Can you run in your APFU during individual PT with music playing from a speaker phone?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 21:49:15 -0400

I've looked through the regulations and have scoured Googled, but I haven't been able to find a black and white answer for this question. For context, my installation blocks off a couple roads between 0630-0730 for PT. There are road guards who deter people from turning down the roads during PT; they also signal when its safe for soldiers or cars to pass. I know you're only allowed to wear ear buds or headphones when running on a track or indoor installation, but what about putting music on speaker and running on an approved PT road? I usually run with cardio music from YouTube that helps me get a good cadence going and I try to only make it loud enough for me to hear. I don't wear an arm bad or anything, I just hold the phone in my hand. No one had said anything to me about it, however, one person told me recently its not authorized.

So I'm trying to find a concrete answer for this question, because only one person has brought this up while numerous individuals have informed me it was alright to do. I know the easy answer would be to just run on the track, but that becomes predictable and I get used to knowing when to slow down, stop, speed up, etc while running on the approved road allows me to change the path a little bit so it's not as predictable.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Jul 18 at 2023 10:35 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 22:35:46 -0400

We never thought about it. I think it was something about needing our senses without having to adjust to the sounds around us.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2023 10:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 22:36:03 -0400

I'd recommend to check to see if there's a post policy. I know I've allowed Soldiers to do it

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2023 11:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 23:11:46 -0400

Is the person saying it's not authorized in your chain of command or NCO support channel? If not ask them to provide the policy or regulation you're violating

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 20 at 2023 3:54 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:54:33 -0400

1. Check Post policy. 2. Check unit policy. Damn few CO's are going to want their folks running down the street semi-oblivious to what is going on around them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2023 4:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 16:23:24 -0400

This is a policy that pertains to each base. I have been at some were you can wear headphones only on a closed track and I have have been to some based where you could never wear headphones while in APFUs. You also have to keep in mind that head phones are not a part of the APFU. AR 670-1 only states that you can wear them in gyms and fitness centers. If I want to listen to music when I run I use a treadmill. Keep in mind that your cell phone is still considered a wireless device with or with earbuds.

This is from AR 670-1
(d) Soldiers will not walk while engaged in activities that would interfere with the hand salute and greeting of the day, or detract from a professional image. Examples include, but are not limited to, walking while eating, using electronic devices, and smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Soldiers are not authorized to wear wireless or non-wireless devices/earpieces while wearing Army uniforms, except for headphones as prescribed below. Hands-free devices while operating a personal, commercial, or military vehicle (to include a motorcycle or bicycle) are allowed if not otherwise prohibited by policy or law in accordance with AR 385 – 10. (3) Unless the unit or senior commander otherwise prohibits, Soldiers may use headphones, including wireless or non-wireless devices and earpieces, in uniform while performing individual physical training in indoor gyms or fitness centers. Soldiers may not wear headphones while taking the Army Physical Fitness Test. Soldiers may not wear headphones beyond the permitted area in any manner, including around the neck or attached to the uniform. Headphones will be conservative and discreet. Ear pads will not exceed 1 1/2 inches in diameter at the widest point. Soldiers may wear electronic devices, such as music players or cell phones, as prescribed above; Soldiers may also wear a solid black armband to store and carry electronic devices in the gym or fitness center. Soldiers may not wear the armband beyond the permitted area.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 23 at 2023 7:34 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 07:34:47 -0400

Check the base policy, you will find your answer or your question will initiate a policy. I would guess that is would not be authorized. If I were running and incidentally kept pace with someone playing music it would be very detracting. I would then be forced to change my cadence for you etc. in any case I am not there, check with the base policies.