Do General Officers participate in PT tests?!

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:27:45 -0400

We've all asked the question and joked around about it. Seriously tho, At O7 to O10 do they do PT test? If so who grades them? Or is it "pencil whipped" so to speak?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2017 6:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:38:35 -0400

Of course they do!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 23 at 2017 6:46 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:46:16 -0400

I have seen some Generals doing PT tests and actually doing better than junior officers

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 23 at 2017 7:20 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 19:20:05 -0400

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1701441/cmc-cft

Well if not, it's one hell of a photo-op.

CMC CFT

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., left, fireman carries Maj. Bradley W. Ward, the Marine aide-de-camp to the commandant, during a Combat Fitness Test (CFT) at Washington, D.C., Dec. 15, 2014. The CFT is a semi-annual requirement for all Marines to assess a Marine’s physical capacity in a broad spectrum of combat related tasks. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Gabriela Garcia/Released)

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Aug 23 at 2017 11:24 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 23:24:05 -0400

They do and lead by example. However, some are on permanent profile so that modifies events and once they hit 55 the alternate aerobic event kicks in. Overall, though yes even at the Pentagon they were taking their PT tests and you would see them in the gym.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2017 9:26 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 09:26:40 -0400

General Officer's all have a long history of stellar PT performance, (PT being a significant reason they made it to that level) they are not required to take the standard PT test due to age, but almost all of them do. Most of them can outrun half of the Soldier's in their units.

Response by MG Stephen Hogan made Aug 25 at 2017 5:44 AM

MG Stephen Hogan — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 05:44:29 -0400

Yes. Three event man. I did lose a few points on the run this year, down to 277 or so, but normally hover around 285-290. Before you all become terribly impressed, these days in my age group the run is graded with a calendar instead of a stop watch. I'll also tell you that the E-5 that graded me this last time didn't count all of my pushups- as I tend to get in a hurry and sometimes and not come all the way up.

My BGs take it as well, the oldest of the bunch rides the bike after two knee replacements, but the remainder are three event men, Army and Air. My two air Generals are in incredible shape.

I am surprised, somewhat....maybe, that this question exists; because all I know and serve with really get that old concept of not to expect anything out of the guys that we aren't willing to do ourselves. The APFT is "free chicken" leadership wise to get out with the guys and mutually suffer, and we look forward to it. I think I did four last year and the OPAT, which truthfully was a smoker.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2017 1:28 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 13:28:34 -0400

I think the chances of an O-9 or O-10 is very unlikely since they could very well be over 60, and therefore exempt from the APFT.

Response by BG BG Michael Warmack made Sep 1 at 2017 6:35 AM

BG BG Michael Warmack — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 06:35:56 -0400

They should and do. I am proud to say that I got 300 on my PT tests throughout my career. It is important to be seen during the PT test as well.
It was harder for all of us as we got older with wear and tear, but physical therapy and needles helped me. As a note there are exceptions for APFT for older folks.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2017 7:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 19:32:56 -0400

In my unit all officers participate in PT tests right along with all of us Enlisted

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2017 11:40 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 23:40:39 -0400

pshhhht they dont do pt

Response by BG Gary G Harber made Oct 12 at 2017 8:07 PM

BG Gary G Harber — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 20:07:30 -0400

Yes, I always did my PT Test & encouraged my soldiers! Those who fell back I would run with them to get them forward!!!

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 18 at 2018 2:02 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 14:02:02 -0400

No one is above the law - General Michael Cunniff was reprimanded for his waist (43.5") and dodging PT tests. He didn't take one in three years. However in "general" this rank is compiled of PT studs.

https://popularmilitary.com/air-force-general-fat-service-passes-fitness-test/

Air Force general who was "too fat for service" passes fitness test

…

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2018 11:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 11:06:59 -0400

Yes, they are supposed to. They might not always take it with the unit but, any General I've ever encountered took it with the unit.

Response by BG Gary G Harber made Jul 22 at 2021 4:48 PM

BG Gary G Harber — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:48:44 -0400

Yes, and should be an example to his soldiers!!!

Response by BG Mike Rowe made Jul 11 at 2023 1:27 AM

BG Mike Rowe — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 01:27:26 -0400