feb 15 at 2014 3:47 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 15:47:53 -0500

No more than Rally Point is with seeing this question posted over and over.

Response by MSG(P) Thomas Finn made Feb 16 at 2014 11:46 PM

MSG(P) Thomas Finn — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 23:46:50 -0500

I have four deployments under my belt with one pending, I personally know of one to many accidents that could have been prevented with the proper PPE. If PT belts can save lives I am all for it.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 9:03 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 09:03:55 -0500

Yes they are getting completely out of hand CSM. I now own a warehouse full of PT belts as the policy changes from post to post and sometimes from unit to unit. I have PT belts with units painted on, plain and now color coordinated. It wouldn't be so bad if any of these were provided by the unit, but I am honestly starting to get tired of coming out of pocket for all of these belts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 8:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 08:53:11 -0500

Definitely, the PT belt as I understand it is solely to provide visibility for vehicular traffic while soldiers are DOING PT during the early hours of the morning and/or after dusk. Hence the term PT belt. So when I see soldiers in a forward operating base with full battle-rattle, and weapons due to ATP/FP requiring us all to be on heightened alert, it absolutely does seem to be going over board. Not to mention the wearing of the PT belt is NOT mandated in AR 670-1 as a required PPE. Just the mere fact all uniformed personnel, are prohibited from doing formal out-door PT on this post so as to NOT attract attention to themselves so as to minimize the chance of an insider attack.." but u must wear your PT belt for safety"..is really mind-boggling!! Back in garrison, PT is usually done on roads that are closed so to allow soldiers to conduct PT safely. So are we just wearing it because the someone says so. Any soldier that doesn't how to cross the street properly, probably shouldn't be in the military.

Response by SPC Americo Irizarry made Feb 18 at 2014 3:39 PM

SPC Americo Irizarry — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 15:39:56 -0500

if safety is one reason i am for it. the army PT belt a lot of people may not realize this is one safety item they should not get rid of why because a lot of soldier's do Pt very early in the morning when it is dark so the belts are good as reflectors the standard PT uniform consists of gray shirts black pants which blends in with the darkness of the morning at least the belt is warn on the waist and it reflects when cars approach the soldiers just me saying so yes I am all for the PT Belt

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 9 at 2014 8:15 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 20:15:33 -0400

Yes and has been since 2003.....

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 9 at 2014 8:32 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 20:32:43 -0400

On Fort Bliss, soldiers wear yell belts, NCOs wear green, officer wear green and what's next? Will Chaplains wear red PT belts, WOs might wear orange, pregnant soldiers can wear pink, Yes, those are good ideas.

Response by SSG Daniel Deiler made Apr 9 at 2014 8:46 PM

SSG Daniel Deiler — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 20:46:43 -0400

My answer is Yes.

The PT belt is meant to bring attention to the fact that there's a person there correct? And in the units I've been a part of in recent years require that ALL Soldiers wear the PT Belt. This makes everyone blend in together does it not? Over-saturation is not the answer. That's why "back in the day" we had road guards. A couple in the front and a couple in the rear...maybe even the cadence caller. Not every Soldier in the formation is a road guard so why is every single Soldier made to look the part? I'm sure I'll get a bunch of groans, but why did we go away from the complete Road Guard Vest??? You can actually see that. A PT belt is often obscured by a shirt that has been bloused or even worse covered up by a roll of fat. I know a bunch of people complained all the time about having to wear it but what's more comfortable? Wearing a lightweight vest or a 5,000 lb car?

One thing that always made me scratch my head is why Commanders do not make it mandatory to wear a PT belt/vest for Soldiers reporting to first formation in ACU's or during hours of limited visibility? If anything a Soldier in ACU's is FAR less visible at this time of day.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 9 at 2014 11:32 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 23:32:17 -0400

"Going?"

No.

Gone? Yup.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 11:47 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 23:47:38 -0400

Well I will answer with the "words" of SMA "You Know What? Screw It, Everyone’s Gonna Wear Three Reflective Belts At All Times"

http://www.duffelblog.com/2013/05/sergeant-major-chandler-you-know-what-fuck-it-everyones-gonna-wear-three-reflective-belts-during-pt/

You Know What? Screw It, Everyone’s Gonna Wear Three Reflective Belts At All Times

The following is an opinion piece by Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III. You know what soldiers? I'm sick and tired of this crap. You want to keep complaining about having to wear refl...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 12:33 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 00:33:59 -0400

How else will we remain safe without them?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 2:01 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 02:01:12 -0400

They are overkill due to most active duty posts now have designated running routes and no traffic. Second, I think they overkill is that they are expected to be worn everywhere. Garrison, field, combat zone. Why don't we just all wear bright neon green or orange? I believe they are useful in low visibility environments.
My question back would be in all the Army accidents that have occurred, did the belt save lives? I am sure it did in some for sure but I would safely assume that is a low percentage.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Apr 16 at 2014 2:28 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 14:28:17 -0400

Here at Ft. Rucker, we have three different colors authorized for PT belts.

Blue = Officer

Green = NCO

Yellow = Junior Enlisted.

AIT Students wear orange vests

I would love to tell you it is for identification purposes only, so that one would recognize if they were passing by someone of greater rank; however, it has become the mainstream that they must be worn whenever and wherever PT is being conducted. I took mine off in the gym one time, and a SGM/CSM (not sure which) instructed me that I had to wear it even in the gym. I asked if he was afraid I might get struck by a vehicle while benchpressing. If that was the case, we have bigger issues to sort out than wearing a reflective belt inside a brick building.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 3 at 2014 5:43 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Sat, 03 May 2014 17:43:54 -0400

Does a bear shit in the woods?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 7:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 07:37:55 -0400

We wore this uniform when I was a private and as you can see they still made people wear a road guard vest.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 8:41 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:41:46 -0400

Yes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 2:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:57:57 -0400

Redundant redundancy. PT is actually more hazardous than combat. CDR / 1SG select a O-2 / E-6 or higher to conduct PT. Composite Risk Management course must be completed by every soldier participating. You need to sign a EULA agreement with Ft. Gordon to access a computer to complete this. Then a E-7 or higher has to complete the risk assessment for PT the next morning, which the CDR has to sign off on. Garrison SGM and Post MPs must be notified when conducting PT on the roads, that are closed to traffic during PT hours. PT uniform has built in reflective logos, add uniform color PT belt with 1/3rd the company designated as road guards wearing above uniform with reflective safety vests, flash lights, and chem lights taped to their hair.

Do the road guards need be escorted by armed personal? They are carrying that sensitive item the OD green L shaped flashlight with the colored translucent cone attached.

None of this takes into account the numerous driving laws on and off post that designed to protect pedestrians.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 7:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 19:13:21 -0400

When I first entered in 1989, only the front and rear four and a few soldiers dispersed in the first and fourth rank and used when running or marching somewhere for PT. I wonder if we are wasting money making IPFUs that have reflective material; only to require the wear of a reflective belt or vest.

Response by MAJ Brents Pepper made Sep 15 at 2014 9:10 AM

MAJ Brents Pepper — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 09:10:56 -0400

It has gotten ridiculous.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Sep 15 at 2014 12:34 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 12:34:30 -0400

Here at Rucker, we wear color-coded belts to signify if you are Jr Enlisted (Yellow); NCO (Green) and Officer (Blue). I think the AIT students wear orange. We wear them daytime and dark depending on the time of year. The big misconception here is that most people belive that the belt is part of the uniform, when in fact, it is not desribed in AR 670-1 or the new ALARACT (209/2014). It is a safety device only. We have CSM/SGMs correcting Soldiers in the gym all the time for being "out of uniform" while working out.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Nov 11 at 2014 5:20 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:20:43 -0500

What's a PT belt? Why all the fuss? Look at how it was and be thankful.

Here's the PT uniform from 1982.