Is there a regulation to support a fitness event as RST?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 00:49:06 -0500

While there is a regulation (AR 350-66) to attend shooting events as valid training, is there a corresponding regulation to support fitness. While an excused absence would make sense for a soldier attending a Marathon, could they simply use the Marathon as an RST?

I ask because no one really is getting kicked out for lack of marksmanship, but it's the end of the world if one fails ACFT. So shouldn't doing a fitness competition like a Spartan event or Marathon suffice for an RST?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2020 8:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 08:16:50 -0500

Interesting question sir, but since fm 7-22 clarifies that physical fitness is an individual responsibility for reservists and 135-91 states Soldiers must be engaged for give or take 8 hours i do not think its a justification. No commander would send a Soldier to work out at the gym for 8 hours, so then why would a marathon be treated any different. Also in the grand scheme of things, long distance at a slow pace has limited impact on an acft score, potentially only influencing 1 event, the 2mr. While fitness should be incorporated into BAs, it would be hard pressed for any unit to only focus on that with all of the mandatory training and monthly EO, MRT, etc requirements. At the end of the day the commander has the final say at what they consider an RST. As a det sergeant i would advise against it.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2020 8:48 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 08:48:30 -0500

Much like how there is a Competitive Marksmanship Program managed by the state G3 in the Guard and probably at RD level in the Reserves, there is a program at the same level for competing in Army 10 Mile, marathons and biathlons. Working through them, the competition is covered through orders and their DTS LOA.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2020 3:17 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:17:34 -0500

I don't have a doctrinal answer to your questions, but the World Class Athlete Program places high-performing NG and Reservist athletes on full-time orders to train for and compete in sporting/athletic events. I'm pretty sure Robert Killian was on WCAP orders for awhile as an obstacle course racer. I would reach out to them and see what regulations/guidelines they have in place to support such events. I would say that it's ultimately up to whomever controls the purse strings in the G3, so the WCAP may have some information to help convince that person.