Posted on Mar 25, 2016
Do you think doing PT in the afternoon would be better?
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So from an efficiency standpoint the way we do PT right now is awful. You wake up to be at formation at 0600 to do 1 hour of PT, then go home to change, eat, whatever. The you come back for a generally 0900 - 1700 work day. If we shifted PT to 1600 - 1700, you could start the work day at 0800 and get the same amount of work done. People bring PTs in a bag to change at work.
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PRT (Army)
Physical Training
PRT (Army) Physical Training
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 126
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Here's the thing. I have always been a proponent of "PT on your own" at whatever time of day you want as long as it doesn't interfere with mission accomplishment. "But wait!", the NCOs scream, "these guys won't do PT unless I make them! Our company average will go down! I won't be able to put anything on my NCOER about how awesome I am at motivating people to run faster!" I have always been told that "PT is an individual responsibility", but then they make me come in and do PT with the company? If it is an individual responsibility, then let me be responsible for it. If I show up to an APFT and fail, then kick me the hell out of the Army to make room for someone who wants to be here and has the discipline to stay in shape. I always hated doing PT in the morning, especially in winter. But, now that I am retired, I get up 4 days a week at 0430 to do PT. On my own. With consistent gains. So I guess I am for morning PT. Go figure.
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Cpl Brad MarkW
SFC Stephen Carden - You and I were in different militaries then. I was an 0311 and served with some of the most immature ash*oles, thugs, criminals, rednecks gangbangers, college dropouts, wanna-be operators and rocks I've ever known. I loved them all and if we weren't fighting each other, we were fighting the system and when we weren't fighting hte big green weenie, we fought the Navy, or the Army, the the locals. Maybe 10%, the jocks and meatheads, might have gone to the gym but the rest of us, including me would have had the internal discipline to PT ourselves regularly. That's why I joined as a college dropout, to get that discipline. You're not a professional until you act like it, and many never do.
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SGT Scott Henderson
SFC Stephen Carden - Maybe if drill sergeants hadn't been de-balled from the get go I wouldn't have to waste my time hoping someone who CHOSE to become a professional soldier started acting like oh I don't know... A PROFESSIONAL. At least half the new recruits get to their first duty station and act like they're at a summer camp. The NCO Corps has been effective de-balled as well because everything that used to be done to correct a private is now considered hazing. Our system may be archaic and out dated but it worked until tree hugging dickheads, and those who support them decided it would be better to bubble wrap the world and the soldiers tasked with defending it than treat them like they're doing a job where they may be actually fighting for their lives one day.
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SSG (Join to see)
I hear you, it is an individual responsibility. However, it’s an NCOs responsibility to ensure their Soldiers can pass the APFT. I’ve been in two units now where the do PT on your own directive has produced disastrous numbers.
Doing PT in the afternoon though...that’s something I can be on board with.
Doing PT in the afternoon though...that’s something I can be on board with.
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Sgt Jason West
SPC Greg Davis - That is just excuses and piss poor leadership at the lowest levels. You want breakfast? Then plan ahead. Shit, shave, PT (0600), shower and be at work by 0800. (0700 on non PT days). Do your job and if the schedule allows it let you troops or some of them at least bust out early.
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I'm sure every service member is different in their preference, and a lot of it depends on their job requirements and schedule. Personally, the adrenaline rush from physical training first thing in the morning is a great kick start to my day. By the end of the day, I'm usually too exhausted and fed up with bullshit to have any interest in PT.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
I agree with you doing PT in the morning does jump start my work day, but I also use a workout after work to relax after all the BS I deal with during the day. I always thought PT is for maintaining your physical fitness. I get more of a workout in the afternoon working out on my on. Plus I spend most my PT time going back &forth with another NCO about why certain sm can't do pt ( sm don't feel good, sm back hurt, sm need to go take care of something ect) and those are the sm FAILING the APFT.
We both SGT(P). I'm the mean, go by the reg, don't give be a hoot if the sm get mad at me type NCO, he's the nice, way around the regs, kiss ass type NCO.
We both SGT(P). I'm the mean, go by the reg, don't give be a hoot if the sm get mad at me type NCO, he's the nice, way around the regs, kiss ass type NCO.
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The problem with afternoon PT is that most leaders work well beyond 1700. It would be difficult to disengage from work, PT, shower/change, and go back to work.
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MSgt (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - weak reply. When I signed up, emphasis wasn't on PT, it was skills and performance. I will take a smart soldier over a fit one any day.
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MSgt (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) - they can't, they are busy doing work and picking up after PT goers. If they fail PFT then they are out. Organized PT is wasteful. Individual responisibility
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SPC (Join to see)
MSgt (Join to see) - I didn't say it wasn't wasteful Master Sergeant. I think it's important for camaraderie and competition between your peers but I also agree it is not as effective because you are usually running at the slowest guys/girls pace etc.
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Sgt Jason West
Most leaders work well beyond 1700??? I only every served under maybe a handful of leaders that worked that late and actually PTed with the troops.
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