Is the new APFT a step forward or a case of fixing something that wasn't broken?

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 15:30:51 -0400

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Sep 23 at 2014 4:00 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:00:43 -0400

The concept of the proposed new APFT is something that has been in the making for a long time now. Is our current test broken? I don't think so, but I do think that it does need to be re-looked at to determine if the APFT does measure those skills that are required of today's Soldiers. Strength, muscle and cardio endurance are tested by the current APFT. Some of the suggestions for the new APFT test other things like core strength, agility, etc. They are more "battlefield" focused and measuring those skills definitely has merit. I guess we'll see what happens when the dust settles and changes are implemented. Until then, it's push-ups, sit-ups, and the good old 2 mile run...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 5:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 17:58:38 -0400

I remember a few years back they spend tons of money on designing a new APFT with the combat thing also, let's see if this time they actually make a decision or just waste millions of dollars and man hours.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2014 3:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 15:48:30 -0400

Honestly I don't think they need change the current APFT events, but rather change how the sit-ups are done. The Army is the only branch who still continues to place the hands behind the head causing unneeded strain. This new proposed combat oriented APFT seems to be more like the USMC's CFT. Which is also a viable option. Keep the current AFPT and add a CFT so you have to pass to two fitness tests each year just like the Marines.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 29 at 2014 8:09 PM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 20:09:25 -0400

Catch us old guys up...what does the "new" APFT consist of?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2014 8:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 20:58:00 -0400

I am with SGT Williams on this, I think it would be fine the way it is if the sit ups were modified to reduce the strain on your back (from your hands behind your head). I do however like the idea of the Combat Readiness Test.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Sep 29 at 2014 9:48 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 21:48:19 -0400

A new APFT has been on the way since 2001 or so when I was an SGL at PLDC and we had the information packet presented to us to get familiar with it, 13 years later and it looks like Big Army still cannot come to a consensus of whether or not the current needs to be changed! Since I retired last year all I have to say is ya'll have fun waiting on a new test!!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 11:02 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:02:26 -0400

I think it is. I was never a fan of the "Old" APFT. I've read the reasons why the Army decided to go in a different direction, and I agree with their decision. When was the last time the APFT was modified? 80's? 90's? Its hard to believe that the "Old" APFT is a good measure of our soldiers physical readiness.