The U.S. Army has introduced a significant upgrade to its physical training gear with the Army Physical Fitness Uniform, or Apfu Uniform. This new service-wide uniform, set to be fully implemented after a phase-in period, is designed to enhance soldier performance, comfort, and address previous concerns with the prior Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU). The development of the APFU uniform is a direct response to soldier feedback, highlighting the Army’s commitment to listening to its personnel and providing them with the best possible equipment.
Addressing Soldier Needs: The Evolution from IPFU to APFU Uniform
The journey to the APFU uniform began with a comprehensive survey conducted in February 2012 via Army Knowledge Online. Over 76,000 soldiers participated, providing crucial insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the existing IPFU. While soldiers appreciated the IPFU’s durability, a significant portion felt that its fabric technology lagged behind commercially available athletic wear. Concerns also arose regarding the limited range of female sizes and modesty issues, particularly with the shorts during exercises like sit-ups. This modesty concern was not limited to female soldiers; male personnel also expressed similar discomfort.
Soldiers in formation wearing the previous IPFU uniform, highlighting the need for improvements in comfort and fit that led to the development of the APFU uniform.
These issues led to some soldiers resorting to purchasing personal spandex-like undergarments to wear underneath the IPFU shorts, indicating a clear need for design improvement. Furthermore, the limited availability of female sizes meant that many female soldiers struggled to find IPFUs that fit properly, impacting their comfort and performance during physical training.
The APFU Uniform: A Soldier-Centric Design
In response to this feedback, PEO Soldier collaborated with the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center to create the APFU uniform. The primary objectives were to develop a PT uniform that addressed soldier concerns, improved performance, and remained cost-effective compared to the IPFU. The APFU uniform successfully achieved these goals by incorporating lighter, high-tech, moisture-wicking fabrics, introducing a wider range of sizes including specific female sizing, and resolving the modesty issues.
Close-up view of the new APFU uniform fabric, showcasing its moisture-wicking and breathable properties for enhanced athletic performance.
One of the key improvements in the APFU uniform is the redesigned trunks or shorts. While maintaining the durability of nylon fabric, the APFU trunks utilize a lighter and more flexible material compared to the stiffer IPFU trunks. A significant enhancement is the inclusion of a four-way stretch panel inside the trunks, similar to bicycle pants. This innovative feature eliminates the need for soldiers to purchase additional undergarments for modesty and comfort. Practicality is also enhanced with a larger key pocket and a secure ID card pouch integrated into the trunks. In total, the APFU uniform incorporates 34 design changes aimed at improving functionality and soldier satisfaction.
Modularity and Design Aesthetics of the APFU Uniform
The APFU uniform is a modular ensemble comprising five key components: a jacket, pants (resembling warm-ups), trunks or shorts, and short- and long-sleeve T-shirts. This modularity allows soldiers to adapt their uniform to varying weather conditions and activity levels. For instance, soldiers can combine short- or long-sleeve T-shirts with either the pants or trunks, depending on the day’s training regimen and climate. During unit physical training formations, platoon sergeants will determine the appropriate uniform combination to ensure uniformity and practicality.
Soldiers displaying the modularity of the APFU uniform, showing various combinations of jackets, pants, shorts, and t-shirts suitable for different weather conditions and PT activities.
Soldier input extended beyond the functionality of the APFU uniform to its aesthetic design. The Army presented prototypes of the APFU uniform in various colors and designs at soldier town hall meetings held at Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Soldiers provided feedback on design features and preferred color schemes. This initial feedback was followed by a second AKO survey, which garnered over 190,000 responses. The overwhelming preference was for a black T-shirt with gold lettering and a black jacket featuring a gold chevron and the iconic Army logo. This color scheme reflects a modern and professional look while maintaining a distinct military identity.
Rigorous Testing and Soldier Approval of the APFU Uniform
Before final adoption, the APFU uniform underwent extensive testing to ensure its performance and durability. Approximately 876 soldiers across diverse locations including Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fort Bragg, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Fort Hood, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, participated in a three-month wear test. These soldiers wore the APFU uniform during their regular physical training and provided feedback on various aspects such as fit, comfort, and overall functionality.
Soldiers participating in physical training while wearing the APFU uniform during field testing at various Army bases.
In addition to soldier feedback, the APFU uniform was subjected to laboratory testing to assess durability, laundering performance, fiber strength, colorfastness, and color maintenance after washing. One specific concern addressed during testing was the potential for overheating with the black T-shirt. Instrumented tests demonstrated that the lighter weight material and superior moisture-wicking capabilities of the APFU fabric effectively counteracted any increased heat absorption from the darker color. The overall response to the APFU uniform during testing was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the improved design of the trunks.
Close up of a soldier wearing the APFU uniform during strenuous activity, demonstrating the breathability and flexibility of the fabric.
An unexpected but welcome outcome of the testing phase was that soldiers reported wearing the APFU uniform off-duty and on weekends outside of military installations. This was a significant shift from the IPFU, which soldiers were less inclined to wear in civilian settings. The increased wearability of the APFU uniform reflects a sense of pride and comfort, allowing soldiers to represent the Army even during their personal time. This broader acceptance means communities nationwide will see increased visibility of Army pride as soldiers engage in workouts and daily activities in their APFU uniforms.
APFU Uniform Availability and Transition Timeline
The APFU uniform will be available in two variants: the Clothing Bag variant and the Optional APFU. Visually, both variants are identical, but the Optional APFU utilizes slightly different materials. Importantly, individual items from both variants are interchangeable. The Optional APFU variant was the first to become available for purchase at Army military clothing sales stores between October and December 2014.
Soldiers at a military clothing sales store examining the new APFU uniform available for purchase.
The Clothing Bag issue variant began distribution to soldiers through clothing initial issue points between April and June 2015, followed by distribution to Reserve, National Guard, and Senior ROTC units from July to August 2015. The APFU uniform is being phased in as the IPFU uniforms are gradually retired through normal wear and tear. The mandatory wear date for the APFU uniform was set for approximately October 2017, completing the transition about three years after its initial introduction.
A soldier receiving the new APFU uniform at a clothing initial issue point as part of the Army-wide rollout.
Conclusion: A Testament to Soldier Feedback and Army Responsiveness
The development and implementation of the APFU uniform underscore the Army’s commitment to actively listening to soldier feedback and responding to their needs. As Col. Robert Mortlock emphasized, the Army engaged with soldiers at “multiple touch points to ensure we got this right.” The APFU uniform is a direct result of soldier input, from identifying shortcomings in the IPFU to selecting the design and color scheme of the new uniform. This process highlights the Army’s dedication to providing soldiers with high-quality, functional, and comfortable uniforms that support their physical training and overall well-being. The APFU uniform is more than just a change in clothing; it represents the Army’s ongoing effort to enhance soldier readiness and morale by valuing and acting upon the voices of its personnel.
