Should/Could the Army PT uniform be worn mix and match?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 00:51:31 -0500

I've recently had a conversation with people in my unit about the PT uniform.  I wonder if it would work to regulate the PT Uniform where it was customizable to the SM's needs, rather than just having a "full summer PTs" and a "full Winter PTs."  I realize the purpose of Uniformity when standing in a formation, but each SM has different needs once the actual physical fitness training begins.  Should you be allowed to downgrade as you see fit?

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 12 at 2013 9:45 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:45:11 -0500

It depends on the unit and the command environment.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 13 at 2013 7:39 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 07:39:16 -0500

My understanding is that the PT uniform has always been customizable based off of local conditions. I've never heard that it wasn't. I'm guessing local command is saying it isn't?

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Dec 13 at 2013 9:13 AM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 09:13:56 -0500

During PT, yes. It only makes sense (perhaps at the discretion of your squad leader, since lets be honest, soldiers can be idiots). All other times, no. Thats why it's a 'uniform'.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 12:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 12:03:43 -0500

Th PT uniform is customizable for local conditions. Can you down grade as you see fit? In most cases no. If you are doing PT as a section, squad, PLT, etc., then you should all be in the same uniform. If doing it on your own, then yes, wear the elements that are the least constraining for your workout. This is typically dictated at the squad level so long as it is in compliance with command policy. If we tailor uniforms and regulations to individual needs, we may as well do away with them all together and start running around like a bunch of misfits doing our own thing and causing all manner of chaos within the organization. Uniforms aren't only to provide an uniform look. They are also to foster a team oriented approach to what we do in the military. Just my thoughts.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 3:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:11:23 -0500

I have a lot of trouble with my extremities getting cold (colder, that is, than you would expect), so there are often days in the fall and spring that everyone else wants to be in shorts and a t-shirt, but I need to have hat and gloves on to prevent myself from getting too cold...

What should we do? Make everyone wear their hat and gloves because SGT O is cold? Risk SGT O's health by making him take his off?

Why do we all have to be EXACTLY the same? Couldn't they just write the regulation so that any combination of the prescribed parts is acceptable?

What if I know I will be better off in the Long sleeves and shorts, but someone else would do better in the short sleeves and pants?

Response by SFC Nicolzie Russell made Dec 14 at 2013 4:41 AM

SFC Nicolzie Russell — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 04:41:22 -0500

I say no we should not mix and match uniforms because it looks horrible and it does not look like a you are a team. Even though that is my personal view, old soldier ways. I had a 1SG that implemented that idea for PT and it shocked me that he allowed that. So when in Rome.... I just feel like when certain things began to get out of order, other things will follow. That falls with discipline.

I feel like i'm going to pass out wearing my gas mask, I feel tired when I have to be at work at 0530, I wanna stop when we go for long "A" runs, boots swell my feet, I wanna take my ACU shirt off when it hot ( Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia), the beret given me headaches... These are all things we have to do and can get altered due to my needs. But if it is truly not putting me in harms way, why not continue tradition and train soldiers to be discipline.

Every thing is blamed on the NCO because the soldier falls short. I believe it is because we continue to let tradition die to accommodate comfort, discipline is the main tradition.

I'll stop I was about get on my old wooden soap box, just old soldier ways and up bringing. But it worked lol.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 9:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:38:40 -0400

I have seen it both ways. I had a few Commanders that allowed us to start PT uniformly and then once we started we were allowed to downgrade as we wanted. However, I have also had commanders that believed in the uniformity of their troops and would not allow this. That is where the buck stops though, you need the Commanders buy off because if he nix's it, then it is gone.

Response by SSG Marvin Vick made Apr 19 at 2014 10:30 AM

SSG Marvin Vick — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 10:30:02 -0400

personally if you wear them mix and match it is no longer a uniform..........it's a bunch of clothes...uniform means alike, same as, distinctive or a stylized dress. remember as military warriors WE are different.....perhaps the civilians would mix and match and think nothing of it...but we with us , the world is watching we are better than the rest....we can even do it in the front leaning rest.........alright now you got me started!!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 10:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 May 2014 22:16:54 -0400

Per DA PAM 670-1 12-6.e
There are no restrictions on the combination of IPFU items worn, unless the commander has prescribed a particular combination for formation.

Response by SPC Jessica Stewart made May 11 at 2014 11:13 PM

SPC Jessica Stewart — Sun, 11 May 2014 23:13:45 -0400

I would have to say no. The unit command sets the uniform for PT and it should be followed by everyone. If someone is unable to physically accommodate that uniform then they need a profile exempting them from it. It is a uniform, the same across the board, and if they are able they should adapt and overcome. If they don't want to get a profile to not have to follow it then they shouldn't complain either.

Response by SFC David Cook made May 13 at 2014 3:05 AM

SFC David Cook — Tue, 13 May 2014 03:05:46 -0400

FYI, "Recommendation" straight from the PRT manual.

Response by SSG Robert Pierce made Jul 27 at 2014 10:34 PM

SSG Robert Pierce — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:34:01 -0400

As a former Platoon Sergeant, I would allow my Solders to downgrade but we all had to downgrade. If one didn't want to then nobody downgraded. The only other time I've seen it authorized during a APFT?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 5:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 17:15:33 -0400

670-1 answers this question. A little ctrl-F and it's easy to find. There is no specific combination of the IPFU, unless the commander specifies one for formation. I think many people will be shocked of what they find if they actually read the reg. It also says that the PT uniform MAY be mixed with civilian clothes. Of course, there is an update scheduled, so be sure to check that one.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2020 7:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 07:35:47 -0400

DA Pam 670-1, para 10-11e: "There are no restrictions on the
combination of APFU items worn, unless the commander has prescribed a particular combination for formation."

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2021 7:53 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:53:40 -0500

Am I able to wear summer pt shirt with winter pants