PTU wear to become mandatory Sunday Published Sept. 29, 2006 By Staff Sgt. James Wilkinson 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Beginning Sunday, Airmen reporting for physical training must show up in the new, mandatory physical training uniform. According to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Air Force Uniform Dress and Appearance, local commanders decide the wear of the PT uniform while performing organized PT. When participating in organized PT, any combination of the PT gear - shorts, T-shirt, pants and jacket - can be worn as a set. During organized PT, the uniform cannot be mixed with civilian clothes. During Professional Military Education and academic training environments, students and staff are allowed to wear unit-specific PT gear to meet necessary training requirements such as staff and student distinction or student squadron affiliation. There is no mandated maternity PT while participating in formations or unit activities and when mission or safety dictates. When not in an organized PT session, any combination of the PT gear can be worn with civilian clothes. Local commanders or their equivalents determine which PT events are considered "organized." Issues involving the proper wear of the PT uniform while deployed to the area of responsibility will be decided by the commander of the AOR. Sunday, all Airmen will be required to have one running suit, two T-shirts and two pair of shorts. New wear policies described within the AFI:T-shirts - The PT shirt can be tucked in or out. Shorts - 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 leggings - navy blue or black in color - can be worn under the PT shorts, and full-length leggings may be worn during cold-weather periods. Pants - Pants will be worn with the T-shirt and do not have to be zipped. Jacket - The PT jacket will be worn with a T-shirt. - The PT jacket can be zipped or unzipped. - The hood of the jacket will be stored and zipped when not being worn. Socks and Undergarments - Socks will be white in color, any length and may have small, conservative trademark logos. - Undergarments are mandatory with all PT gear combinations. Hats and Headgear - All knit hats or winter caps are authorized. - Maintain a professional military image, with no offensive wording, graphics or photos on any item worn with the PTU. - Bandanas and other similar headgear are not authorized unless member has a medical waiver. Miscellaneous - Uniform hair standards do not apply while working out with the wear of the PT gear. - Saluting is not required. - Requirement for the wear of a reflective belt will be at the discretion of the wing commander. - Jewelry wear will follow normal uniform wear rules. Be sure to keep safety in mind. - Headphones and earphones are authorized while in the gym or designated running track unless prohibited by the installation commander. - Any athletic shoe is authorized. - Safety/additional items such as ski wraps/sweatbands (black, blue and white), reflective belts, personal hydration systems, fannypacks, armbands and gloves are all authorized while performing individual PT. To purchase the new Air Force PT uniform, Airmen can contact Dover Air Force Base Military Clothing Sales at 674-3512. (Information contained in this article was obtained from Air Force Instruction 36-2903)