Despite recent comments suggesting changes, the iconic black and gold Us Army Physical Training Uniform (PT uniform) is here to stay. The Army has clarified that while a redesign of the current uniform is not in the works, soldiers may see more options for workout clothing in the future. This clarification follows remarks made by the Army’s top enlisted soldier, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, at the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition.
Initial reports indicated a complete redesign of the Army PT uniform when Sergeant Major Weimer stated, “We’re redesigning the Army PTs.” He further mentioned the intention to move away from the standard T-shirt, acknowledging soldiers often purchase alternative shirts for unit cohesion. However, the Army has since clarified that Sergeant Major Weimer’s comments referred to exploring additional clothing options for soldiers, not a replacement of the existing black and gold physical training uniform.
According to Sergeant Major Weimer, the aim is to provide soldiers with more comfortable and functional workout clothing choices without incurring the expense of redesigning and issuing an entirely new PT uniform. These potential options are slated to be presented to Army senior leaders for review by the end of 2025. Regardless of any additional options, the black and gold design, a staple of the US Army physical training uniform, will remain the standard.
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Soldier feedback has been the driving force behind the consideration of additional PT clothing options. Concerns regarding the fit and comfort of the current US Army physical training uniform have been frequently voiced. “It really comes down to fit,” Sergeant Major Weimer explained, emphasizing that “It’s about performance and functionality.”
Sgt. Maj. Rob Haynie, the senior enlisted soldier at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, is spearheading the review process, which began approximately two months prior to the announcement and will continue into next year. Key complaints regarding the current PT uniform include issues with the fit of the shorts, specifically fabric bunching, and the absence of pockets in the shorts for carrying items like ID cards.
Sgt. Maj. Haynie’s team is currently evaluating existing clothing options available in the commercial market that align with Army regulations and standards while maintaining uniformity across the force. A list of suitable PT clothing types will be compiled and presented to Army senior leadership for their consideration.
The standard issue US Army physical training uniform, including the black and gold design, will continue to be issued to soldiers during basic training and Advanced Individual Training. However, upon joining their units, soldiers may have the option to acquire supplementary workout gear from the approved list. The ongoing review could potentially result in a broader selection of options for each component of the basic PT uniform by 2025.
Currently, the basic US Army physical training uniform consists of short-sleeve and long-sleeve T-shirts, shorts, pants, and a jacket, all featuring the distinctive black and gold color scheme, as detailed in Army regulations. Soldiers are also authorized to wear calf or ankle-length socks, athletic shoes, a fleece watch cap, compression shirts and shorts, and a reflective belt for adverse weather conditions.
The US Army previously updated the PT uniform in 2017, transitioning from a black and gray design to the current black and gold aesthetic, alongside other modifications. Any workout clothing options approved for soldiers will aim to enhance comfort and performance while preserving a consistent and professional appearance. This approach mirrors the Army’s existing policies allowing soldiers to select from approved lists of protective eyewear and combat boots to ensure optimal fit and functionality. Furthermore, some units permit soldiers to wear unit-specific, command-approved T-shirts within the PT uniform, fostering unit pride and identity.
The focus remains on providing soldiers with practical and comfortable options within the framework of the US Army physical training uniform, ensuring both individual needs and Army standards are met. The black and gold is here to stay as a recognizable part of the Army’s identity, while the exploration of additional options promises to improve soldier comfort and performance during physical training activities.
