SMA pushes for black socks, headphones with PT uniform. Your thoughts?

SGM Steve Wettstein I think the APFT or PT uniform should always be a light color for the summer months and heat. Just my opinion. If they want to have headphones then let them use those on the days the soldiers are doing their own work outs on their own. When in formations and running together as a team (or) conducting an APFT I don't think they should be allowed. When a group is running in formation let's back to the old days of sounding off and getting some cadences going. I'm curious to see what our Marine brothers and sisters think of these changes? What changes have they made? Maybe I'm just too old fashion. At the end of the day it's up to the SMA who is currently setting the tone. We've seen a lot of changes that I don't agree with - like the Beret - is that back again? I think the Beret symbolized a special group of Green Berets, Airborne, and Rangers! Again, just an opinion. Some will agree and disagree.

What is the Army's obsession with the color, black???
Seriously, we worry about cars being able to see us AND heat injuries...and someone comes up with a black uniform, and maybe black socks???

SMA Dailey said it best if it isn't hurting anything why not? For those who are complaining about the SMA not focusing on larger issues such as pay and troop strength you need to do your homework. When was the last time a NCO gave an order or created a standard or policy?....never. Officers make these decisions and it is our job to enforce them. In the case of pay and man power that is a congressional decision that the joint chiefs only influence.
In my humble opinion I believe that the SMA is doing a good thing by attacking the things he can effect such morale. One of the previous articles was just talking about morale being at rock bottom again in the Army. Like it or not young Soldiers morale is effected by thing such as tattoos, headphones in the gym, and yes even socks. I met SMA Chandler three different times and not once did he ask what the Soldiers thought he did however deny a NCO of the year a coin because she had a small broken heart tattoo behind her right ear because he didn't see her as a professional. Think she cared about her pay or retirement options that day? Bottom line all we can do at our level is to provide the troops we are charged with leading the best training, care, and influence we can. Spend more time worrying about what you can directly impact rather than what you cant.