Do you think the PT test should be made harder?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:35:23 -0500

When I was in the 101st there was an organizational standard for 4 mile run and 12 mile ruck. I believe implementing this would greatly improve the overall health of the force. The SMA wants soldiers getting out and pushing themselves to run harder and get stronger. I believe that adding this standard would force many out of shape soldiers to shape up or get out. Too many times do I see soldiers just walking around during PT hours or doing little to no PT at all. I think this would be a great motivator for everyone to get in shape.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 5:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:49:20 -0500

I don't know about making it harder. I think that we would be better to have more uniform grading of the PT test over the army. Also we could do a lot better at holding everyone to the standards we have all known that soldier that somehow always seems to beat the system. If we are going to change the standards of the APFT then I would like to have a one test for all approach. Sadly the problems with the test are the problems of the system and that is what needs to be fixed not the test its self.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jan 8 at 2016 8:35 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 20:35:21 -0500

Let's add a $1 monthly bonus for every point above the 180.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jan 9 at 2016 1:00 AM

PVT Robert Gresham — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 01:00:42 -0500

Having a harder PT test is not going to encourage those who are out of shape or overweight to do better, CPT Private RallyPoint Member. These few individuals are mostly not worried about passing (or barely worried about passing) the current PT test, do you honestly think that they would work any harder to pass an even more difficult test? Also, you would put SMs who are NOT quite as fit as you may be into the the position of not being able to pass the PT test. If your goal is to separate a good 5-7% of the active duty force, then your idea of a harder PT test is right on target.

On another subject, would you also disallow SMs over the age of 40 from taking PT tests to a different standard? If so you can also forget most of the 30 year NCOs. (Somehow it seems that 90% of all Officers ALWAYS max their PT tests, no matter how old, or out of shape, they may be.....)

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 9 at 2016 3:00 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 03:00:17 -0500

The 4 mile run and the 12 mile road march, are a long standing 18th Airborne Corps standards, and while I am OK with run, not everyone needs to do a 12 miler... Don't get me wrong, I do believe PT matters and it should be a main effort, and that we need to hold folks to the standard, and focus on physical fitness excellence. But,I could never see masses doing the 4 mile run, or the 12 miler... As a company commander... circa 1991-1993, my company would do runs routinely of 6 miles or more... But, that took a concerted effort.

Many moons ago, when I was with 10th Mountain, the 12 miler was reduced to 6 miles (by 18th Abn Corps) for every who did not walk with with the Infantry, as there were too many injuries resulting from road marching, making many troops non-deployable. As an example... does a helicopter pilot, or truck driver need to be able to go 12 miles in 3 hours on foot? I am a MP, and while we did the 12 miler and 4 miler... MPs also don't really need to be proficient at doing a 12 miler.

Nevertheless, I agree fitness matters, and we need to maintain high standards, and probably find a better test. PT and fitness largely depends on how much emphasis a command places on it.

To your core question CPT Private RallyPoint Member, I think the APFT is fine, but I also believe it it is time we looked a new options, which we have done more than once since the current APFT was introduced.

I also think we need to implement gender neutral tests that are best on your specific job.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 9 at 2016 10:17 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 10:17:40 -0500

Different is the single word I would use.. Some will find it more difficult, some just more challenging. The issue has always been the same since the first time I went to the Army Master Fitness school, to the second time, or later when I assisted in off site visiting MFT courses.. When the question of a "Better APFT" came up the problem was always ... how? How to implement.. What meaningful test exercises could be implemented that addressed the component of physical fitness targeted that could be done at any location world wide at any time of the day or night, with no new equipment or facilities required.. It had to be measureable, with the ability to train the trainer to be cable of consistently observing the same way each time.. So the only variable was the physical input, not the observer, equipment or location( location and environment may make results not comparable to another location , but all participants at that test site would on the same footing.)

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 9 at 2016 10:38 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 10:38:04 -0500

Harder? No. I think the PT test should be made relevant though. The events should have a direct correlation with your day to day activities.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 11:44 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 11:44:15 -0500

Maybe make it harder to max but as for changing the events, that debate started long ago.