CSM Wheeler Speaks Out on USFK PT Policy
Alright who in Yongsan or Osan pissed off the 8th Army CSM Wheeler?:
Servicemembers should be in “their service’s physical fitness uniform†during organized training from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., whether they’re on leave, a pass, temporary duty or on another status, according to Wheeler.
“When performing PT at other times of the day they get a vote but not during organized PT periods,†he wrote of wearing the PT uniform.
While in the PT uniform, headphones are not authorized. Socks must be white, without logos, and must cover the ball of the ankle.
“Many are the troops who think they can wear anklets which give the appearance of no socks,†Wheeler wrote. “Wrong!â€
Mark was this you?:
“Remember this as well: Being a soldier in the Army is an outdoor sport!†according to Wheeler. “You don’t get in shape for pushups by holding up the walls of the local gymnasium.â€
Wheeler said most of the rule-breakers are junior noncommissioned officers and junior officers, “oftentimes in the vicinity of their more senior leadership.â€
“That senior leadership is not correcting the subordinate leadership is why we see so many violations,†said Wheeler. “I sure hope it’s not because they don’t know the standards themselves.”
Basically nothing new here for us 2ID types. 2ID has followed these standards every tour I have spend in 2ID. An old DCG at Camp Red Cloud who just loved PT, used to walk into the gym during PT hours and kick all those field grades and sergeant majors out into the cold with the rest of us. I was always amazed how many people used to hide in that gym when it was cold until that DCG showed up. A contractor buddy of mine grew a beard and longer hair so the General would not confuse him as a soldier and leave him alone in the morning while he worked out. He loved the General though because he had his choice of equipment in the morning once he kicked everyone out.
