I leave for OSUT in a week, I'm not very physically fit but my recruiter told me not to worry. I passed the OPAT, but I don't want to fail?

2018-08-15T21:07:27-04:00

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 15 at 2018 9:11 PM

2018-08-15T21:11:48-04:00

There were plenty of out of shape guys in my 19D OSUT class. Don't worry, you'll get there.

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Aug 15 at 2018 9:16 PM

2018-08-15T21:16:37-04:00

Well, you're cutting it close to getting ready for OSUT. Maybe, starting off with some short runs to prepare yourself for the physical training; now its been over 30 years since I went to OSUT, but memory of back then the Drill SGT’s gradually built us up to longer runs and more PT.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 15 at 2018 9:54 PM

2018-08-15T21:54:56-04:00

They will help you get fit, or send you home. I suggest you work at it every chance you get.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 10:24 PM

2018-08-15T22:24:26-04:00

Justin Mitchell Maximum effort all the time and take the word fail out of your vocabulary. Please provide us an update when you complete OSUT. Good luck.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 15 at 2018 10:42 PM

2018-08-15T22:42:29-04:00

Start preparing NOW!

DROP - push - back straight? - do it all over again. Are you in the world? - Go run as fast and far as you can! OK? Do it over and get in bed. Repeat tomorow andevery day/nite until you ship!

Keep a zipper on your mouth!

Do the all of above and you will do well!

Best wishes!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 16 at 2018 1:53 AM

2018-08-16T01:53:53-04:00

For Regular Army the standard is they will not pass you until you complete the PT test properly with a score of at least min in each PT event for your age group, you get 2-3 chances or recycles. Now I would tell you that you need to get into shape, run like 2-3 miles every other day and do a timed run. do pushups, etc. But then my not very athletic Nephew attends Infantry OSUT in 2007 and passes just fine without any physical prep. So it really depends on you. They start you out slow and unless you look like the Good Year blimp (in which case you would have failed the OPAT), you should be OK so your Recruiter is probably correct. One thing you need to do before you ship is find out if your going to be falling under the new PT test or the old one. Your Recruiter should know. The new PT test I thought goes into effect this fall. Definitely the extension of Infantry OSUT happens this September, so your lucky your shipping now.......you'll get the 14 week program vs the 20+ week program or whatever they extended it to. Also, if your under the old PT test. Even though they will let you pass with a min in each event. Active Duty Infantry units expect you to achieve at least a 270-280 on a 300 point scale with the old PT test of pushups, situps and 2 mile run. Though they are happier with a perfect 300 or higher. Just letting you know you need to work more at this after you graduate Infantry OSUT.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 9:51 AM

2018-08-16T09:51:18-04:00

Alright, check this out; I'm gonna give you the keys to the kingdom right here and now:

First: Any and all PT that you do at unit level/organized PT should be done at 110% at all times. This will ensure that at a minimum, you maintain your current fitness level.
Second: Do PT on your own. And smoke the living hell out of yourself every time (don't hurt yourself, but make yourself work for every single session to obtain a new goal). This will improve your current fitness level that will then be maintained and sustained at unit/organized PT.
Third: Run your ass off. Every. Single. Time. Running is important in our world. If you can't keep up, you're not getting on a firing line with me. Plain and simple.
Finally: Never take "no" for an answer. When they tell you that you can't do it, that you're too weak, that you're too lazy, that you're too *x, y, z other variable*, you say nothing and you get yourself out there and PROVE them wrong. Negative motivation is the most common type in this life. So get used to that. But the harder you push, the greater your success. The only limit you have to your capabilities and successes is YOU!

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Aug 16 at 2018 10:21 AM

2018-08-16T10:21:35-04:00

My favorate is the old school PT Max program

http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/academics/elon_college/rotc/Training_to_Max_PT.pdf

Training_to_Max_PT.pdf

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 10:33 AM

2018-08-16T10:33:54-04:00

Just keep at it throughout OSUT and your career. I was 135 pounds of skinny when I attended Basic. I couldn't run two blocks without getting winded. But a year later I had made it into Ranger Regiment and was in Ranger School earning my tab. Partly my NCOs pushed me, but I also gave all I had at PT.
Just keep pushing past where the point your body tells you it can't do more. You've always got more in the tank.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-08-16T10:44:56-04:00

The OPAT is designed as a sort of ASVAB for your physical ability. If you've passed the OPAT the idea is that you will be able to reach the level of fitness required to succeed in your job. That being said, you will need to stay motivated, strive to be the best, and work harder each day than the day before. The first days and weeks will push you to your breaking point (for some), and you just need to stay focused and keep your eye on the ball.

There is nothing that will happen to you "today" that you cannot accomplish. Each day just focus on getting through events and tasks and soaking in as much knowledge as you can. If you lose focus, just tell yourself "I only need to make it until the next chow time and then I get a break." Before you know it you will be graduating.

Lay low and do your job, don't try to become the funny guy, or the cocky guy, or any other sort of "guy". If you quietly do your job with excellence, everyone will see how squared away you are.

Good luck.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 16 at 2018 11:23 AM

2018-08-16T11:23:16-04:00

Justin Mitchell Sorry, I responded w/o thinking!

Go back to your recruiter and ask for more Future Soldier training. (To include the meaning of a few ‘terms’ like DROP!).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2018 1:38 PM

2018-11-25T13:38:57-05:00

Pushups sit-ups and running!! Do not quit on yourself! I was 5’7 200lbs when I went to OSUT at Ft. Benning. The first few weeks I thought I was going to fail, but I never gave up! I dropped right above 35lbs and scored above average on my 5th and final pt test. If you drink alcohol, soda, energy drinks, coffee, etc... stop immediately and just start carrying water with you at all times. If you smoke cigs or dip, stop immediately and start recovering your lungs. I dropped 6 minutes from my first 2mile pt test and got down to 14:06 on the final. Mind you I’m 30 years old and have been smoking on and off for around 10 years.

Never give up! Your battle buddies are your support team. Challenge yourself with a battle buddy or a few to workout when you can before lights out. You won’t have much free time at all so use it wisely.

It’s a mental and physical game. Push yourself as hard as you can and don’t give up!

You got this!