Army approves black socks with PT uniforms (2024)

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Soldiers can now wear black socks when they're doing PT.

Effectiveimmediately, soldiers are allowed to wear black or white socks with both the gray Army Physical Fitness Uniform and the black Improved Physical Fitness Uniform.

"Sock color choice is at the discretion of the soldier," wrote Lt. Gen. James McConville, the Army G-1, in an exception to policy memo that went out to the force Friday.

The socks — black or white — will be calf-length or ankle-length, and plain with no logos. Ankle-length socks must cover the soldier's entire ankle bone.

The exception to policy memo allows soldiers to choose what color socks they wear until the Army has a chance to update Army Regulation 670-1, which governs the wear and appearance of uniforms and insignia.

The change is a simple, no-cost change, and it gives soldiers another option instead of adding another item to their clothing bags.

The decision to allow black socks is the result of soldier requests to Army senior leaders, and it was a regular topic of conversation during town hall meetings with Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey.

It also was one of the issues posed to soldiers during a survey seeking feedback about five proposed uniform changes.

More than 18,500 soldiers responded to the survey, which was sent to a random sampling of about 120,000 soldiers this summer.

About 67 percent of survey respondents said voted in favor of being allowed to wear black socks.

The other proposed uniform changes from the survey were forwarded to the uniform review board for discussion and further recommendation. The board will convene in April to discuss these changes.

Army approves black socks with PT uniforms (1)

Soldiers in a survey said they want black socks approved for physical training, saying white socks don't work with the black PT uniform.

Photo Credit: Cpl. Woo-hyeok Yang/Army

Recommendations from the board will then be submitted to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, who will make the ultimate decision. The Army secretary is sometimes asked to weigh in, but only for large-scale decisions.

The other proposed changes included in the survey are:

Eisenhower jacket

Almost 63 percent of respondents voted in favor of the jacket, which originally was made popular by Gen. Dwight Eisenhower during World War II. The proposed jacket is another layer of etiquette for soldiers who need to go from the Class Bs to a more formal appearance without transitioning to the full Army Service Uniform jacket.

If approved, the jacket would be an optional item.

Drill sergeant hats

About 62 percent voted yes when asked if they support a single campaign hat for both male and female drill sergeants. The question stemmed from feedback Army leaders have received from female drill sergeants.

Blue service caps

Almost 66 percent of soldiers voted in favor of a single cap, also known as the "bus driver cap," for both male and female soldiers to wear with the Army Service Uniform.

Service cap vs. beret

Soldiers were most evenly divided on this question, with 55 percent voting "yes," and 45 percent voting "no."

Army leaders asked if the blue service cap should be the required headgear for senior noncommissioned officers and higher while wearing the Army Service Uniform.

This change, if soldiers like it, would affect sergeants first class through sergeants major, warrant officers and officers.

About MichelleTan

Michelle Tan is the editor of Army Times and Air Force Times. She has covered the military for Military Times since 2005, and has embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Haiti, Gabon and the Horn of Africa.

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Army approves black socks with PT uniforms (2024)

FAQs

Can you wear black socks with PT uniform? ›

When performing unit or group PT, solid white, black or grey colored athletic socks, with or without logos shall be worn. Wear right side out.

Can you wear black socks in Army PTS? ›

For PT (physical training), socks must be black or white and they must cover the ankle bone. Socks must also not display any logos or insignia above the shoe line. When wearing combat or organizationally issued boots, socks can be tan, green, or black calf-length, cushioned, and stretch type.

What socks can you wear with Army PT uniform? ›

They are white cotton, or cotton and nylon, plain, ribbed, stretch type, or with an elastic top. (3) How worn. Males wear the white socks with the white oxford shoes. Females may wear the white socks instead of white stockings when wearing the hospital duty pantsuit with the white oxford shoes.

Are black socks authorized in ACU? ›

Tan, Black and Green socks are the only authorized socks for the ACU.

What color do Army PT shoes have to be? ›

They should be normal running shoes. Not athletic but running. The colour of shoes should match the colour of your uniform. Socks should be of same colour.

What color socks for Army basic training? ›

While each service may have different requirements for what to bring with you when you start basic training, all generally include: Clothing. You'll need casual, comfortable clothing. Also bring white underwear, calf-length athletic socks (also white), a pair of comfortable shoes or running shoes and your eyeglasses.

Can I wear my Army PTS in public? ›

All-purpose wear. The physical fitness uniform is authorized for wear on and off duty, on and off the installation, unless restricted by the commander. Soldiers may wear all or part of the physical fitness uniform with civilian attire off the installation, unless restricted by the commander.

Can you wear Army PT uniform off base? ›

Soldiers may only wear the APFU off-post while traveling between their quarters and their place of duty. Soldiers may not wear the APFU in off-post establishments except for the purchase of essential items (e.g. fuel).

Can you wear Army PTS off-post? ›

The physical fitness uniform is prescribed for year-round wear for all Soldiers, unless otherwise directed by the commander. Soldiers may wear the physical fitness uniform off-post unless prohibited by the commander.

Do you salute in PT clothes? ›

Saluting due to rank recognition is not required when wearing the PTU/IPTU. However, salutations are still expected to be rendered to military officers when rank on military attire is present. It's important to remember a salute is a gesture that displays respect.

Can you wear PT clothes as civilian clothes? ›

Physical training uniforms may be worn with civilian clothing at the member's discretion, unless otherwise prohibited by proper authority (Regional Commanders, SOPA, Commanding Officers).

When can you wear black socks? ›

In formal situations such as black-tie events, solid black over the calf dress socks are your best option and are always appropriate. Black socks are incredibly versatile and can be dressed down with jeans for a polished casual look.

Are black socks formal? ›

Formal Sock Colors

As we've mentioned, black socks are the standard for formal wear.

What are black socks? ›

The Black Sox Scandal was a Major League Baseball game-fixing scandal in which eight members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of throwing the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for money from a gambling syndicate led by Arnold Rothstein.

What is required for Army PT uniform? ›

The Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) consists of: Shirts: Black long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts with gold ARMY lettering on the front. Shorts: Black with same gold ARMY lettering on the left leg. Multipurpose: can be worn alone for swimming and exercise, or under the black pants.

Can I wear PT uniform to the PX? ›

Effective immediately, physical fitness attire is authorized for wear by patrons at commissaries and military exchanges (and their annexes) on all DoD installations, provided the attire is clean, serviceable and in good condition, and appropriately modest.

When did the Army stop doing PT in boots? ›

In 1982, the US Army switched from PT in boots to PT in running shoes because of the belief that boots were causing injuries and that running shoes would reduce injury rates.

What are the requirements for military socks? ›

Made of undecorated, black, plain or ribbed knitted material. Knee length or mid-calf socks are authorized. Socks can be a commercial sock made of medium weight/stretch type intended for wear with boots. Socks may also be made of wicking and odor resistance features.

What color socks to have? ›

Traditionally, the colour of the socks should be matched to the colour of the shoes rather than the pants. So if you are wearing black shoes, choose black socks. With brown shoes, choose brown socks...

What are military socks? ›

Military and PERFORMANCE Socks

Tactical military socks in standard uniform colors keep your feet comfortable and dry in hot or cold weather with moisture-wicking fabrics and cushioning support. These combat socks are abrasion-resistant and designed to keep you blister-free in military boots.

When can you wear Army PT pants? ›

The commander may allow soldiers to wear the physical fitness uniform if they are wearing civilian clothing during the installation's off-duty hours. You may wear a PTG item to work or off-duty (such as a shirt with personal shorts or pants, a jacket with personal shirts or pants, and so on).

Can you wear a high bun in Army PTS? ›

No more than two inches of hair length can protrude from a soldier's head in tactical and physical training environments. Buns can not exceed three and a half inches. When wearing tactical equipment such as an advanced combat helmet (ACH), commanders may order soldiers to tuck their ponytails into their utility tops.

Can you wear a backpack in PTS Army? ›

According to AR 670-1, backpacks, when worn in uniform, must match the uniform's pattern and cannot have any clear panels or pouches like mesh or plastic. You can wear a backpack on both your shoulders, on one shoulder, or carry the bag in your hand.

Can I get gas in military uniform? ›

Uniform wear is authorized at drive-thru fast-food establishments and gas stations as long as personnel in uniform remain inside an approved private, government or rental vehicle.

Can you wear Airpods in Army PT uniform? ›

Army Regulation 670-1 permits soldiers to wear headphones or earbuds in uniform when in an indoor training or fitness area if their commander allows it.

Can you wear Apple Watch in Army PT uniform? ›

Quick View: Wristwatches are authorized for wear, both in uniform and in civvies while on duty, as long as they are conservative. You can also wear an activity tracker, a bracelet, and two rings with that watch.

Do you have to wear white socks for PT USMC? ›

Additionally, PT gear must not smell offensively and will comprise green on green attire, with white socks. 3. Marine Corps sweat top, sweat bottoms, olive green shorts, olive green t-shirt, and running suit are all authorized in the mess hall during the specified hours.

Can you wear PT uniform with civilian clothes? ›

Physical training uniforms may be worn with civilian clothing at the member's discretion, unless otherwise prohibited by proper authority (Regional Commanders, SOPA, Commanding Officers).

Can you wear black socks with black trainers? ›

Black socks also pair well with black sneakers. Wear black ankle or low-cut socks with black sneakers if you want a low-profile look. These socks will fit under your ankle and look great with black sneakers. Your feet will be warm, dry, and comfortable without being obvious.

Can you wear black socks with white trainers? ›

You can wear black socks with any type of white sneaker, from canvas tennis shoes to leather high-tops. Just make sure that your socks are the right length. You don't want them to be too short or too long. The perfect sock should hit just above the ankle.

What color socks are authorized in the Army? ›

Military socks generally come in three standard colors: olive green, coyote brown, and black. Coyote brown is approved for all the armed force branches; olive green and coyote brown are used by the Air Force; and black is favored amongst law enforcement.

Can you wear PT gear to the PX? ›

Effective immediately, physical fitness attire is authorized for wear by patrons at commissaries and military exchanges (and their annexes) on all DoD installations, provided the attire is clean, serviceable and in good condition, and appropriately modest.

Do I have to salute in PT uniform? ›

All Army personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize persons entitled to the salute.

Can you mix Army PTS with civilian clothes? ›

(4) The Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) is authorized for wear on and off duty while on the installation. Soldiers are authorized to wear a mixture of issued and optional APFU components. Soldiers will not mix components of the APFU with civilian attire.

Do you have to salute an officer in PT uniform? ›

All military enlisted personnel in uniform are required to salute when they meet and recognize a commissioned or warrant officer, except when it is inappropriate or impractical (for example, if you're carrying something using both hands).

When should I wear white or black socks? ›

Black socks & White socks: detailed comparison
Wear White SocksWear Black Socks
With sportswear or casual clothingWith suit or formal wear, work uniform
Wear it for running and fitness or daily wearWear for working, office or important meetings
With light-colored shoesWith dark-colored shoes
4 more rows
Jul 23, 2022

Is it OK to wear black socks with shorts? ›

Looking to add some pizzazz to your warm-weather wardrobe? If you're going for the preppy vibe, wearing black socks with shorts (or any other neutral, solid-colored sock) pulled up to mid-calf will definitely do the trick.

Can I wear black socks with brown shoes? ›

Yes, you can wear black socks with brown shoes. This is a common and acceptable combination, as black and brown are both neutral colors that can complement each other well.

What kind of socks to wear with trainers? ›

Ankle socks - best paired with high-top trainers to achieve a similar look to the no-shows. Crew socks/trouser socks - if you're going for the 'American teen' look, a sporting look, or you're just wearing normal trousers, then crew socks are a great choice. Pair them with shorts and pull 'em high for that teen look.

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