Posted on Apr 25, 2020
I have a soldier who wants to extend for deployment, but are flagged for APFT. Can the CO waive such flag?
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The soldier hasn’t taken a record APFT since October of 2019, which they failed. With COVID-19 happening, we are unable to administer a record right now. Their ETS is around November 2020, but they want to extend for 12 months for an upcoming deployment. Their SRB has no flag code, or BAR code, but still has the APFT score as FAIL. I’ve read a couple things stating that the CO can waive such things, and approve an extension. Im aware the soldier will still have to eventually pass the APFT, but we wish to help him extend so he can join us on the deployment. Can anyone verify that a commander can do such thing?
Deployment
APFT
Re-enlistment
Waivers
Command
Posted >1 y ago
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He's supposed to be flagged. The Commander can deploy him with APFT failure. Retention NCO can verify the extension rules. Know what makes this easier? Just pass the damn APFT.
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CPL (Join to see)
Thanks sir. We’re trying. He’s a good soldier, just can’t run. There’s rumors the commander will waive his extension request in hopes that he will give max effort and focus on deployment to pass his run.
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There is a waiver, it has to be approved by the first General Officer in the Soldiers chain of command. AR 601-280 3-8 goes over all the requirements to be eligible for reenlistment.
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UPDATE: I’ve been informed that a 6 month extension to original contract is authorized, to give the soldier time to pass. If he passes within said 6 months, he can either extend for another 6 or straight up re-enlist. THIS IS NOT FAVORITISM. The soldier wishes to re-up, but simply struggles with his run. I wish to continue working with him so he can reach the standard, and achieve his goals. The soldier is excellent at what he does, and has had no issues throughout his career except for this one time. As a leader, I understand there is a standard for a reason, but would hate to see him be denied to continue service. I will be meeting with our retention team and CO later this week to discuss options, and to make a plan.
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CW2 (Join to see)
Since it hasn't been mentioned at all, have you looked into other factors that could be holding him back? For example, how's his diet? Does he eat healthy or is he hitting up mcdonald's every day for lunch with a giant 32oz soda? Does he smoke, drink, dip or kill energy drinks like nobody's business? All of these things can hinder your physical fitness potential.
Does he have good shoes to run with that aren't worn out and have decent soles? How about his run form?
There's a lot of different exercises you can do to help build someone's cardiovascular fitness other than running. Such as rowing, jump rope, jumping jacks, etc. Don't stick with just running and hope for improvement (not saying you are).
Does he have good shoes to run with that aren't worn out and have decent soles? How about his run form?
There's a lot of different exercises you can do to help build someone's cardiovascular fitness other than running. Such as rowing, jump rope, jumping jacks, etc. Don't stick with just running and hope for improvement (not saying you are).
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CPL (Join to see)
He’s not fat, and has a decent amount of muscle, but I couldn’t tell you exactly what he eats. Never thought about that specially. Thanks for the advice chief. CW2 (Join to see)
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CPT (Join to see)
I think you're on the right track here. If you have an Army Wellness Center close by, he can get a BF% measurement in the BodPod and do a sub-max VO2 test to get a baseline. He can repeat in 2-3 months to see if he is making progress. If there is an H2F facility close by, he can go get his running form checked out and receive instruction on Running Drills to improve form. A knowledgeable MFT can build him a program to train for his 2MR. Other options would be to seek out a running coach from a local college or semi-pro sports team (these people love to help the military in general) or to travel to your closest MFT schoolhouse. Worst case, you can find a contact at the MFT schoolhouse or H2F, film his running form from a stationary point on a track. Have him run the 2 miles around a quarter mile track and send the video in. That person can then assess his form 8 times as he gets more fatigued during his run.
I personally would not take a Soldier on a deployment if they can't meet the standard. If a Soldier is working out correctly, it shouldn't take more than 2 months (3 max) to get to the point where they can pass the APFT. If he isn't putting in the effort to decrease his times or is mentally quitting during his 2MR, then he isn't worth granting an exception. He'll be a liability. Only time will tell.
Let me know if I can help.
I personally would not take a Soldier on a deployment if they can't meet the standard. If a Soldier is working out correctly, it shouldn't take more than 2 months (3 max) to get to the point where they can pass the APFT. If he isn't putting in the effort to decrease his times or is mentally quitting during his 2MR, then he isn't worth granting an exception. He'll be a liability. Only time will tell.
Let me know if I can help.
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