WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 6, 2012) — The Army wants Soldier input about a potential upgrade to the Army’s physical fitness uniform.
Soldiers are being asked to complete an online survey, developed by the Training and Doctrine Command, to answer questions about how they use their current physical fitness uniform, how they would prioritize changes to the uniform, and what capabilities they are looking for in a new physical fitness uniform.
The survey site officially launches Feb. 6, and will remain active for 30 days. The survey is for all Soldiers, including active duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. Access to AKO is required for Soldiers to voice their opinion.
The uniform Soldiers currently wear during physical fitness training is called the “Improved Physical Fitness Uniform,” or IPFU. The IPFU provides Soldiers with a multifunctional uniform for physical training and other Soldier-related activities.
Results from the online survey will help the Army decide if a new uniform is needed, and if so, what changes are being asked for by Soldiers.
The potential uniform upgrade will focus on comfort, fit, appearance, durability, reflectivity and ease of maintenance. A new uniform might also feature quick-drying capability and antimicrobial properties. The potential new uniform must also provide a full range of motion and accommodate the full range of seasonal environments without compromising Soldier performance.
The survey was created in response to the chief of staff of the Army and sergeant major of the Army’s approval of the Army Uniform Board’s recommendation and tasking to do a complete review of the IPFU requirements.
The survey can be found through the CAC-enabled site https://ipfusurvey.natick.army.mil, or through the non-CAC site at https://surveys.natick.army.mil/Surveys/ipfu.nsf.