What is the purpose of not being allowed to wear headphones in the gym during PT hours

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 15:40:38 -0400

I see these signs all over ft hood gyms. No headphones while in PT gear from 0630-0745. Why? I dont understand the purpose behind this rule right here. Is it to deter Soldiers from going to the gym during PT hours? I mean the gym is still crowded during those hours.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 24 at 2014 4:00 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 16:00:44 -0400

The Army loves comformity.

Are they allowed to wear headphones outside those hours in PT gear?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 10:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 May 2014 22:27:44 -0400

SFC, I've been brought up to believe its for increased safety and situational awareness, especially while running on roads with traffic.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 10:36 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 May 2014 22:36:32 -0400

SFC Thomas,

It falls in line with so much more that the military does. Of all of the things to worry about, you are being denied anything that gives you joy. It is the new QSP/QMP. It seems they are bleeding you of anything worthwhile. A drop in morale leads to a drop in numbers (at less cost, as severance isn't an issue if one ETS's). Embrace the suck (or see it for what it is and leave)

Please note, this is oozing with sarcasm and meant to be semi-funny.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made May 16 at 2014 11:02 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 16 May 2014 23:02:53 -0400

Because it will start out with ear-buds and progress to bright red Dr. Dre BEATS 12" subs.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 11:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 May 2014 23:44:19 -0400

I was at Corps when I was on Hood and the way it was explained to me by CSM Coleman was those hours are meant for organized unit PT. You are not allowed to wear headphones outside in formation so just because someone has a "gym" profile they should not be exempt from following the same rules as his battle buddies who are outside with no headphones.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 12:15 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 May 2014 00:15:38 -0400

I take it this is an Army thing? I have not seen this at any of the gyms on JBPHH so far, though it wouldn't surprise me if it comes our way.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 17 at 2014 12:22 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Sat, 17 May 2014 00:22:13 -0400

Is this only when in the PT uniform? Marines are not allowed to wear headphones at all if they are in their green on green PT uniform. however in rainbow gear they are authorized.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 12:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 May 2014 00:44:36 -0400

AR 670-1......Soldiers are not authorized to wear wireless or non-wireless devices/earpieces while wearing Army uniforms.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made May 17 at 2014 2:36 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 17 May 2014 02:36:26 -0400

anyone think it's related to maintaining situational awareness, especially where large groups of Soldiers congregate, at Fort Hood.

Maybe, just maybe the leadership took a common sense approach to trying to keep everyone situational aware - two on-post shooting over the last half-dozen years.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 3:36 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 May 2014 03:36:58 -0400

Simple:

(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, or smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Soldiers are not authorized to wear wireless or non-wireless
devices/earpieces while wearing Army uniforms. Hands-free devices while operating a 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.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 8:39 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 May 2014 08:39:30 -0400

Firstly, I agree with everyone's opinions to make sure Soldiers maintain sufficient situational awareness at all times. More importantly though, I believe headphones should not be allowed during PT hours because it is counter-productive to unit cohesion/camaraderie. A Soldier who is wearing headphones is completely out of touch with what other Soldiers around him/her are doing. That should be done on a Soldier's own personal time. PT should be about improving other Soldiers fitness to your left and right inside your ranks. A tough as hell PT session that everyone in a unit makes through together, motivating each other in difficult times, is a great way to start the day. Who's to say you have to stick to PRT? No unit does all the time, so next time bring your platoon into the gym and work through a circuit together. A good Leader puts his/her Soldiers first, even during PT. Take personal accountability for the physical fitness of your Soldiers. Especially with other officers in my unit, too often I see them not working out with their Soldiers at all. That is bad leadership.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made May 17 at 2014 12:40 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sat, 17 May 2014 12:40:30 -0400

If it is the unit gather for PT as a group there shouldn't be any distractions and it isn't a part of the uniform for organized PT.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:15 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:15:12 -0400

I think is because we are all in there conducting a military exercise even thought its just PT its still under a provided time period. over here in KAF afghanstn they have started informing it also but if ur working out during lunch or late after work its ok is what i see from leaders.the only people i see breaking the rules are officers or enlisted i dont blame them also if I'm working out after hours or for my self on my own i should be able to enjoy my woe out.i think the army is making this job a business like a normal day to day job but not knowing making us different with lil things people enjoy or use to relax why improving them self they creat more of a problem and ways for good people to get in trouble when they make silly rules

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 4:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 16:59:47 -0400

I think a lot of people are missing the point in this post. A lot, not all. I've read a lot of comments talking about unit cohesion and formations and such, but this post is about in the gym. IN THE GYM. If you are in the gym, more than likely you're not doing it as a unit, although it happens. Although I can agree with the situational awareness because of the shootings, but what's to stop anyone from coming in at any other time? In my opinion it doesn't make sense. When wearing headphones in the gym and working out, whether you're lifting weights or running on a treadmill, it's about you. Physical fitness is a personal thing, regardless of the time of day. Even during unit (squad or platoon or company) it's a personal thing, because you, as a service member are only going to get what you put out in PT. And being in your own world while in the gym helps you work harder. Just my two cents.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 20 at 2015 12:36 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 12:36:35 -0400

Its called standards.. Some have them, some have to reminded with signs and leadership.

Can you point out the cite from the appropriate uniform regulation that shows head phones as an accessory to the uniform?
http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf