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?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 14:33:43 -0500

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 2:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 14:52:52 -0500

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.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 3:06 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 15:06:04 -0500

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.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 1 at 2020 3:30 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 15:30:20 -0500

When I was in you could either ride the bike, or do a 2.5 mile walk.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 4:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 16:05:24 -0500

They’re effectively trying to push people out that have profiles and they’re bringing back the stigma around being broken because of the impact the army has on the body.

The most common injuries (back, knees, hips, shoulders) are directly effected by all of the ACFT events.

As if the high failure rates in the testing units weren’t eye opening enough, they’re going to get a real wake up call when the army wide failure rates start rolling in from all components.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 4:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 16:21:43 -0500

Because the row is more feasible than the bike. The bike is rough, APFT is 6.2 miles in 25 min, but the ACFT is 9.3 miles in 25 min... that’s about a 22 mph pace...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 4:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 16:58:49 -0500

Also last FRAGO I read said TRADOC schoolhouse commanders could substitute alternate event for the ACFT at their discretion if a SM could not pass an event (ie the leg tuck) to pass the school. They are given a little more wiggle room. I would say work with your cadre at the schoolhouse as I am sure they have a plan for those on profiles.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 1 at 2020 5:53 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 17:53:28 -0500

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.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 7:05 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 19:05:52 -0500

USMC was 3 miles. Max points for 18 min. Anything above 28 min. failed. It's changed a lot though. Uphill both ways, with combat load, and through a foot of snow. J/K. Pre 1965 PRT was a different story, and pretty tough. 5 events ending with 3 mile run/walk (timed), carrying weapon and with light marching pack, H-harness and 2 full canteens. Ole Corps.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 11:15 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 23:15:09 -0500

The row is aerobic but low to no impact on the lower kinetic chain.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 11:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 23:41:03 -0500

The reason is because if an individual can complete one of the three approved alternate events, it’s a good measure as to whether they can achieve the same results down range.

It is also a way to get rid of the individuals who are always on profile

Response by SSG Dale London made Feb 3 at 2020 10:09 AM

SSG Dale London — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:09:42 -0500

The alternate events are there to deal with different profiles. I am sure there is an injury out there where a run is countra-indicated but rowing is perfectly okay.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Feb 3 at 2020 2:04 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 14:04:48 -0500

There was absolutely zero thought put into the alternates for the ACFT - they didn't even want to put any alternates on until legal said they had to have alternate events of some type. So they decided to make the alternates harder it seems and attempt to force people off profile or be discharged. That's the common thought and what people have heard behind the scenes that big Army doesn't care if they have a smaller force as long as it's "fit."

However I have also heard they may delay it another 6-12 months but that's RUMINT.

No there aren't different events for different profiles. For the aerobic alternate it's row, bike and swim. To be deployable on a permanent profile the bare minimum one needs is deadlift, SDC and an aerobic event.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2020 2:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 14:49:14 -0500

Different events for different profiles. It’s always been that way. My permanent profile is for sit ups only and honestly once the ACFT goes into effect I may look at having my profile removed.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 3 at 2020 4:40 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 16:40:24 -0500

They all measure aerobic endurance and account for differing profiles that prevent running.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2020 10:02 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 22:02:35 -0500

It's all about impact. I've dodged a running profile for 6 years because the Walk is horrible, but rowing 5km is insanely easy on the knees.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2021 10:23 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:23:22 -0500

I know this is a year old but I will throw another curve ball. If you have a no run profile technically speaking you can’t do the SPRINT drag carry event either which is mandatory. So it sounds like a grey area in most cases. Medboard ?