When I was first in the U.S. Army, we wore all-grey cotton physical training (PT) uniforms. These sucked up too much perspiration, chafed, and the shorts rode up.
We didn’t know any better at the time, but the Army was looking to switch in the 2000s. Soon we were given black trunk shorts of man-made fabric that wicked away sweat and looked great.
191009-N-WB795-1126 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Oct. 9, 2019) Electronics Technician 1st Class Troy Kruyer performs the push-ups portion of the physical readiness test inside Pacific Fleet Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command. More than 35,000 recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brandie Nix/Released)
The new grey T-shirts were also made of wicking fabric.
We were certainly modern and proud. Then, around ten years later, the Army PT uniform changed again to even better, “slicky” moisture-wicking material, and they were all-black dry-fit trunks and t-shirts with a gold capital “Army” on top. I could not have been prouder.
What About the US Navy?
Now let’s take a look at the US Navy PT uniform, which is changing, as the Army’s did.
For almost 20 years, sailors wore bright yellow shirts with “NAVY” on the left chest and blue shorts with the same silver logo.
I always thought these looked good, but the US Navy is looking for something more stylish and functional that lifts morale. The gold-and-blue PT uniform is going away.
Forged By the Sea
In 2027, the Navy will require navy blue-on-blue shorts and shirts with gold logos and a new phrase on the back of the T-shirt. The rear of the top has the phrase “America’s Navy Forged By The Sea.”
It’s About Time
This change was based on feedback from sailors. Shipmates wanted something more modern and stylish that could still be “dry-fit” material.
The US Navy approved this different uniform in 2018, but it will finally be on all personnel doing their daily workout in 2027. It is approved as optional now.
The new uniform came about after a review by Navy Secretary John Phelan.
“Sailors have expressed a preference for that style over the current requirement,” Robert Carroll, branch head of Navy Uniform Matters and Emerging Issues, said, as Task and Purpose noted.
Modern Like Something Bought at a Sporting Goods Store
Rear Admiral Jennifer Couture told Navy Times that “by 2027, it will be one PT uniform. That makes sense. And it is also higher quality. It is more in line with, if you were to go to a running store out in town … the kinds of clothing you would find there.”
Taking a Different Look at Navy Boots
The Navy also wants to change its issued boots for personnel. There are over “nine different categories of authorized general-purpose, safety and flight deck boots,” according to the Navy Times.
Some of these boots will be eliminated. The Navy issues the current I-Boot 5 for working uniforms, and these are assigned to trainees at initial recruit training.
“We have lots and lots of different kinds of boots,” Couture told Navy Times. “If you see 10 sailors in a room, there might be, you know, eight different pairs of boots on people. And so we’ve said, why are we doing this? Does this really make sense? Does this meet the requirement for their working conditions?”
Does There Need to Be That Many Dress Uniforms?
The Navy is also looking at perhaps limiting the number of dress uniforms too. For example, there are four different types of dinner dress uniforms for enlisted personnel.
“Do we have too many dress uniforms?” Couture asked. “And [are we] making that less burdensome on people?”
PT Uniforms That Put a Smile On Your Face
To some, this may seem like window dressing, but uniforms are important.
Many people enlist because they like the look of the way people dress.
The U.S. Marines are known for attracting recruits with their sharp, distinctive uniforms, and there are different types depending on the occasion and mission.
I always liked the US Navy’s dark blue and gold colors for the PT uniforms, and the new ones should inspire people to perform better at PT.
Physical training should end with everyone being hot and sweaty, with a smile on their face. Dry-fit materials make the person feel more comfortable and confident.
This is more likely if they have uniforms they feel are modern, made from the best materials they can compare to brands like Nike and Hoka.
Wearing PT Uniforms Even After Becoming a Civilian
I certainly liked the “slicky” materials on the black-and-black Army PTs when they were issued. I loved the black trunks so much that I worked out in the Army PT uniform for years after leaving the Army.
I wore them until the gold “Army” lettering on the shorts began to peel after all the washing and use.
Hopefully, the sailors will enjoy their new PT uniforms and run harder and faster. They may even score better on fitness tests.
Let’s allow military personnel to have input in uniform surveys. This is one way to better recruit and retain people who are the most important part of any military.
About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood, PhD
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, has written over 3,500 articles on defense issues, Brent M. He is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: A Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
