Soldiers now have one more reason for working out in an installation gym or fitness center while wearing their physical training [PT] uniforms.
"Effective immediately, unless the unit or installation commander prohibits otherwise, Soldiers may use headphones, including wireless or non-wireless devices and earpieces, in uniform only while performing individual physical training in indoor gyms or fitness centers," Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy wrote May 6, announcing Army Directive 2016-20.
Following a recent workout at the Fort Myer Fitness Center on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Sgt. 1st Class Gary Borden said he supported the change.
"I think it's a good idea," he said. "I know personally I get a little bit of personal incentive, I can push a little bit harder when I've got music to listen to."
Prior to the change, Army Regulation 670-1 prohibited Soldiers from wearing wireless or non-wireless devices or earpieces while wearing their PT uniforms at a gym or fitness center.
According to the new directive, Soldiers may not wear headphones beyond the permitted area inside a gym "in any manner, including around the neck or attached to the uniform."
The directive also requires headphones to be "conservative and discreet," with ear pads not exceeding 1.5 inches in diameter at their widest point.
Soldiers are also permitted to wear electronic devices such as music players or cell phones as permitted under Army Regulation 670-1, paragraph 3-62(2)(b), which specifies that the carrying case for the devices must be black, Soldiers may also wear a "solid black arm band" to hold their music players or cell phones but only while they are inside a gym or fitness center. However, the armband cannot be worn beyond the permitted area inside the gym or fitness center.
The directive applies to active duty, Army National Guard and Reserve Soldiers and is punitive.
"Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice," warned Murphy.
Soldiers may not wear earbuds while performing PT outside.
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