Prototype PT uniforms undergo wear tests

  • Published
  • By Mike Wallace
  • Skywrighter Staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A prototype physical training uniform for the Air Force is undergoing wear testing here, the Pentagon and MacDill AFB, Fla.

The new design was introduced last month at the three sites for 185 males and females of various sizes, ethnic backgrounds, officers--including 42 general officers, and enlisted, to wear during PT three or more times a week. At the end of this month, the Air Force Uniform Office here will evaluate the uniform's performance from feedback provided by the wearers.

Capt. Nick Ferry, program manager for the PT uniform, described it as "100 percent polyester with a moisture management system and an anti-odor lining."

He added that the prototypes differ from the current PT uniform in features including: no hood or vents, better reflectivity, decreased noise and lighter weight. The uniform consists of a jacket and slacks, T-shirt, and tapered shorts with pockets and comfortable liner.

Emphasizing that the uniform still is in testing, Captain Ferry said that wearers initially "loved the fabric." He added they also "appreciated the longer length in shorts and the better fitting liner."

Captain Ferry said that volunteers were carefully measured, and they were required to wear the uniforms during PT activities.

"We have the whole gamut of what people do in PT," he said. "We have the three-times-a-week Airmen, and we have people who exercise longer, such as marathon runners. We require the volunteers to keep logs of exercise and laundry cycles."

The prototype uniform laundry instructions include washing in cold water using mild detergents, and not using fabric softeners or dryer sheets since chemicals from these could clog the pores of the uniform's polyester material and adversely affect performance.

Since 1947, the AF Uniform Office here has been dedicated to giving Airmen the highest quality uniforms for them to accomplish their missions.

The PT uniform currently in use was adopted in 2004 from an Air Force Academy design, and technicians here modified it for general Air Force use. Feedback on the uniform's heat, weight, and discomfort when compared to exercise clothing available commercially led to creating the new uniform.

The wear test is scheduled to end March 31. Captain Ferry said that afterwards, "There'll be a final survey, and we'll analyze peoples' likes and dislikes to see if further tests or modifications are needed. Then, we'd brief at the Chief of Staff level, and from there it's a go or no-go."

He added, "I think it will be adopted, but we'll support any changes that are needed."