SMA pushes for black socks, headphones with PT uniform. Your thoughts?

SGM Steve Wettstein I think the APFT or PT uniform should always be a light color for the summer months and heat. Just my opinion. If they want to have headphones then let them use those on the days the soldiers are doing their own work outs on their own. When in formations and running together as a team (or) conducting an APFT I don't think they should be allowed. When a group is running in formation let's back to the old days of sounding off and getting some cadences going. I'm curious to see what our Marine brothers and sisters think of these changes? What changes have they made? Maybe I'm just too old fashion. At the end of the day it's up to the SMA who is currently setting the tone. We've seen a lot of changes that I don't agree with - like the Beret - is that back again? I think the Beret symbolized a special group of Green Berets, Airborne, and Rangers! Again, just an opinion. Some will agree and disagree.

What is the Army's obsession with the color, black???
Seriously, we worry about cars being able to see us AND heat injuries...and someone comes up with a black uniform, and maybe black socks???

SMA Dailey said it best if it isn't hurting anything why not? For those who are complaining about the SMA not focusing on larger issues such as pay and troop strength you need to do your homework. When was the last time a NCO gave an order or created a standard or policy?....never. Officers make these decisions and it is our job to enforce them. In the case of pay and man power that is a congressional decision that the joint chiefs only influence.
In my humble opinion I believe that the SMA is doing a good thing by attacking the things he can effect such morale. One of the previous articles was just talking about morale being at rock bottom again in the Army. Like it or not young Soldiers morale is effected by thing such as tattoos, headphones in the gym, and yes even socks. I met SMA Chandler three different times and not once did he ask what the Soldiers thought he did however deny a NCO of the year a coin because she had a small broken heart tattoo behind her right ear because he didn't see her as a professional. Think she cared about her pay or retirement options that day? Bottom line all we can do at our level is to provide the troops we are charged with leading the best training, care, and influence we can. Spend more time worrying about what you can directly impact rather than what you cant.

Unbelievable all I can say is have at it, I served 25 years and 3 days. I know when I wear black socks my feet stink-sweat profusely!

Not that I truly care anymore since I'm out. But when I was in, my last unit allowed headphones in the unit gym, and my previous duty station of Fort Bliss, the post command (at the time, not sure about now) allowed for headphones in the gym. I think having a top-down decision on this is good. I also agree with the SSG that headphones during the run on the PT test would help people tremendously instead of wondering, "How far have I gone, and how far do I have let?"

As far as the black socks, not so much. White socks are easy to find anywhere. Black socks are usually made of a different material (usually thicker or thinner, too) because of their typical usage in more dressy clothing, and black socks of the same material just aren't as easy to find. And the Army would be the only branch to wear black socks with the PT uniform. The Army needs to stop changing uniforms when something works. The new PTs, yes, from what my friends tell me, it's much more comfortable. Scorpion uniform, a definite need to replace the cruddy ACUs. But socks? Really? That's a change for the sake of change, and I don't think it'd look good anyway, especially since most people's shoes are white or a light grey anyway.

Black socks at PT are just wrong.

At least the black socks would make it look more uniform...

AR385-10 prohibits Soldiers (and encourages family members) not to wear headphones while in public road ways. Commanders have the discretion to designate closed routes where headphones could be used. I am in favor under those circumstances. Anything to reduce the suck and encourage people to get after it, especially inside on ellipticals, stationary bikes, and treadmills.

If there's no color required for running shoes, it shouldn't matter for socks. The use of headphones should also be permitted. AS LONG AS YOU WEAR YOUR PT BELT.

Black was a bad idea in the first place. But it may keep the CSMs favorite industry in business, road guard vests and reflective belts.

So where are we supposed to find black athletic socks?! Is that another thing we will only be able to find at Military Clothing Sales stores? Hell, I can't even get the whole PT uniform there!?

I think the headphone thing is OK, but then again with an all black uniform...