Air Force PTU for PT...

[356cadet]

I've had been concerned about wearing the Air Force PTU for CAP PT . I have worn it a couple times before, but it came to my attention that I should probably find out if it is authorized, first.

Are cadets authorized to wear the Air Force PTU for squadron physical training/testing?

[IceNine]

There is no guidance at all for PT gear except that is shall not be explicit.

Wear away

[356cadet]

I thought so. Now to check AF regs to see if they authorize wearing for sport training... 

[RiverAux]

Well, the real question is whether it is considered a uniform by the Air Force.  I would think that if it is an actual uniform, then CAP members can't wear it without it being authorized by the AF and by CAP.  If it is something that any yahoo can buy and wear around town and not get thrown in jail for impersonating a military member, then you probably could wear it anytime you want for CAP PT. 

[356cadet]

Roger that.

[DC]

Freely available online...

http://www.kellac.com/xcart/home.php?cat=292&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0

[Eclipse]

Freely available online...

http://www.kellac.com/xcart/home.php?cat=292&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0

Well, so is just about every piece of every military and EMS uniform ever worn, but that doesn't necessarily mean its ok to wear it.

With that said, I don't see it as an issue, and I think you will find its very commonly worn by CAP people all over the place.

[stratoflyer]

There were always BDU's on the internet and now ABU's ACU's MARPAT's...ultimately it is the insignia that makes it a DOD uniform...the PTU don't have insignia--just logos...

[DC]

I don't know if it is relevant or not but:

Additional civilian clothing items may be added to the PT, but color consistency should be reasonably compatible to support a professional appearance.

I have to agree with stratoflyer here, there is a lot of clothing that display USAF logos.

The line between just wearing clothing and impersonating military personnel is a fine line, and I think intent factors into it. No one is going to accuse a bunch of kids playing paintball in surplus BDUs that still have tapes and rank on them of trying to impersonate, but someone that gets dressed up in a uniform and goes around proclaiming that they are or were in the military, then there is a problem. I would say a CAP Cadet wearing the Air Force PTU is just showing support, or an aspiration, but they are not trying to kid anyone into believing they are in the Air Force.

Heck, I am assumed to be in the military often enough anyways when in an authorized uniform, despite the big, bold, nearly neon blue CIVIL AIR PATROL tape... I have found nothing prohibiting it, and civilian clothing can be worn with it, so...

Tags - MIKE

[mmouw]

Our Squadron wanted a standardized PTU for PT. We looked at a few options, but when we compared the AF PTU, the cost was much less and we all look "uniform". I have the whole suit, but the cadets went with the shorts and tee shirts. The grand total was under $20.00. I think it is a great option for CAP.

[Eclipse]

How did you get AFU PTU's for under $20?  What's it include?

Most places I've seen, the shorts alone are $20+.

Got a secret source?   

[mmouw]

No, we picked up some at the shoppette in Sioux Falls SD at the guard base and we were at Offutt AFB and picked up the same. The shorts were around $11.00 and the teeshirts were $6.00 and some change. Not sure where you were if they were trying to get $20.00 for the shorts. When I was at Ellsworth this last weekend, I looked at shorts and teeshirts and the prices were the same.

[Pylon]

AAFES sells them through online, catalog, phone and MCSS sales for:

AF Trunk PT (Item M209W) - $11.25  (these are the new blue Nylon ones, not the old gray sweatsuit shorts, as shown above in thread)
AF Crewneck T-Shirt, Gray  (Item M209A) - $4.22 (with "Air Force" written across the front in an arc)
AF PT T-shirt, Gray (Item M209X) - $6.60 (with the reflective Hap Arnold logo on front left chest and across the back, as shown above in thread)

[Eclipse]

No, we picked up some at the shoppette in Sioux Falls SD at the guard base and we were at Offutt AFB and picked up the same. The shorts were around $11.00 and the teeshirts were $6.00 and some change. Not sure where you were if they were trying to get $20.00 for the shorts. When I was at Ellsworth this last weekend, I looked at shorts and teeshirts and the prices were the same.

Well, I'm in the opposite side of the coin from the Air Force equation.

My local clothing sales is a NavEx, with the closet AF store about 6 hours away (and that one is not very big), so items for CAP like BDU's, boots, etc., are a non-issue because the Navy and Marines are still wearing them, but anything than the most basic USAF insignia and parts are a no-go up here, so I'm looking at the online sources.

[DNall]

^ if you ask at the NAVEx store, they'll order AF stuff for you & ship to your address. You can call & get a catalog. Course you can call & order stuff too, but it's easier in person sometimes.

AF PTU is a uniform when worn on duty. It may be worn outside duty in whole or part. Same is true of the Army IPFU. So, yes it is a uniform, no you can't get arrested for wearing it as a civilian (only if you wear it on base & tell everyone you're a 20-star general of the AF & they better salute or start pushing), yes you can wear all or part of it as a CAP PT uniform.

[stratoflyer]

Well, in the latest AirForce Times, there will be changes made to the PTU. Nothing significant  except material and shorts length.

[jrsvf]

Here's the problem.  As CAP members we are not allowed to wear any uniform item that says US Air Force.  What some squadrons in my Group do however, is get blue shorts at walmart and use the black CAP t-shirts being offered on EBAY.  The vendor that sells them is actually a Cadet Squadron that uses these sales as fundraisers and they will discount for multiple items in the order.  Email me if you want the specific address and contact information.

[Eclipse]

There are already CAP PT uniform items available from Vanguard, but they are not half as cool as the USAF ones.
Basic dark blue shorts, standard gray t-shirt with blue lettering, and sweats.

Considering a lot of NCC teams wear them or derivatives, and they are visible at the national level, I'd say this is another of the "better things to worry about" situations.

I would love to find a supplier, though, that would silk screen the Hap Arnold Wings w/ CAP-MAJCOM shield above on the same or similar uniform in a price range that was reachable by members, especially cadets.

[DNall]

uhh, yes we all allowed. And the org is allowed to go by AF Aux if they want too. CAP has made the choice (plane decals, command patch) to not do that because of ES applications - ie, they'd like to be able to use those planes/uniforms for missions that would violate posse cummitatus if done by the AF (we're bound by that if wearing a uniform that ID's us as an AF org).

There is no such issue with PT gear.

[stratoflyer]

^I tend to agree. Is there a reg about this against it?