Military pride extends to the wear of PT uniform

Published Jan. 20, 2009
By 2nd Lt. Jonathan Simmons
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Two new changes to the wear of AF PT uniform at Peterson AFB were announced recently to instill pride in the Air Force image.

On Peterson, all Airmen will now salute while in PT uniform during the playing of "To the Colors" for Reveille and during the playing of the national anthem for Retreat.

Airmen will now also wear the PT uniform shirts tucked in whenever in PT uniform on Peterson, regardless of whether or not they're engaged in aerobic activity.

"Air Force pride is critical to the missions we perform at Peterson AFB," said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Omdal, 21st Space Wing command chief. "That pride should be shown by all Peterson Airmen regardless of the uniform they're wearing."

Air Force Instruction 36-2903 provides uniform wear guidance for Air Force uniforms, including the Air Force Physical Training uniform.

"We've made Air Force guidance on the wear of the PT uniform more specific at Peterson in order to show the most professional military image possible while wearing that uniform," said Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander. "I believe these changes will make the PT uniform look and feel like more of a uniform."

Previously, Airmen on Peterson were not permitted to salute during morning and evening ceremonies while in PT gear and were allowed to wear PT shirts untucked while actively engaged in exercise. Now Airmen will show a more professional image of military pride at all times in every uniform.

By requiring PT shirts be tucked in across the board, we've streamlined the process and made it easier to adhere to the policy, said Chief Omdal. We've taken the guess work out of it.

"It is everyone's responsibility to adhere to these new uniform policies," said Chief Omdal. "Airmen, regardless of rank, should be good wingmen to each other, reminding each other to always display a professional image in PT uniform."