Posted on Aug 22, 2019
What socks are authorized with the OCP uniform during PT?
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I've read through 670-1 but found nothing stating the specific topic. The closest I can relate it to is the Army Combat Uniform section. Tan, Black and Green socks are the only authorized socks for the ACU. I got into a debate with a fellow soldier because I saw him wearing ankle socks. Even the SSG leading PT was wearing them. Everyone else had green. Our PT uniform was OCP slick with soft-shoes. I couldn't remember anything from regulation so I backed off.
I've always known it as green socks with soft-shoes if wearing the combat uniform. Is it stated somewhere?
I've always known it as green socks with soft-shoes if wearing the combat uniform. Is it stated somewhere?
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Uniforms
Physical Training
Uniforms Physical Training
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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SPC (Join to see), tricky question, everyone in the scenario is technically wrong. FM 7-22 states: "All Soldiers in a unit PRT formation will wear the same uniform. The Army physical fitness uniform (PFU) and ACUs (as described in AR 670-1) with boots, ACH, IOTV, and weapon are appropriate uniforms for the conduct of PRT." AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1 both only list the boot as authorized footwear with the combat uniform.
So, regulatory guidance suggests that it is inappropriate to wear commercial running shoes with the combat uniform. However, if a local commander deviates from the guidance, rules for socks should default to what is authorized to wear for that footwear.
DA-Pam 670-1: "The cushion sole socks are worn by all personnel when wearing combat or organizationally issued boots... The socks are tan, green, or black, stretch type, calf-length with a cushion sole." and with the IPFU "Commanders may authorize wear of commercial running shoes with calf-length or ankle-length, plain white or black socks (no logos). If worn, ankle-length socks must cover the entire ankle bone and calf-length socks will end at the middle point between the ankle and the knee."
So, the least wrong would be to wear white or black socks with the running shoe.
So, regulatory guidance suggests that it is inappropriate to wear commercial running shoes with the combat uniform. However, if a local commander deviates from the guidance, rules for socks should default to what is authorized to wear for that footwear.
DA-Pam 670-1: "The cushion sole socks are worn by all personnel when wearing combat or organizationally issued boots... The socks are tan, green, or black, stretch type, calf-length with a cushion sole." and with the IPFU "Commanders may authorize wear of commercial running shoes with calf-length or ankle-length, plain white or black socks (no logos). If worn, ankle-length socks must cover the entire ankle bone and calf-length socks will end at the middle point between the ankle and the knee."
So, the least wrong would be to wear white or black socks with the running shoe.
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Suspended Profile
The uniform was modified to meet the PT needs for that day. I'm not saying you should not be curious, but if you had that much focus on others socks, did you even concentrate on the PT session? Coming from someone with experience in this field, dont beat yourself up over tiny things like this. If your focus is socks, so much to where you take it to social media, how much are you actually focusing on your job? I'm not saying uniform standards are not important...but just make sure you're prioritizing your concerns and efforts.
Suspended Profile
SFC Brad Porter
In zero ways was I being a "dick" I even admitted to doing these things in the past. So I was not being a "dick". I simply was implying to keep his eyes on the target and not get side tracked with things that do not directly impact his current mission at hand. I believe your take on my curiosity is a bit out of hand considering I was not being a "dick". But you are entitled to your opinion SFC
In zero ways was I being a "dick" I even admitted to doing these things in the past. So I was not being a "dick". I simply was implying to keep his eyes on the target and not get side tracked with things that do not directly impact his current mission at hand. I believe your take on my curiosity is a bit out of hand considering I was not being a "dick". But you are entitled to your opinion SFC
Suspended Profile
SFC Brad Porter
And I will keep my opinion professional but I will say that it's hard for me to understand where you're coming from. You are correcting me on the advice I gave a young soldier but you are calling me lame and a dick? Are you as a SFC setting the example for a SSG like myself to follow? Should I emulate your actions to the soldiers below myself?
And I will keep my opinion professional but I will say that it's hard for me to understand where you're coming from. You are correcting me on the advice I gave a young soldier but you are calling me lame and a dick? Are you as a SFC setting the example for a SSG like myself to follow? Should I emulate your actions to the soldiers below myself?
SSG(P) (Join to see)
I try to notice and observe as much as possible without distracting from the training, maybe SPC (Join to see) did as well?
I had an NCO that showed off his pink unicorn tall socks while wearing his OCP uniform. Then the next day did an inspection on all of us for any sock violations and had us lectured and smoked (I wasnt in the wrong but I had to lead it.) Too many leaders decide to pick and choose when to follow regulations and when to apply it.
I've come to social media, this one specifically, to seek guidance and learn something from those who have experienced far more than I. Or to see what the overwhelming consensus is to a debate/discussion. I wouldn't bother taking these things to Twitter or Facebook.
Personally SPC (Join to see) I would say ankle socks of any type are not allowed. It needs to cover the ankle and although I find no-show far more comfortable, I have a few pairs just for PRT. If the SSG leading PRT was wearing no-show socks and you trust their professionalism to bring up the AR for clarification there's no harm in it. Why not? You'll both have a better understanding of the reading and each other.
I had an NCO that showed off his pink unicorn tall socks while wearing his OCP uniform. Then the next day did an inspection on all of us for any sock violations and had us lectured and smoked (I wasnt in the wrong but I had to lead it.) Too many leaders decide to pick and choose when to follow regulations and when to apply it.
I've come to social media, this one specifically, to seek guidance and learn something from those who have experienced far more than I. Or to see what the overwhelming consensus is to a debate/discussion. I wouldn't bother taking these things to Twitter or Facebook.
Personally SPC (Join to see) I would say ankle socks of any type are not allowed. It needs to cover the ankle and although I find no-show far more comfortable, I have a few pairs just for PRT. If the SSG leading PRT was wearing no-show socks and you trust their professionalism to bring up the AR for clarification there's no harm in it. Why not? You'll both have a better understanding of the reading and each other.
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SPC (Join to see)
Firstly, thank you everyone for your time. Second, I feel I should add that this "debate" lasted the whole of 20-30 seconds. It kinda went like this;
Me- "Hey, you know you gotta wear green socks, right?"
PFC -"Actually you can wear this, it's at your own discretion."
Me- **In my head* "Ugh, one of these guys... I'll just go look up the reg."**
Me- Well I've never seen it posted anywhere. Oh, it's your turn to climb the rope."
*Resume PT*
Pretty much the gist of it. To the SSG, I understand what you're saying but it doesn't take a lot of effort to just eyeball people around me. I was trained to constantly be scanning, even today I catch myself doing it when I don't need to be, like in the DFAC. I used to tell myself, "Oh I'm just a sham-shield, I don't care". I learned eventually that that mentality is for losers and idiots that don't give two flying F*cks about the Army or anyone else but themselves. I changed myself for my career. I don't like to shy-away from opportunities to improve my fellow soldiers. However, I do pick my battles and the time and place where it happens.
Me- "Hey, you know you gotta wear green socks, right?"
PFC -"Actually you can wear this, it's at your own discretion."
Me- **In my head* "Ugh, one of these guys... I'll just go look up the reg."**
Me- Well I've never seen it posted anywhere. Oh, it's your turn to climb the rope."
*Resume PT*
Pretty much the gist of it. To the SSG, I understand what you're saying but it doesn't take a lot of effort to just eyeball people around me. I was trained to constantly be scanning, even today I catch myself doing it when I don't need to be, like in the DFAC. I used to tell myself, "Oh I'm just a sham-shield, I don't care". I learned eventually that that mentality is for losers and idiots that don't give two flying F*cks about the Army or anyone else but themselves. I changed myself for my career. I don't like to shy-away from opportunities to improve my fellow soldiers. However, I do pick my battles and the time and place where it happens.
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While a lot of people already answered your question based on modified uniforms for PT and commanders discretion I am going to answer another question I don't think you realize you asked.
When reading any regulation that talks about the ACU that is the OCP. OCP is not different than ACUs it is a type of ACU.
ACU is the Army Combat Uniform. The old grey color we wore is the UCP Universal Combat Pattern and OCP is the Operational Combat Pattern.
OCP and UCP are patterns of the ACU.
So the real answer to all is tan, black, or green socks.
2nd answer no matter whether it is PT shoes or booots DA PAM 670-1 says socks will fully cover the ankle.
When reading any regulation that talks about the ACU that is the OCP. OCP is not different than ACUs it is a type of ACU.
ACU is the Army Combat Uniform. The old grey color we wore is the UCP Universal Combat Pattern and OCP is the Operational Combat Pattern.
OCP and UCP are patterns of the ACU.
So the real answer to all is tan, black, or green socks.
2nd answer no matter whether it is PT shoes or booots DA PAM 670-1 says socks will fully cover the ankle.
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SPC (Join to see)
I definitely didn't ask that. I am fully aware of what ACU/BDU/UCP/OCP is. However, thank you for the advice. It is always helpful.
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There is no regulation for this. Go with what was put out by your leadership. Now if Soldier did not meet the proper guidance put out then state it in a counseling.
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SPC (Join to see)
Truth. We were only told OCP with water source and gloves. Soft shoes will be worn. I guess they neglected the details.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see)
Confirm uniform prior if you can so everyone is on the same page. Eventually youll be a NCO and find out if you dont go into detail about everything someone will have an excuse or play ignorant.
Confirm uniform prior if you can so everyone is on the same page. Eventually youll be a NCO and find out if you dont go into detail about everything someone will have an excuse or play ignorant.
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SPC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - Truthfully, I have already begun to experience it. I go to BLC very soon. I've had my share of ignorant idiots. Thank you though. I will keep this in-mind.
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I’m curious about one thing, the OCP and PT uniforms are two different uniforms. Are you asking about the new black and yellow PT uniform, or the new OCP uniform? If you want to know what socks to wear to wear with the pt uniform, it’s black or white socks that pass the ankle, with no logos. If you’re asking about the OCP uniform the same rules from the ACU apply, black, green, or tan socks.
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All I remember having hammered into my head is "white socks no logo over the ankle". I don't think you could go to wrong with that. If you do I am sure some one will correct you.
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Really ??? Socks ?? I was in charge of a section many moons ago, 24 enlisted soldiers and two NCOs. Since our unit as a whole rarely did PT as a unit (shift work-hospitals never close) I was told to care of section PT. As far as I was concerned, I told the troops to wear something comfortable that made common sense. We are still in the Army after all. No one including the young female soldiers ever let me down. After all, we were big boys n girls full of common sense. PT uniforms are anything but comfortable. Never any issues with the chain because they saw improvement in PT scores which can be a challenge for some in a medical unit. We were still disciplined soldiers, maintained our military bearing and professionalism, some of us improved our physical fitness and we had fun. I understand the Army mentality but when one can divert from the process and make it a little less overbearing....why not ? Last thing I wanted was to worry about was socks.
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SSG (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) Nothing unprofessional or slobbish about any of my soldiers. We were proficient in all our duties and tasks and performed very well if I may toot their horn. You know what’s unprofessional ? The mentality of tunnel vision and not thinking outside the box. Imagine where we’d be if Washington, Lincoln, Salk, Patton, Eisenhower or Gates (to name a few) had that mentality. One of the things i supplemented with my Army experience and training was common sense and to loathe stupid shit. Trivializing socks is stupid shit.
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SPC (Join to see)
The topic needs actual insight into the discussion. Facts or quotes from regulations or pamphlets. Honestly, you are offering us nothing but your opinion on something else entirely. All respect SSG, you're kinda just bitching.
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SSG (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) It’s not opinion nor is it bitching. It’s experience. Twenty years worth. Yeah, one day I’ll get around to changing my rank on this medium but, it’s really not that important. Seriously , veterans are commiting suicide at an alarming rate and we’re preoccupied with socks?
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - Hopefully I am not fanning any flames here... though I understand and agree socks aren't really important in the whole scheme of things, he is asking a question about a standard regarding uniformity, which generally should be enforced. I agree it doesn't mean you are undisciplined, but a uniform is a uniform and the Soldier wants to get a right. SPC (Join to see) You definitely should not be addressing an NCO like that, especially when he wasn't insulting you. It is an online forum, but that does not detract from the "discipline" you claim that you want to enforce and adhere to. We are all still in the service and need to be respectful of one another. "All respect SSG, you're kinda just bitching" is definitely not something to say to someone. It sounds like you got annoyed and decided to make a snarky comment. Come on, man.
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For "modifed" pt it could be what is put out. Pike said prior. It's not something that even needed to come up as a question. I wear gray/black socks usually in my ocps, I've never had anyone say anything because it is such a trivial thing. I would be more concerned about people's work /attitude over socks ha.
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