Nouveau PT Uniforme arrive à Okinawa

New PT uniform arrives on Okinawa
Running suit authorized for liberty attire
Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (January 30, 2009) -- Okinawa Marines may soon notice a difference in formation runs as the new Marine Corps physical training running suits begin to arrive on island.
Starting next week, III Marine Expeditionary Force's major subordinate commands will begin distributing the running suits to Okinawa-based Marines.

According to Marine Administrative Message 0015/09, all Marines will be initially issued one running suit at no cost to the individual.

Every Marine must own one running suit before October; however the new running suit does not replace the existing green physical training uniform. The new uniform can be worn in any combination with the green PT shorts and undershirt; however it is not authorized to wear with the USMC sweat suit.

Also, Marines are authorized to wear the running suit jacket while on leave and liberty as an outer garment. Although the running suits are new to Okinawa, they have already been distributed to several commands throughout the Marine Corps. The first units to receive the new running suits were the Wounded Warrior Regiment, Marine recruiting commands and recruit depots.

The development of the running suit has been a hands-on process for most Marines. Marine Corps Systems Command asked both active duty and reserve Marines to fill-out a uniform survey on what they wanted in a PT uniform.

Taking into consideration the recommendations made by Marines, the Corps developed two designs and allowed Marines to vote on the uniforms. The new design is a hit with most Marines.

Gunnery Sgt. Benny Deleon, a contracting specialist with the Regional Contracting Office, said the uniform is an improvement over the past.

"I can remember when we had the gray sweats," said Deleon. "These running suits are definitely better."

Lance Cpl. Joel Booth, a range coach with H&S Bn., agrees.

"They are more comfortable, better fitting and a lot more appealing than green-on-green," said Booth. "It's better than I expected."

For more information on the new running suits, Marines may contact their respective command supply office.