I am pacing for a soldier on the APFT. Is it okay for a pacer to wear a bluetooth speaker or use his/her phone to play music while running?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 08:58:47 -0400

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jun 7 at 2017 9:09 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:09:06 -0400

OOOOHHH good question. States that the runner can't, but that would be assisting the runner so, I don't know. Might be left up to the NCOIC or the OIC.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2017 9:37 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:37:47 -0400

On APFTs that I have conducted, I have been asked this question. My answer is that, as long as no one is wearing ear buds, then I'm good with it.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 7 at 2017 9:39 AM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 09:39:31 -0400

Headphones – (para 3-6a(3))
(3) Unless the unit or installation 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 head-phones
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 arm-band to store and
carry electronic devices in the gym or fitness center. Soldiers may not wear
the armband beyond the permitted area.

If you're not in PT uniform, I would say that it's ok. If you're in PTs then I don't think you can. It also depends on your installation's policy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2017 10:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 10:13:46 -0400

edited

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2017 11:27 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 11:27:45 -0400

Edited: Indoors when not taking the APFT, yes provided the music is acceptable to the other gym members. Outdoors AR-670-1 comes into play if the play if the pacing Soldier is also in uniform. It is completely permissible to use speakers outdoors while running, just not to carry more than one electronic device during individual PT, aka Bluetooth speakers and cell phone counts as two, you cannot carry any devices while conducting an APFT.

670-1 3-6 (2)(b)
Soldiers may wear an electronic device on the belt, belt loops, or waistband of the uniform. Only one electronic device (for example, cell phone) may be worn. The body of the device may not exceed the size of a Government issued electronic device, and the device and carrying case must be black; no other colors are authorized. If security cords or chains are attached to the device, Soldiers will conceal the cord or chain from view. Other types of electronic devices are not authorized for wear on the uniform, unless medically prescribed. If the commander issues and requires the use of other electronic devices in the performance of duties, the Soldier will carry them in the hand, pocket, briefcase, purse, bag, or some other carrying container.

Of course if your chain of command or NCO support chain says otherwise their direction supersedes AR-670-1

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jun 7 at 2017 11:39 AM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 11:39:22 -0400

The most current AR 670-1 is dated 25 May 2017. AR 670-1 Wear & Appearance of Army Uniforms & Insignia 20170525.pdf. My original post is from that newest version that we just got from our Army SEL.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2017 11:48 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 11:48:03 -0400

I would advise against it based on the "unfair advantage" clause in the PT FM.
Ultimately, this is a call made by the event NCOIC.
See also AR 670-1 reg on devices worn in uniform.

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Jun 7 at 2017 1:38 PM

SFC Joseph McCausland — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 13:38:36 -0400

I think this is going to be an individual Command decision..then again, the Army has regulations on almost every topic..better check them first.