Posted on Feb 1, 2020
If an SM can’t do a 2-mile run due to a profile, why is the 5000M row even an option for the ACFT?
11.7K
47
26
4
4
0
So I’m scheduled to take an ACFT in BLC. I can do the 2 Mi event. However as a future NCO I wanted to know about the Alternate aerobic events. So I noticed it has 5000M rower, 15000M bike and 1000M swim.
My question is if a SM can’t do a 2 MI run due to a profile why is the 5000M row even an option.
Anyone who has done rowers knows it’s a full body workout. the bike and swim are extremely low stress aerobic exercise.
This post is for opinions and advice. I know there are different events based for different profiles.
My question is if a SM can’t do a 2 MI run due to a profile why is the 5000M row even an option.
Anyone who has done rowers knows it’s a full body workout. the bike and swim are extremely low stress aerobic exercise.
This post is for opinions and advice. I know there are different events based for different profiles.
ACFT
Physical Training
Master Fitness Trainer
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 16
16
16
0
That's exactly why it's an alternate event. It's a good cardio measure. Lots of people with bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, knee injuries, Achilles tendinitis, and compartment syndrome in their calves can't handle the impact of running but can row just fine. The row is a no impact exercise, the equipment is lighter, cheaper, more readily available, and easier to use than the specified bike as well. Anyone who would be able to walk should be able to row.
(16)
(0)
Turn it around the other way....
If a service member CAN NOT do the run, or alt event row, ride, swim, then are they really fit for deployment and combat?
If they are not fit for deployment and combat why would you want them in Army?
The point of the ACFT is to demonstrate your Army combat fitness, ready able to deploy, do your job, come home.
The alternate event is there to allow you to prove that fitness in something other then a run.
They came up with 5000M rower, 15000M bike and 1000M swim which can show you have that minimal level of acceptable combat aerobic fitness.
Alternate events were not built to say, "oh your not fit, well ok then here is an easier event"
If you do not posses the minimal fitness standard (talking permanent profile here, not temp) you should be med boarded or otherwise separated. That does not make you a bad person, just one not fit enough for military service.
If a service member CAN NOT do the run, or alt event row, ride, swim, then are they really fit for deployment and combat?
If they are not fit for deployment and combat why would you want them in Army?
The point of the ACFT is to demonstrate your Army combat fitness, ready able to deploy, do your job, come home.
The alternate event is there to allow you to prove that fitness in something other then a run.
They came up with 5000M rower, 15000M bike and 1000M swim which can show you have that minimal level of acceptable combat aerobic fitness.
Alternate events were not built to say, "oh your not fit, well ok then here is an easier event"
If you do not posses the minimal fitness standard (talking permanent profile here, not temp) you should be med boarded or otherwise separated. That does not make you a bad person, just one not fit enough for military service.
(4)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
I agree and disagree with you’ve stated, however, I’ve been on a permanent profile for a while and instead of the 2 mile run, I did the 2 1/2 mile walk. Now those who’ve had to do the walk knows it isn’t a walk in the park but it definitely satisfies the aerobic alternate event. I disagree with it being removed from the Army’s Physical Fitness. I say this to say, me not being able to run do the 2 mile run never interfered with me being able to deploy and successfully complete the deployment. I don’t swim, I’m not sure how successful I’ll be with the row event or the bike (recovering from surgery) but I know I will be able to bounce back and get back into walking because prior to surgery I was walking 23-40 miles a week.
I understand the Army is changing, however, some of the changes being made doesn’t help the Soldiers that go hard everyday who have been injured giving it their all for a service to create events that question their ability to deploy.
I understand the Army is changing, however, some of the changes being made doesn’t help the Soldiers that go hard everyday who have been injured giving it their all for a service to create events that question their ability to deploy.
(3)
(0)
SFC Kelly Fuerhoff
SFC (Join to see) - I also disagree with it being removed but again they don't really care it seems. I've been doing the walk for about 3 years because I have shit knees. Rowing...I bought a rower but the stupid thing didn't work I had to send it back. Maybe I could do the bike but the bike I bought it took a crap (it pauses every 2 seconds starting a month after I bought it). I think doing a 2 mile walk even in 25 min or less is feasible and not a bad idea.
The ACFT standards won't even be finalized for another 5 years is last I read...so why they're pushing so hard to get this out so fast is beyond me.
The ACFT standards won't even be finalized for another 5 years is last I read...so why they're pushing so hard to get this out so fast is beyond me.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
Rowing and biking are low impact exercises vs running which is a high impact exercise that is tough on the knees and feet and back.
Still interested in seeing how they are going to handle the leg tuck for anyone with shoulder or back issues.
Still interested in seeing how they are going to handle the leg tuck for anyone with shoulder or back issues.
(4)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google