WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) - After much planning, anticipation and constructive feedback, the Army Air Force Exchange Service and the Air Force Uniform Office officials have partnered to bring an improved physical training uniform to select military clothing sales stores in July.

The IPTU, which consists of a running jacket, pants, trunks and a T-shirt, is an optional uniform authorized for wear.

Even though the IPTU is made to be identical to the current PTU, components of the running suits are not to be mixed, according to a policy letter issued Oct 28, 2009, by Headquarters Air Force Manpower and Personnel officials.

"The new IPTU was made to look like the original PTU," said Master Sgt. James Lynn, an AFUO subject matter expert. "However, wear policy has been established and published that prohibits wearing the new jacket with the pants from the current version or the current jacket with the new running pants."

Material differences between the two running suits make it difficult to mix, Sergeant Lynn said.

The IPTU running suit consists of a different material with enough of a color shade difference to be identifiable from the current suit. However, the current PTU and IPTU shorts and shirts may be mixed and also worn with the IPTU running suit.

By utilizing the latest advances in textile technology, the IPTU offers significant improvements in both comfort and functionality over the current PTU, said Capt. Nick Ferry, an IPTU program manager. Improvements include the elimination of the "swish-swish" in-motion noise, better reflectivity, lighter weight and state-of-the-art moisture wicking material with a quick-drying, anti-microbial liner.

"Much time and effort from a lot of folks has gone into the research, development and testing of the IPTU," Captain Ferry said. "The end result is a greatly improved uniform that will eliminate many concerns and frustrations our airmen have had."