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McGuire members gear up

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dilia DeGrego
  • McGuire Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Those rushing to clothing sales to do some last minute shopping for the Air Force physical training uniform may be out of luck, because currently supply is running a little low and finding the right size may not be easy. 

The uniform, which consists of a jacket, pants, shorts and T-shirt, is now mandatory -- as of Oct. 1 -- for unit fitness activities. Unit commanders will take the lead in regards to its use during their particular unit PT sessions, using Air Force Instruction 36-2903 as their guide. 

According to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, when wearing the Air Force PT uniform, Airmen must use the following guidelines: 

l The PT shirt may be tucked in or out. 

l Shorts will be worn with t-shirt. The lining in the PT shorts may be removed, however, do not modify the other PT items such as sleeve removal. Spandex shorts and legging (navy blue or black) may be worn under PT shorts (full length leggings may be worn during cold weather periods). 

l When worn, the jacket may be zipped or unzipped. The hood will be stored and zipped when not worn. 

l Pants will be worn with t-shirt and do not have to be zipped. 

l Socks will be white in color, any length and may have small conservative trademark logos. 

l Undergarments are mandatory with all PT gear combinations. 

l All Air Force hats/winter (knit) caps are authorized. Maintain a professional military image, with no offensive wording, graphics or photos on any item worn with the PT. 

Bandannas and other similar head-scarves/headgear are not authorized unless due to medical waiver condition. 

l Additional civilian clothes may be added, but color consistency should be reasonable compatible to support a professional appearance. 

l Hair standard do not apply while wearing the PT gear. 

l Saluting is not required. 

l Requirement for the wear of a reflective belt will be at the discretion of the installation commander. 

l Jewelry wear will follow normal uniform wear rules; keep safety in mind. 

l Headphones and earphones are authorized while in gym area or designated running track unless prohibited by installation commander. 

l Any athletic shoe is authorized. 

l Other issues evolving in the AOR, wear of the PT, will be decided by the AOR commander. 

l Safety/additional items such as ski wraps/sweatbands (black, blue, white), reflective belts, personal hydration systems, fannypacks, armbands, gloves, etc., are all authorized while performing individual PT. 

l Local commanders may dictate the wear of the PT gear while performing organized PT.
l The PT gear can be worn in any combination desired. 

l Commanders (or equivalent) will determine which PT events are "organized."
l For accessions, PME and academic training environments, PT gear wear is authorized as outlined above; commanders (or equivalent) will determine which PT events are "organized." In these environments, students and staff may wear unit-specific PT gear to meet necessary training requirements (e.g., staff/student distinction, student squadron affiliation, etc.). 

l All Airmen must comply with tattoo and jewelry standards as stated in Air Force Instruction 36-2903. 

l Female Airmen may wear their hair free of pins or other accessories normally required to meet uniform standards. Also, there is no mandated maternity uniform while participating in formations or unit activities. 

Currently, the Air Force Uniform Board is working on optional items including a long-sleeve shirt, sweatshirt and another style of running shorts. Aside from organized unit PT, all Airmen are highly encouraged to wear their PT uniforms and show Air Force pride.