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Amid complaints, PT uniform fixes on the way

Navy officials have announced they are reworking the recently introduced physical training uniform’s design features because of a fleet of complaints.

Officials confirmed the rework in a naval administrative message released Thursday that also detailed the official manner of wear for the PT gear.

Separate messages Thursday also announced the rollout and wear details for the new khaki-and-black service uniform for E-6s and below, as well as new optional components that have been approved with camouflage utility uniforms.

“We’re improving the fit of the liner,” said Lt. Cmdr. William Marks, spokesman for the Navy’s chief of personnel in Arlington, Va., of the proposed fixes to the PT uniform. “The modesty liner in the shorts did not allow for all builds, so we’ve re-crafted the specs to fit a broader range of sailors in each size category.”

The changes are necessary because the shorts currently available in exchanges are uncomfortable to many. Navy Times readers have reported that even Navy Exchange employees are advising sailors they tear out the built-in liner and instead wear an authorized, but optional, “compression short” instead.

In addition, Marks said, there have been some complaints about the T-shirts.

“We’ve heard that the shirts can become slightly transparent, or see-through, when sailors sweat during a hard workout,” he said. “We’re increasing the opacity of the T-shirt to add an additional level of modesty for those sailors desiring it, but will not compromise the weight and performance of the fabric.”

In addition, the new version of the shirt will be longer for everyone, and a “tall” size will be added.

The changes are expected to be incorporated quickly into the next production run and are expected to be available by “early fall,” Marks said.

All sailors must have the PT uniform starting Oct. 1, so they likely won’t be able to wait to buy the modified T-shirts and shorts as their first set.

The expected service life of the uniform is 12 months, officials say. This means replacement costs will be factored into enlisted sailor’s annual clothing maintenance allowances, allowing them to purchase a new set each year, if necessary.

How to wear it

The PT uniform will be required for command or group PT, as well as for both parts of the semi-annual physical fitness assessment: the physical fitness test and the body composition assessment.

When worn for command functions, the rules state that the shirt must be tucked into the shorts, and that shorts must be worn “fully around the waist,” and not extend below the knee. Athletic socks must be worn with running shoes that “support the planned exercise,” the message states. The socks cannot extend above the mid-calf level, and low-cut socks are authorized as well.

Women are required to wear “a sport or dress” bra. Other undergarments are authorized — but not required — for men and women. These include optional items such as compression shorts, which must be black or dark blue and not be visible when standing up.

Off duty and off base, no such rules apply: The uniform’s pieces can be worn separately or together for personal fitness or leisure activities, the message said.

New CUU extras

NavAdmin 193/08 announced that the Navy Uniform Board approved some optional items for sailors wearing woodland desert camouflage uniforms.

The message added that local commanders are the final authority if those items can be worn in individual regions, so sailors should check with their chain of command before purchasing and wearing any of the items, which are available in Navy and other armed forces exchanges.

Approved are brown brushless boots, slip-on rank insignia for cold-weather Gortex parkas, and black or desert tan 1¾-inch-wide nylon web “rigger” belts with forged steel buckle, V-ring and Velcro fastener.

Khaki for all

Another message announced that the new E-6 and below service uniform is set to make its fleet debut July 31, when it becomes available in Navy exchanges at Great Lakes, Ill., and throughout California.

All sailors must have the uniform by July 1, 2010, after a two-year regional rollout wraps up.

The complete details on the rollout and how to wear the new uniform will be included on exclusive posters available in Monday’s issue of Navy Times.