Does it count as APFT failure if I fall out for a torn meniscus?

2018-10-23T15:08:01-04:00

Today I was taking a APFT and tore my Meniscus during the run and came in at a failing time. So my question is will it count as a failure and me getting flagged?

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 23 at 2018 3:13 PM

2018-10-23T15:13:53-04:00

first of all, ouch!!! I would think that it would not count since you got injured during the run. sounds like you still finished. just over your time. better than not attempting to complete. best of luck in your recuperation and rehab

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2018 5:01 PM

2018-10-23T17:01:39-04:00

Well....if you want to go by the black and white of the standards, then yea. However, anyone with a brain and common sense wouldn't (or shouldn't) flag you for an injury occurring during the APFT as long as there is medical documentation to back it up. I personally would not Flag you.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 23 at 2018 6:46 PM

2018-10-23T18:46:55-04:00

By the black and white of it? Yes, it counts as a failure. However any decent NCO will do one of two things: tear it up and chalk it to a medical injury or count it as a practice only. You are going to be on profile for a bit as that heals and then as you recover and retrain back to standards so no record APFT. If they choose to flag that can be appealed and any decent training NCO and Officer know this.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2018 8:01 PM

2018-10-23T20:01:06-04:00

That will teach you to finish the run.

I wouldn't flag you but those guys are out there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2018 8:02 PM

2018-10-23T20:02:13-04:00

FM 7-22
A-37. Soldiers who fail to achieve the minimum passing score for their age and gender on any event are considered test failures. If a Soldier is ill or becomes injured during the APFT and fails to achieve the minimum passing score for their age and gender on any event, he is considered a test failure.

AR 600-8-2
Chapter 2-3
b. “Army Physical Fitness Test failure” (Flag code J). Initiate a Flag when a Soldier fails a record APFT or when, through the Soldier’s fault as determined by the commander, the Soldier fails to take the APFT within the time prescribed by existing regulations, or when directed by the commanding officer (as provided for in AR 350–1). A Flag is not required for a Soldier who has a permanent or temporary profile that precludes taking the APFT or is unable to undergo an APFT because of conditions beyond the Soldier’s control (as determined by the commander). Soldiers with a profile effective after the APFT will remain flagged until a record APFT is passed. A Flag is not required when the commander determines the Soldier cannot be administered an alternate APFT because of conditions beyond the Soldier’s control. Soldiers who become pregnant after being flagged for failing an APFT (as determined by a physician) will remain flagged until successfully passing an APFT. Remove the Flag (code E) on date of compliance. If, as determined by her primary care provider, the Soldier was pregnant at the time of APFT failure, the commander will immediately remove the Flag (code Z).

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 23 at 2018 9:19 PM

2018-10-23T21:19:54-04:00

AR350-1 dtd December 2017 page 196 there was no mention of an exception due to injury during an APFT. Unsure if FM7-22 has anything. The way I understand it, if you did not achieve 60 points per event, they count it a short a fail and directs a flag. Was it record or diagnostic? If it were diagnostic, then you likely won't be flagged.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2018 1:07 PM

2018-10-24T13:07:39-04:00

Yes, technically it is a failure, once an APFT is started it must be completed- fail or pass. But, if you were truly injured make sure you go see a doctor who can evaluate your situation and treat your injury. The doctor should also be able to provide a profile on what you can & can't do for PT- while in recovery.

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Oct 24 at 2018 2:39 PM

2018-10-24T14:39:56-04:00

Yes. The regulation even says that if you get injured during an APFT and fail an event it still counts as a failure.