Do I have to pass a PT test during the recruitment stages of going to OCS?

2018-07-26T01:10:41-04:00

Ok, so I’m prior service and I’m in the process of going back in the Army as an officer. I’m 27. My recruiter is telling me that before they process my paper work or do my background check that I have to pass a PT test in the 18-21 age bracket. Is that true? I’ve asked other recruiters and they said no.
I’ve been working my butt off to pass it, which I’m sure I will, but I just want to know if that’s REALLY a requirement.

Response by SSgt Jessica F. made Jul 26 at 2018 1:17 AM

2018-07-26T01:17:15-04:00

When I went back in after a break in service I had to take one but it was in my current age bracket. It was dependent upon my RE code. I’m enlisted so not sure if that is the difference but either way you should be in your current age bracket!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 2:24 AM

2018-07-26T02:24:05-04:00

Yes, a PT test is required and part of your packet. I am not aware of a requirement in a different age bracket, but just know the PT standard in OCS is very high. You will struggle to keep up with your peers with a score below 250 and the difficult training environment will be even more of a challenge. Make every corrective training push-up count in basic and push yourself hard....Welcome back and good luck!

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jul 26 at 2018 4:04 AM

2018-07-26T04:04:56-04:00

Whatever it is, you should try to take is as soon as you can. That way you can avoid having to do the new PT test as part of your packet.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 6:00 AM

2018-07-26T06:00:14-04:00

Passing the APFT is a requirement for an OCS packet. You are not required to pass in the 18-21 year old bracket to be boarded. However, you have to remember that you are competing against others. Currently, OCS approval is at the lowest level it has been in a while (recruiting Battalion not USAREC). This is a good thing but the commander may not view you favorably if you barely pass the APFT. So, do your best and get to work on your packet ASAP because rules are always changing. Regardless of your score, as long as you pass your recruiter should process your packet.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 6:32 AM

2018-07-26T06:32:19-04:00

Each recruiting commander can establish their own vetting process for OCS packets within their realms. I’ve heard of the use of an extended boarding process to PT tests within the younger age group. You will be ranked in OCS based on test scores and PT scores and you will not be competitive without a really good PT score. When I went in 2008, the PT cutoff score before you could “class up” was 265. If you aren’t close to or above that, you may not even class up the first week. So some recruiting commands set a higher standard for their college ops to ensure that you can at least class up and will be competitive.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Jul 26 at 2018 7:12 AM

2018-07-26T07:12:58-04:00

Yes. It’s used to measure how competitive you are at the OCS selection board. If you are not in shape, then I recommend you make it a priority because being prior service you’ll skip basic training and head straight to OCS. In OCS your PT score affects your ranking for commission. If PT tests bother you, then I’d recommend not applying for a commission or rejoining the Army. Be ready at all times and be prepared to be tested both mentally and physically before earning a commission. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Milan George made Jul 26 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-07-26T11:39:39-04:00

He's probably pulling the 18-21 requirement out of his butt in an attempt to ensure you'll be able to make it. You can look at the OCS website and it'll tell you the exact requirements for admission. You wont find many, if any Candidates that are under 21 years old considering there is an education requirement.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2018 9:26 PM

2018-07-29T21:26:17-04:00

Like others have already said, yes, passing the pt test is mandatory. You’re supposed to have 80pts in each event to get boarded. That being said, I was prior enlisted as well and just finished OCS...if you’re going that route, by the time you get to OCS you will need at least a 290 to be in the top 20% of your class. That’s important because branching is based off of an OML. Score high and you’ll likely get the career field you want. The only other option is to put in a branch packet at OCS for the field you want. Keep in mind branch packets are approved/disapproved by the BC and are not always approved. Typically only experience will get those approved. Dangerous game to play, so get the PT score high and set yourself up for success.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2018 11:28 PM

2018-07-29T23:28:37-04:00

Hello SPC Dean,
You do have to pass the PT, but not in the 18-21 bracket. Look at it as motivation from your recruiter because even though you have a slot to initially be there you still are in a competition with other candidates to class up. So it is vital that you have a strong PT score or you will be placed in HHC until there is a upcoming class up which can be weeks or months away. In my class, if you did not have a score above a 280 you did not make the cut. Also, to be clear National Guard and Reserves play by a different set of rules, however, you do not want to be out there just doing enough to get by. Your future cadre will be present watching what you do. Hope this helps.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2018 5:07 PM

2018-12-19T17:07:11-05:00

I never ran a PT test until I was fully processed and at my unit awaiting my OCS class. However, that was the ARNG process; it may be different going into big army.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2020 12:10 AM

2020-03-25T00:10:59-04:00

I'd like to see the AR dictate that you have to pass in another age bracket. That said, going into becoming an Officer means, setting the standard is your objective always. If just passing the PT test is your objective I'd reassess your motivation for becoming an officer.

You don't have to be a PT superhero, but realize you are asking to be put in charge of soldiers, how you shape your leadership will show both intellectually AND physically. Presentation is your first impression. What you say and do are next.

Good luck! OCS is a great opportunity for introspective growth!

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2020 6:00 PM

2020-08-08T18:00:44-04:00

Max out the 18yo PRT numbers until you retire, I did. Otherwise, find another profession vice finding a way to meet minimum standards.