Headphones OK during workouts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Stegman
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFPN) --  There are many reasons people opt to use headphones while working out. Some use them to pace themselves while running and doing reps. For others, getting lost in the music helps them work out longer by losing track of time. 

Whatever the reason, headphones must be worn properly while working out in the new Air Force physical training uniform. 

According to Air Force officials, Airmen dressed in the PT uniform are authorized to wear headphones while participating in personal fitness and other off-duty activities. 

However, headphones can't be worn in formation, during organized unit physical training sessions or while performing official duties. 

Commanders may further deny headphone wear if conditions are determined to be unsafe, such as people running near vehicle traffic where such wear would limit hearing or awareness of surroundings. They may also disallow headphone use because of operational requirements, officials said. 

The Air Force hasn't established a mandatory wear date for the new PT uniform, and units shouldn't mandate the wear or purchase of this uniform by their members, said command officials. 

When the 97th Air Force Uniform Board convenes Nov. 4, the PT uniform will be discussed and may result in modification of some aspects of the uniform. When a mandatory wear date is established, units will be notified. 

In the interim, Airmen shouldn't be forced to purchase the existing PT uniform, even if they have received the increased clothing allowance, according to officials.

Other guidelines to proper wear of the PT gear include: 

-- Uniform: Any combination of items may be worn together, but items can't be worn with any civilian clothing. 

-- T-shirt:  Must be worn tucked into shorts or pants. 

-- Jacket:  Must be at least half-zipped, and hood must be stored and zipped when not worn. 

-- Pants:  Must be zipped at the legs. 

-- Spandex shorts and leggings:  Navy blue or black; may be worn under PT shorts. Full-length leggings may be worn during cold weather. 

-- White socks:  Must be worn. Ankle or calf length socks with small, conservative logos are acceptable. 

-- Shoes:  Must be a conservative color. 

-- Hats:  Not required when performing PT activities, but if optional organizational hats are worn, commanders must standardize. 

-- Saluting:  Not required when performing PT activities, but is required regardless of uniform type when not performing PT activities when meeting individuals with appropriate rank. 

-- Hair:  Must be neat and can't hang loose below the collar; long hair must be tied back. 

-- Reflective belt:  Requirement is at the discretion of the squadron commander. 

-- Body art:  Normal standards apply. 

-- Jewelry:  Wear follows normal uniform rules; keep safety in mind. 

-- Deployed locations:  Wear policy is at the discretion of the theater commander.

(Air Force Personnel Center news service contributed to this story.)