The U.S. Army is set to roll out a significant upgrade to its physical training gear with the introduction of the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU). This new uniform, slated for service-wide availability starting in October of next year, is a direct response to soldier feedback and aims to enhance comfort, performance, and functionality during physical training activities. Replacing the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU), the APFU promises to be a game-changer in soldier athletic wear.
The development of the Army Apfu Uniform was initiated based on direct input from soldiers. A comprehensive Army Knowledge Online survey conducted in February 2012, which garnered responses from approximately 76,000 soldiers, revealed key areas of dissatisfaction with the existing IPFU. While soldiers acknowledged the IPFU’s durability, they felt its fabric technology lagged behind commercially available athletic wear. Furthermore, significant concerns were raised regarding the modesty of the IPFU shorts, particularly during exercises like sit-ups. This issue affected both male and female soldiers, prompting many to purchase aftermarket spandex-like undergarments for added coverage.
Soldiers in the new Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) demonstrating various exercises, showcasing the uniform's flexibility and fit during physical training activities.
Another critical point of feedback was the limited range of female sizes available in the IPFU. Soldiers expressed the need for a more inclusive sizing system that could accommodate diverse body types and ensure a proper fit for all personnel. Addressing these concerns became paramount in the development of the APFU.
In response to this feedback, PEO Soldier collaborated closely with the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center to engineer a new PT uniform that not only addressed soldier concerns but also maintained cost-effectiveness. The APFU successfully balances these objectives by incorporating lighter, high-tech, moisture-wicking fabrics and introducing a more comprehensive sizing system, including dedicated female sizes. Moreover, the design of the APFU directly tackles the modesty issues prevalent with the IPFU shorts.
The APFU retains the durability of nylon fabric for the trunks but opts for a lighter and less rigid material compared to the IPFU. A significant innovation is the incorporation of a four-way stretch panel within the trunks, similar to cycling shorts liners. This integrated feature eliminates the need for soldiers to purchase separate undergarments, directly addressing the modesty concerns and providing enhanced comfort and support. The redesigned trunks also feature a larger key pocket and a secure, convenient pouch for ID cards, adding practical utility to the uniform. In total, the APFU incorporates approximately 34 design improvements over its predecessor.
Close-up view of the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) jacket and pants, highlighting the fabric texture, design details, and the Army logo on the jacket.
The APFU ensemble is modular, comprising five key components: a jacket, pants (both designed as warm-ups), trunks (shorts), and short- and long-sleeve t-shirts. This modularity allows soldiers to mix and match components based on weather conditions and the intensity of physical training. For instance, soldiers can pair short- or long-sleeve t-shirts with either the pants or trunks. Platoon sergeants will determine the appropriate uniform combination for PT formations, ensuring uniformity and practicality.
Soldier input extended beyond functionality to the aesthetic design of the APFU. The Army developed prototypes in various colors and designs, which were presented at soldier town halls held at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Soldier feedback was actively solicited regarding design preferences and color schemes.
This initial feedback was further validated through a second AKO survey, which received over 190,000 responses. Soldiers overwhelmingly favored a black t-shirt with gold lettering and a black jacket featuring a gold chevron and the Army logo. This soldier-driven preference directly shaped the final visual identity of the APFU.
A soldier wearing the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) long sleeve shirt and pants in an outdoor setting, showcasing the full uniform ensemble and its suitability for cooler weather conditions.
Following the design and feedback phases, the APFU underwent rigorous field testing. Approximately 876 soldiers across various installations, including Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Joint Base Lewis-McChord; Fort Bragg; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Hood; and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, wore the APFU during their PT sessions for a three-month period. This extensive testing allowed soldiers to provide real-world feedback on the uniform’s form, fit, and comfort. Furthermore, the APFU was subjected to laboratory testing to assess durability, laundering performance, fiber strength, colorfastness, and color maintenance after repeated washing.
One specific concern addressed during testing was the potential for overheating due to the black t-shirt. Instrumented tests were conducted to measure heat retention, and the results demonstrated that the lighter weight material and superior moisture-wicking capabilities of the APFU fabric effectively counteracted any increased heat absorption from the dark color.
The overall soldier response to the APFU was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the redesigned trunks and the enhanced comfort and functionality of the uniform as a whole. Soldiers reported wearing the APFU not only during official PT hours but also during weekends and off-duty workouts outside of military installations. This widespread acceptance signifies a significant improvement over the IPFU, which soldiers were less inclined to wear outside of duty hours. The adoption of the APFU is expected to increase Army visibility and pride within communities as soldiers wear the uniform during their personal fitness activities.
Soldiers in formation wearing the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) short sleeve shirts and shorts, demonstrating uniformity and readiness during a group physical training session.
The APFU will be available in two variations: the Clothing Bag variant, issued to soldiers, and the Optional APFU, which will be visually identical but utilize slightly different materials. Both variants are interchangeable, allowing soldiers to mix and match items. The Optional APFU is scheduled to become available first, arriving at Army military clothing sales stores between October and December 2014. The Clothing Bag issue variant will be distributed to soldiers through clothing initial issue points starting between April and June 2015, with Reserve, National Guard, and Senior ROTC units receiving it from July to August 2015.
The APFU will be phased in gradually as existing IPFU uniforms are used and wear out. The mandatory wear date for the APFU is projected to be approximately October 2017, approximately three years after its initial introduction, allowing ample time for complete transition.
In conclusion, the Army APFU uniform represents a significant step forward in soldier physical training gear. Col. Robert Mortlock emphasized the Army’s commitment to listening to soldier feedback throughout the development process, stating, “The message is we’re listening to Soldiers. We’re continuing to listen to Soldiers, and this is the Soldiers’ selection and Army leaders went along with this.” The APFU is a testament to the Army’s dedication to providing soldiers with the best possible equipment, designed with their needs and preferences at the forefront.
