Raining when you show up for APFT: Run it or postpone?

2014-10-04T20:11:38-04:00

So I was in this situation this morning where I showed up to the APFT and was faced with the choice: have the test or postpone it due to weather. Do you say "if it ain't raining we ain't training" or do I postpone until tomorrow when the weather will be nicer as this is a test and the test matters for advancements for about four people taking it and promotion packets for some NCOs and officers?

What would you do a why?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 8:17 PM

2014-10-04T20:17:22-04:00

Sometimes you just got to ranger up. If you train in perfect conditions you are cheating yourself.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 4 at 2014 8:19 PM

2014-10-04T20:19:07-04:00

If it is raining, the AF test indoors .

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 8:39 PM

2014-10-04T20:39:54-04:00

I like running in the rain. First, you hardly expend personal sweat resources. Second, you don't overheat and can go for extended miles.

And lastly, if you start coughing and sneezing afterwards, you can blame Ebola and get a 21 day convalescent. Hopefully

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Oct 4 at 2014 9:07 PM

2014-10-04T21:07:53-04:00

If a light rain, execute training. If heavy enough that you feel safety will be impacted, reschedule. Getting wet, in and of itself, shouldn't affect performance. (exceptions for monsoons.)

Personally, I prefer it to lightly rain, or drizzle when I run the 2 mile.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Oct 4 at 2014 9:13 PM

2014-10-04T21:13:13-04:00

There is something about running in the rain that makes it great. I say go for it and do a long run...as long as there is no lightning.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 4 at 2014 9:34 PM

2014-10-04T21:34:08-04:00

No danger to troops (light rain, etc) then continue on. If soldiers aren't happy with their APFT results, there is always a retake (which I would make available next week (or drill weekend) if they feel so inclined to take advantage of ;)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 10:19 PM

2014-10-04T22:19:33-04:00

Push it until tomorrow; if this is important for promotion/school admission, why add an extra hurdle.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 4 at 2014 10:37 PM

2014-10-04T22:37:15-04:00

CPT Brian Maurelli,

Many years ago as a young Marine, I had a First Sergeant who ran every physical fitness event and test in Combat Boots and Utility trousers (Boots and Utes). One day, after working up the nerve to speak to this scariest or scary Marines, I asked, "First Sergeant, why do you always were Boots and Utes when we do PT?" First Sergeant Brown's response: "When I was in Viet Nam, we didn't have no running shoes and shorts!"

Train is my advise. Change it to a diagnostic to protect the records if you must, but train.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 11:11 PM

2014-10-04T23:11:27-04:00

Let the Soldiers decide, it's their APFT score. Most of the time I enjoy the rain when I run, but don't give the Soldiers the ability to make an excuse when they don't do well. Though, truth be told, it all boils down to safety.

Usually when given the choice my Soldiers elected to take it and get the test over with, rather than have to deal with weather delay after weather delay.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Oct 5 at 2014 12:02 AM

2014-10-05T00:02:07-04:00

Run it. I've run plenty of PFT tests in the rain, I've shot on the rifle range in the rain. Just because you get a little wet should not mean you can't perform.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 12:23 AM

2014-10-05T00:23:09-04:00

Safety first. Wet ground, chance of thunder? I guess it depends on how bad its raining.
I've taken an APFT in very light drizzle. If its very windy, running against the wind can be a difference maker for some peoples run time. I would pick another date to run the APFT if possible. It will help raise your squad PT score and the unit's overall PT score. Why make it more difficult?

At my unit, the training shop is very good at being mindful of the weather and we'll let people know ahead of time if there is a possibility the date will be moved.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 5 at 2014 12:42 AM

2014-10-05T00:42:07-04:00

No lightning then the show must go on LTC Private RallyPoint Member . It might actually help in the running. You run faster – This is a fact; ask any runner. When running in the rain, you are focused on getting out of the rain rather than how far you’ve actually run. Your sights are set on the finish line and you are able to run at a faster pace. I love a raining day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 1:50 AM

2014-10-05T01:50:18-04:00

Personally the APFT has become so mundane to me in achieving a perfect score that I will purposefully do muscle failure after work the day prior IOT make it a challenge to get a 300. If it it is raining, it assists in increasing the suck factor, thereby making it more fun simultaneously. At the same time I believe that in general we are coddling soldiers too much in making their training conditions perfect, Murphy does not approve of this. If we only train for the best possible scenarios how are we going to react when we are faced with any sort of adversity, much less the worst case scenario. When's the last time you can recall that you were carrying a ruck on your back someone over your shoulders and their ruck on your front? If it was recently then it sounds like your unit is training properly for a MASCAL scenario. I have never had a PT test delayed due to weather (hot, cold, rain, sleet, snow etc.) and it has only made myself and my unit better for it. Just because the QTB slides wont have all green on them doesn't mean you aren't doing the right thing. I have been places where all the slides were green and pretty for those training meetings, but the soldiers could not shoot/move(PT)/communicate effectively much less do any of those things at the same time. Now seeing that these soldiers were looking at advancement and this PT test was a factor in their promotion, I would expect them to be able to perform to their fullest, regardless of the situation. I have always expected my leaders to always be either always outperform their soldiers, or at a minimum push themselves past their limits during a time when they may be outperformed, for the simple fact that it shows that they are willing to push when it matters.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 6:53 AM

2014-10-05T06:53:30-04:00

i just ran one yesterday so I say GO FOR IT

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 8:24 AM

2014-10-05T08:24:45-04:00

If it ain't raining we ain't training. Great question, LTC Private RallyPoint Member. It's a situation I encountered a couple times during my active duty career, not as a leader, but as an APFT participant.

One time in Germany stands out because it was raining lightly when we started, and by the time we started running (and finished running) it was pouring! It felt very good to have that APFT behind us.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 10:48 AM

2014-10-05T10:48:20-04:00

Safety is first. But a little rain never hurt anyone. I feel the ones I have done in the rain had many advantages. No over heating, no need for a shower after. :) I had soldiers complain about the heat then the cold. Had soldiers get hurt in rain and in the sun. Just mitigate the risks and move on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 4:44 PM

2014-10-05T16:44:00-04:00

Well sir, this has obviously happened in the past so you should have come to a decision regarding your course of action. The weather, while not optimal, is not an issue as long as there isn't lightning associated with that rain. A standard risk assessment would should be your measuring stick.

If those 4 people's advancements are hanging in the balance of a PT test and they cannot pass because of some rain then they were not ready to pass at all. The very nature of our job as a soldier, regardless of MOS, dictates that we be able to perform up to standard even in the face of adversity or less than perfect conditions. I am not alone in stating that I have taken PT tests in in climate weather before, and it makes little difference unless there is one hell of a headwind, and even then we pushed on. I am not Combat Arms, so this isn't coming from some "hooah hooah" soldier that thinks that you should be able to push through anything.

Anyone who complained that the weather was bad and that is why they failed will most likely be that person who has an excuse for everything anyway, and I personally don't think those types of soldiers should ever be in a leadership position. Maxing the minimum is the wrong answer.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 7:50 PM

2014-10-05T19:50:24-04:00

Is there lightning? If so, cancel it. That's a clear and present danger. How hard is the rain coming down? If it's pouring so bad you can't see, cancel it.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 8:43 PM

2014-10-05T20:43:22-04:00

Over nearly 20 years in, I have done APFT in the Rain, snow, etc. As leaders we must be able to use common sense and determine if the "juice is worth the squeeze". I mean by that of course is if the rain will not have a negative impact and will not cause unnecessary injury, then I believe it can be run. You have to take a lot of things into account. A few are Location and temperature. Rain in October at Fort Drum, or Fort Wainwright is different that at Schofield Barracks or Fort Hood.

All senior leaders ask us is to make those decisions. If it is safe, proceed, if not reschedule.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 9:23 PM

2014-10-05T21:23:09-04:00

In order to really give my thought's, I would have to know how bad the rain was. If it was a light sprinkle, I don't see a issue, but if it was pouring, I would say move it to another day. I don't like feeling like I weigh more and having to run for a PT test. Now by all means don't think I don't run in my gear, and have to sprint in training. I find a PT test to be one of the top two things that stress me out. I have never fail one, and I don't just do the minimums, I think it's all the stress of what can happen if you fail. I'm in no way a lazy soldier, or unfit, but that's what it looks like when you fail one. So I personally would move it to a better day, people will pass if it's a light drizzle, or the sun is out. People will also fail despite the weather. It really boils down to the soldiers fitness level, there really is only a small chance the weather will change the outcome of someone passing or failing in my opinion. Since I stress a PT test so much though, I would like to take it in dry conditions. Lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 9:49 PM

2014-10-05T21:49:02-04:00

My ideal plan of action would be to conduct PU/ SU indoors, run outside if conditions do not present a hazardous situation.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 5:42 PM

2014-10-06T17:42:29-04:00

Unless there is some reason not to postpone it, I would postpone it for the better scores. It wouldn't be wrong to continue on with it on a Saturday, but your best bet is to go with a Sunday.

For a regular Army unit, though, knock it out. You have plenty of opportunities to take a record APFT throughout the month, and they don't have to be executed at the company level.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 12:56 PM

2014-10-07T12:56:45-04:00

Since its a record I would say reschedule only if mission permits. The only thing is next time its raining you kinda have to do the same or it isnt "fair" and someone is going to complain.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 1:35 PM

2014-10-07T13:35:27-04:00

Normally, as a common soldier, I'm okay with leadership having us APFT on the rain, but, if my promotion was depending on it, I'd prefer it postponed.
Is there a choice, though, as far as those who are psyched to go ahead and get it over with? Some folks run better in the rain (my buddy does).
Maybe conduct it anyway, and the ones who feel unsatisfied with their scores, let them re-take it? Maybe make it a general diagnostic unless they feel okay as a record?
Just looking at end from this end of the spectrum, Sir.

Response by SGM Robin Johnson made Oct 7 at 2014 9:11 PM

2014-10-07T21:11:04-04:00

SFC Jerry Crouch got it right, along with several others. The APFT is a record event which will be used to compare your Soldiers with other Soldiers who will probably have tested in conditions which worked to their best advantage - so don't disadvantage your Soldiers. And don't count on them being able to retest. I saw a commander hold an APFT in a downpour (if it ain't raining, it ain't training was said!), with Soldiers posting much lower scores than normal, and tell everyone they could retake it if they wanted a better score. A very high speed young Soldier who was preparing for promotion and putting in an OCS packet planned to do that, but that weekend he was badly injured while playing ball for the unit. Surgery, recovery, profile - nearly a year before he could raise that poor APFT score. All so that young commander could look 'hooah' in front of his troops. Don't punish your Soldiers for your own pride.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Oct 9 at 2014 3:51 PM

2014-10-09T15:51:46-04:00

Run it. Twice.

As long as there is no lightning get those soldiers out there and get their butts working. Those of my generation could use some toughening up anyway.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 4:33 PM

2014-10-09T16:33:27-04:00

Unless the weather is so serious in nature that it can jeopardize the safety of the Soldiers, you should go through it.

A drizzle shouldn't be a deterrent; otherwise you could postpone for anything:

It's too sunny/hot!
It's too cold!
It's too dry/sandy!

Weather conditions that are within a moderate range are optimal... obviously if you shut down APFTs due to rain, we'd never test in Korea lol.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 4:51 PM

2014-10-09T16:51:38-04:00

I failed to mention this, but I'd also want to remind you that if you end up having to reschedule, and during the period leading up to the APFT, something else happens (or weather worsens, or Soldiers go on leave or PCS or are injured), you may cause them to exceed the 12 month window for promotion purposes.

Unless there is a legitimate danger to the Soldiers on the date of the scheduled APFT, conduct the training. If a Soldier elects to not take it that day for whatever reason, then THEY will be responsible for the consequences.

If the Soldier suffers administratively or otherwise because the unit kept pushing APFT dates out, then that's a critical leadership malfunction.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 6:36 PM

2014-10-09T18:36:36-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member , I would post-pone. A wet running surface increases the odds for injury. While it may not be significant, why chance it?

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Oct 22 at 2014 8:58 AM

2014-10-22T08:58:01-04:00

I was always "taught" that an APFT should be administered only under the most optimum of conditions if at all possible. If postponing it by a day or two until there is better weather is feasible and will not interfere with other training/mission accomplishment then I say postpone it. As for the "It ain't raining, we ain't training" schizzle, I used to tell my students at PLDC (jokingly of course).."First one of you utters that crap, I will stab you in the eye with my bayonet!!"...I could not stand that frickin statement!! LOL!!

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Dec 21 at 2014 10:11 PM

2014-12-21T22:11:24-05:00

When I was active, I was in great shape and the weather wouldn't matter or affect my ability to complete my tasks. You should be able to perform at your best regardless of the conditions.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 12:05 AM

2014-12-22T00:05:27-05:00

The point - often lost - of an APFT is that it is an assessment tool. While you can run it in inclement weather, you will not get a proper assessment of where your unit is. Unless there is some form of pressure to run it on a certain day, postpone it. Let your troops perform at their best.

Response by SPC Leisel Luman made Dec 22 at 2014 8:17 AM

2014-12-22T08:17:38-05:00

I loved running in the rain. Since you asked I would continue with PT but would postpone APFT. A lot rides on the APFT if you are Army.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 7:02 AM

2015-02-09T07:02:48-05:00

If it were a regular PT morning, definitely suck it up and get ready to get wet and dirty.

Even though FM21-20 does state, weather and environmental conditions does not inhibit performance, we all (most) know better. If it's a light rain, I would continue to administer the test. If it were a freezing rain, snow, etc I would and have postponed the test. The PT test is an individual measure of my Soldiers performance. I give them every opportunity to give there best. True Story: As the HQs 1SG, the PT test had been on the training schedule for 8 weeks out. The morning of the PT test, it was raining (not to hard, but it was windy and pretty darn chilly). The Bn Cdr and CSM were also scheduled to take the test. I swung by the Bn Cdr office on the way to the test site to make he was reminded. He said, "Not today for me 1SG, to wet and cold!" I said "Roger that, Sir!" and went on to the PT Test site. Everyone was there (about 25 Soldiers). I called them to ATTENTION & AT EASE and informed them the test was postponed as it was to wet and cold! Now that caused a big round of cheers and hoooahs! After dismissing the group and heading back to my orderly room, the CSM who had been standing at the rear of the formation, came up and said, "Mack, what the hell?". I informed him, the test was canceled as it was to wet and cold. He said, "That's BS, it's not to wet and cold for me!" I said, "No argument from me, but he wasn't the Bn Cdr, who said it was for him, and if it's too wet and cold for him, therefore its to wet and cold for my Soldiers. He smiled, and said, "OK, I get it, Good move" and off we went to the mess hall.

Every Soldier out there knew the Bn Cdr and CSM were supposed to be out there. Self-serving decisions by leaders impacts morale...and morale can impact a Soldiers output and desire to excell. I remembered many mornings as a young Troop out there in cold, wind, rain, snow, doing PT and wondering why so many of my leaders decided to just not show up that morning, but it wasn't to wet, cold, rainy and snowy for me and the other Soldiers and young NCOs out there.

It was my call to make as 1SG.

Do what you think is best for your Soldiers....with all factors other than weather considered.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 7:15 AM

2015-02-09T07:15:02-05:00

The APFT was on the training schedule approved by the battalion commander, technically only he can authorize to postpone the training. With that said, as long as it isn't a massive thunderstorm I would continue with the APFT. It has been scheduled, the unit should have trained and prepared for it, Soldiers have adjusted their personal workout schedule for it, and a little rain never hurt anyone.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 9 at 2015 7:19 AM

2015-02-09T07:19:16-05:00

You must conduct a quick review of your risk assessment and if the danger outweighs the event being conducted safely then postpone otherwise carry out the mission and event. Yes there will be soldiers that complain but guess what that is their right and when they stop complaining is when I begin to worry.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 2:47 AM

2015-02-10T02:47:24-05:00

It is more of a safety question.... if it is a light rain and will not cause Soldiers to slide/fall and get injured then by all means carry on. If you know for sure the weather will be better the next day and everyone needed will be available - to help the Soldiers achieve the best score possible - then I could see waiting 24 hours. The only legitimate reason to cancel (or postpone) an APFT is if the weather would be cause for safety concern: low visibility, ice, the track/road has not been cleared of snow/debris. If Soldiers are in good shape a little rain should not hinder their ability to pass.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Feb 19 at 2015 5:50 PM

2015-02-19T17:50:57-05:00

I think it depends. If it is a light drizzle, press on. If it is actually raining, it becomes a safety hazard, and I would probably have to say try again tomorrow.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 5:54 PM

2015-02-19T17:54:37-05:00

I think no one is suggesting severe weather but lighter rain. As a Meteorologist I get the need to train under adverse conditions and know what to do when those conditions exist. It is also good for forecasters to understand this by being embedded as much as possible. Combat weather forecasters are a hedge like a medic against injury.

Response by SFC Francisco Roman made Feb 19 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-02-19T21:35:10-05:00

APFT. Must be completed as scheduled .As long as the weather is not to a extreme that could cause harm to the troops. Also if you're training to be a Navy Seal.

Response by MSgt Gary Koble made Feb 20 at 2015 12:11 AM

2015-02-20T00:11:49-05:00

Safety is the deciding factor! Every military unit today has weather support, whether it's done by the local weather team or a remote weather squadron, but we often forget this and play forecaster ourselves, looking at the weather app on our phone and making that go-no go decision on our own. Every installation should have a weather support plan that stipulates weather advisory, watch, and warning criteria that affect personal & operational safety. Leaders should work with their weather support teams and develop criteria that supports safety for outdoor PT, and then put them on the hook to make those notifications. Leadership still makes the decisions but they will be informed to the effects and threats the weather pose, such as hypothermia and lightning. If safety is not a factor, get out there and PT in the rain! :-)

Response by 2LT Scott Armstrong made Feb 20 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-02-20T00:42:41-05:00

Unless there is a dangerous element to the weather stick to the training schedule. It is an assessment tool but assessment with stressors and reasonable challenges is valuable. I've never seen weather impact an APFT score dramatically except for extreme heat and humidity, in which case some rain might be welcomed. Bang it out, get it done. If weather is going to impact you that much your attitude likely needs more exercise than your body.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 1:08 AM

2015-02-20T01:08:07-05:00

Depends on the temperature. Cold postpone but hot carry on.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 2:47 PM

2015-06-24T14:47:16-04:00

Since no one has gone there, I will...............ZONK!

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Sep 30 at 2016 10:07 PM

2016-09-30T22:07:19-04:00

I would take People to the Local GYM if there was one and do it. maybe not the Run but everything Else at least that is what I would do.