Posted on Jan 10, 2016
Can you use a mat for sit-ups in the APFT? Has the regulation changed on this?
60.1K
24
17
2
2
0
I recently took a PT test with my National Guard unit. I went to grab the mat to do my sit up. The NCO that administered the test informed me that the mat is not authorized to do the situp. He also informs me that the regulation had changed. I want to know if he was BS-ing me or should I challenge it? Since I'm on rallypoint I have access to other Soldiers that been in longer than me. I would also know of a regulation change because I receives emails from rally point. Please let me know. Thanks
Posted in these groups: 
APFT
Army Regulations
APFT Army Regulations
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 8
It depends. If it was a sleeping mat then no. You have to use a mat that is intended for use for athletic events. What kind of mat was it?
(7)
(0)
4
4
0
FM 7-22, Appendix A, page A-9 says that a mat is authorized and if used, the body must be on it. The sleeping mat is not authorized. That is from the Army Publishing Directorate so that is the most current version of the FM. So yes, you can still use the mat and the NCO was wrong. In fact, it can be dangerous to do sit ups on a hard surface such as a gym floor.
(4)
(0)
1
1
0
Mats are authorized... so long as you are completely on it. Not using a mat is not good - I have never seen an APFT not using Mats... unless it was outside on soft ground.
http://www.armyprt.com/apft/instructions-for-the-apft-sit-up-event.shtml
http://www.armyprt.com/apft/instructions-for-the-apft-sit-up-event.shtml
Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT) Information
We provide the easiest way to get all the information you need about the U.S. Army PRT Program.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google