Can a Solider still be chapter for failing two APFT’s?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 18:55:44 -0500

A peer was flagged a couple months ago for failing an apft and will taking one again on Friday.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2021 7:08 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 19:08:03 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Here are two prior posts with information. You can search on "APFT Fail" for any other posts.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-to-fight-a-chapter-for-apft-fail

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-kind-of-discharge-do-you-get-if-you-fail-a-apft

How to fight a chapter for APFT fail? | RallyPoint

I had just arrived at my first duty station when a week after inrpcessing we where sent of to JRTC In fort polk ...we did zero PT the entire time When we had returned I was told I was taking um first APFT well I failed it and even know the grader marked it as a record my LT told me that he was going to make it a diagnostic because we had just returned and it was my first PT test Well about a month later I had just gotten of profile for about 2...

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 3 at 2021 8:29 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:29:15 -0500

Yes.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 3 at 2021 8:59 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:59:03 -0500

Now think for a minute SPC. The SM has failed 2 AFPT tests in several months back to back with no passing in between. The Army discharges thousands of people for being Non-Deployable last year. This SM has proven twice that they can not meet the standards of being a soldier. Hell Yes they can chapter them, that was in the rules for most of the years that the AFPT was/is around. The ACPT is on hold, and does not count right now.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2021 10:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 22:38:09 -0500

Yes. If he failed the APFT before the ACFT was supposed to be official then he wouldn't have an official passing APFT for record. He would have to still have a passing score. This requirement remains past the transitional period. If he fails again he would fall under the dated policy covering two failed APFTs and he would be chaptered. The only question is when he failed the last the APFT.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Mar 3 at 2021 11:56 PM

SSG Brian G. — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 23:56:11 -0500

Yes they can still be chaptered for failing an APFT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2021 4:18 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 04:18:10 -0500

For the APFT yes, for the ACFT no.
With two record failing APFT's the Soldier's commander may initiate separation.

Separation will also require proper documentation, which JAG will also let the chain of command know if they submit subpar supporting documents and JAG will refuse to process until they receive good docs. This may result in an additional APFT being taken due to any previous errors made by the chain.

If the Soldier is noticed for separation they do have an opportunity to respond to the notification by which they may request an honorable characterization, or if they have been in long enough may request a separation board. They may also request that the separation be halted. Trial Defense Services can advise on this but ultimately it's going to be the Soldiers responsibility to write the response and gather good character witnesses to write or speak on their behalf.

Depending on a variety of factors the Soldiers chain of command may allow him/her to continue training until they can pass so long as they're showing effort and improvement. This is usually accomplished by conducting multiple diagnostic APFT's until a passing score is achievable.

This is NOT a rule, this is a choice by the chain of command to halt separation because they think the Soldier is worth retaining. Bear in mind not every chain of command will do this

Once the APFT is passed however the Soldier will no longer be tested on it as the Army has shifted to the ACFT for which a failing score will not negatively impact the Soldier until March 2022 to allow Soldiers and units to train and prepare for this new brand of PT.

Even if they're facing separation do not let them give up. Perception is everything, a senior NCO or commander that sees someone continuing to try even when the chips are down does mean something. Even if they don't succeed they need to keep trying.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 4 at 2021 9:49 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 09:49:27 -0500

Yes, as long as everything is done according to the regs.