PT equipment rollout by the Air Force is held back for a second time.
Update on the Delayed Air Force Physical Training Uniform Rollout
The long-anticipated debut of the revamped Air Force physical training attire has encountered yet another setback, apparently due to production snags with the manufacturer, as stated by an Air Force representative.
First showcased in March 2021 with an October 2022 launch date, global supply chain problems pushed the rollout date back to March 2024. The introduction was then rescheduled for trainees at Basic Military Training in April, and for store shelves at Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) outlets in July.
Despite July's passing, BMT recruits commenced receiving the new PT gear in the said month. However, the wider Air Force community can anticipate acquiring the new ensemble "in Fall 2024 for a phased rollout" according to an Air Force spokesperson, discussing with Air & Space Forces Magazine.
Alas, the Air Force did not address questions in time for publication concerning the specific production issues that arose recently, as well as additional details about the phased rollout, such as potential Airmen-wide accessibility timelines for base exchange outlets throughout the continental U.S. and worldwide.
Don Lee, acquisition program manager for the Combat Ready Airman program under Air Force Materiel Command, told Air & Space Forces Magazine at AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference that the new PT gear would be available at the conclusion of fiscal 2025 — roughly from July to September 2025, or the start of fiscal 2026.
Earlier this year, the uniforms' debut was delayed due to a fabric shortage and ongoing color match concerns regarding the running and all-purpose short, as reported in March.
Here's hoping the new attire proves worth the wait. The traditional ensemble, dating back to the early 2000s, is notoriously known for its bulky and loud fabric.
The updated wardrobe encompasses a jacket, pants, two varieties of shorts - all in dark blue with a gray stripe and the Air Force emblem - as well as a gray T-shirt with the Air Force emblem on the upper left chest and an Air Force-patterned back.
Upon its initial reveal in 2021, the Air Force asserted it would integrate "soft, quick-drying" and antimicrobial fabrics to control odor and moisture. Lee explained that the uniform was conceived to accommodate a broad range of exercises using materials that weren’t available two decades ago.
"The modern fighter now exercises differently - beyond just running and push-ups and sit-ups," he highlighted. "Some of the [older] gear doesn’t accommodate the flexibility or range of motion required. As a result, numerous uniforms incorporate more moisture management and flexibility."
While the Space Force is progressing rapidly in the introduction of its PT gear - announcing the start of its workout uniform rollout in March - the Air Force is still playing catch-up.
Related Discussion Points:
- The Space Force initiated its PT gear debut in March 2024 for trainees at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, marking a head start.
- As of now, no confirmed rollout date or phase-based availability for Fall 2024 at continental U.S. base exchange outlets has been pinpointed.
- Traditional Air Force uniform transition practices suggest the new PT ensemble will go through a phased rollout starting at training bases first, followed by broader distribution to base exchange outlets.
- To stay updated on exact dates and phased rollout details, keep an eye on official Air Force communications or base exchange announcements as Fall 2024 approaches.
- For more information or immediate updates, consider contacting the Air Force Personnel Center or local base exchange stores directly.
Despite the Space Force beginning the rollout of their new physical training gear in March 2024, the Air Force is still working to address production issues, with the phased rollout of their new attire anticipated in Fall 2024. The military-inspired sports apparel for the Air Force will include a jacket, pants, two types of shorts, and a gray T-shirt, designed with soft, quick-drying, and antimicrobial fabrics to accommodate a broad range of exercises.
