Should privates be able to retake the final PT test at basic multiple times?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:05:51 -0400

To fill everyone in: Currently in army basic training you have 3 APFT's during each phase (Red, White, Blue) however you only need to successfully complete the final test with a score of 50 in each event to pass basic training. Do you believe that since the army is "downsizing" it should be if you fail you get chaptered or do you believe the army should continue to allow you to retake this PT test. Knowing if you fail it 3 more times you go to the Fitness Training Unit in order to pt everyday all day in order to get your scores where you can pass and move on to AIT.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 28 at 2015 9:21 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:21:26 -0400

I am in favor of the miltiple try/special training unit approach. I have seen people make huge improvements in only a few weeks. If they are motivated and are really trying give them a chance. Many kids, especially city kids, have spent their entire life sitting on their asses in front of a game console and need some time and help to get in shape.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 28 at 2015 9:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:24:04 -0400

Sometimes basic training passes on weak soldiers for the unit to take care of.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Sep 28 at 2015 9:56 PM

SSG Toryn Green — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:56:42 -0400

I'm in favor of multiple attempts once you get to your unit as long as you are improving and working hard. Coming out of basic, with all the PRT that is conducted, there is no excuse for failing.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 28 at 2015 10:44 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:44:49 -0400

PVT Zachary Ringling, The mission of BCT is to train recruits for entry positions in the Army. That said, the Army always needs more new meat! Therefore, PT tests and other qualifying tasks/tests scores will always be adjusted to graduate that new meat in the numbers required. The standards for recruits changes as the need for new meat changes. Like the tattoo policies then and now.

Response by PVT David Seguin made Sep 28 at 2015 11:34 PM

PVT David Seguin — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 23:34:05 -0400

no, of course not.

you can't be serious. go big or go home, the women did in my BCT in spite of it being the 3rd coldest winter on record.

we already have the whole "elective surgery" "women and men being equal" "separate scoring for females and males" "weight classes" "injured go home" deals in place, while some fat officers run around the track and we watch..

i can say this because i know them, they would tell u unless you are hurt, get with the program, or go home.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 12:05 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:05:11 -0400

I've always had mixed feelings about this. One one hand I feel that you should pass it the first time. On the other hand I know a lot of very good soldiers and sailors who failed the first time and haven't had any PT issues once in the fleet (or whatever you call the "real" Army).

Part of basic training is taking people way outside of standards and bringing them in. Some will be closer to start with. So with that in mind I support keeping the multiple attempts part there.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 29 at 2015 12:15 AM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:15:38 -0400

Seeing as the current recruiting pool live a more sedentary lifestyle your criteria would leave a lot of potential recruits being chaptered out. I think the current system is fine.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 1:13 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 01:13:36 -0400

I find it interesting that they still keep the final phase APFT at scores of 50, yet are planning on introducing a timed 16K road march. I would think that a soldier that can pass the march should be able to pass the final APFT to regular standards (60s).

I get that we are taking a couch potato an creating a fighting machine, and that Physical Education is, more and more, falling victim to Core Education, but I really think that a better effort needs to be made to bring in more fit candidates at the beginning.

One idea: If a candidate cannot pass some sort of qualifying fitness test (I think it was 13 pushups and 10 min mile when I was enlisting in 1988), then that candidate must be placed in the Delayed Entry Program with a new evaluation in 4 or 6 months. If there is a second fail, then that candidate is disqualified entering the service.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 29 at 2015 2:43 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 02:43:52 -0400

I suspect there is some Cost Benefit Analysis involved. The cost involved in out-processing a Recruit versus allowing him to take several attempts to make it through the system. That drives pretty much everything.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 5:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 05:47:53 -0400

Here are my thoughts. While on Permanent Party, Soldiers are given a few chances to pass a Failed APFT. After a certain number (2 consecutive record fails within a year timeframe) separation packet is initiated. So, bearing that in mind with IET level Soldiers, yes I think a few chances at the APFT are warranted. If it was a one and done kind of plan then no one would be in the Army anymore. But seriously, 50% standard is not that hard to get. After all the PT you get in Basic, 50% should be a no brainer. Personally, they should kick it up to 60% like the rest of the Army.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Sep 29 at 2015 8:08 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 08:08:19 -0400

In the spirit and the reality of developing Soldiers to reach a goal and succeed, I believe multiple attempts with focused guidance should be the norm. Will there be some who still can't meet the challenge? Certainly, but those struggling initially but show the heart and determination to make it are what we need in the Junior Enlisted corps.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2017 9:00 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 09:00:07 -0500

I don't see a need in the multiple retakes. If you haven't improved the entire ten weeks to get at least a 50, which is too easy, then you don't need to be in the Army.