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New PT uniform guidance: Tuck it in, zip it up

Next time you work out in your PT uniform, be sure tuck in your shirt, zip your jacket and pants and ditch those hot-pink sneakers and fluorescent cap.

The Air Force on Wednesday issued new, tighter guidelines for PT uniform wear. The mandate came from Lt. Gen. Richard Newton III, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel.

Airmen now must tuck in both the short- and long-sleeved shirts issued as part of the PT getup. Sweatshirts don’t have to be tucked, but can extend no more than 6 inches below your “natural waist line.” Previously, all tucking was optional.

PT uniform jackets have to be zipped up at least halfway between the waistband and collar, and pant legs must be zipped down to within an inch of their bottoms.

Bright colors also are now taboo.

Baseball caps worn in tandem with PT uniforms must be solid black or dark blue, with the Air Force symbol or the words “U.S. Air Force” on the front. Knit caps, on the other hand, must have no logos and be solid black, dark blue, or sage green. Gloves, scarves and earmuffs also have to be black or dark blue.

In the past, any old sneaker was OK to wear, but no more. Now “conservative athletic shoes” with “no bright/loud colors or excessive ornamentation” are mandated.

Reflective accessories such as belts and armbands also are now required when it’s dark out, unless airmen are wearing standard-issue items that include reflective material.

Airmen still don’t have to salute the higher-ups while working out, but the new guidance requires that they come to full attention and render the proper military salute during reveille/retreat.

All of the new regulations took effect Wednesday.