Fact or Fiction? Running shoes...

CSM Mike Maynard — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 23:59:32 -0500

Who would think twice about wearing running shoes with the IPFU? That's what you're supposed to wear, right?

Fact or Fiction?

You are authorized to wear running shoes for Physical Fitness without the authorization of your commander?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 12:11 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 00:11:45 -0500

CSM Maynard,

That seems like such a no-brainer FACT that I'm almost certain the correct answer is FICTION...

I know that in decades past, Soldiers did their PT in boots, and I also know that at basic we were REQUIRED to buy running shoes for PT, but I can't say I've ever seen a reg. for the PT uniform...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 12:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 00:55:45 -0500

It is a fact that we are authorized to wear running shoes without the commander's approval.

While running shoes are not listed as a component of the IPFU, neither are socks! Boots aren't mentioned at all in relation to the IPFU. Therefore, wearing the IPFU without having or assuming the commander's approval for authorized accessories would mean being barefoot.

Wearing bare feet with the IPFU would not present a neat and soldierly appearance. Therefore, I have general military authority to wear socks and running shoes.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 8 at 2013 1:36 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 01:36:52 -0500

What drives me crazy is when fools show up rocking a pair of bright red Jordans.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Dec 9 at 2013 6:40 PM

CSM Mike Maynard — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 18:40:18 -0500

All -

First, my only point for this question was that usually, we want/need specific information and we google or Ctrl-F to find specific answers to our questions. If that is the only way you digest Doctrine (ARs, ADPs, ADRPs, FMs, etc), then you will miss these little tidbits of arcane passages and you will not learn as much as you could if you actually read doctrine.

I want to encourage everyone to just read a chapter a week from some doctrine and encourage your Soldiers to do so as well. In fact, not a bad idea to assign a different chapter to each Soldier in your section and then have them give you an EXSUM/Brief on it.

So, on to the answer...................

Technically - Fiction.

The regulation is very clear and absolutely ridiculous. As SGT O'Neill stated, Cdr's "may" authorize shoes and socks.

Now, I would hope, that no Cmd Tm was so legalistic that they would actually publish a policy letter authorzing shoes and socks with the IPFU, but who knows.

Just another reason that we have needed an update to the AR 670-1 for a longgggggggggggg time.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 12:19 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 12:19:44 -0400

I just may go barefoot to PT next week with the reg for the IPFU and hopefully the CO is there so she can write a policy letter authorizing the wear of white socks and athletic shoes :) (Not gonna happen, but would be fun)