PT gear in high demand at clothing sales stores

  • Published
  • By Judd Anstey
  • Army and Air Force Exchange Service
DALLAS (AFPN) --  For the first time in the Air Force's 59 year history, Airmen reporting for physical training must show up in the same gear beginning Oct. 1.

But while several agencies have been preparing for this change for some time, the last-minute rush on the new mandatory gear is creating an overwhelming demand, resulting in backorders in certain sizes, officials at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service said.

AAFES' Air Force military clothing program manager, Maj. Brian Schooley, said what Airmen see on the shelves at Air Force military clothing sales stores is the result of a team effort.

The major said AAFES distributes Air Force uniforms and runs clothing sales stores that are, essentially, "Air Force owned and operated uniform stores."

However, backorders from the military supply system are affecting some clothing sales stores. And since the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia is the only authorized PT gear source, AAFES has no choice but continue to monitor the situation, the major said. He said the exchange service continually requests updates on the backorder status.

"We remain committed to providing customers with the latest information and fix shortages," he said. "Until such notice is received, AAFES is asking for customers' patience as it continues to work with the military supply system to find a solution" to the PT gear shortage.

Airmen can check the availability of the PT gear in their area, by clicking the "store locator" link at www.aafes.com to view specific location and contact information. In addition to 90 Air Force clothing store outlets, all sizes of the new mandatory uniform should to be available through the Web site -- once the backorder situation is resolved.