Should there be one APFT standard for all services ?

LTC Jason Bartlett — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:02:22 -0500

I think most miss the intent of the APFT in the first place, however I think it would be interesting to read what people think about having one standard APFT across the services. Just to be clear If I had my way I would have separate standards for different MOS's so this question would not be relevant :)

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 11:08 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:08:45 -0500

Sir, I don't think services or MOSes.....Each have a different mission. I do think APFTs are important. What is the intent of the APFT? Is it to show your command your Physical Fitness Level?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 23 at 2013 11:11 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:11:27 -0500

Wouldn't think the Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard would want an ARMY Physical Fitness Test (APFT) :)

Furthermore, can't think the benefit of standardizing a cross-service physical fitness test. We are separate services for a reason.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 11:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:16:07 -0500

It wouldn't have bothered me. I loved being active in sports, weightlifting and long distance running.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Nov 23 at 2013 11:36 PM

CSM Mike Maynard — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:36:42 -0500

If the purpose of a Physical Fitness Assessment is to determine capability/capacity, then there should be one standard. Not separate standards for gender or age.

I should have to have a certain level of strength, agility and stamina no matter my age or sex.

Until each service comes up with a unilateral standard, talking about unilateral standards across services is a bridge too far.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 12:03 AM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 00:03:44 -0500

It would be interesting to see, but I don't think it would happen. All of the services have their standards for a reason.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 27 at 2013 2:24 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 14:24:44 -0500

Just think it is a little silly to have 5 different test, and we could just have one. Not sure it would hurt anyone.

Response by SGT Larry Woolard made Feb 16 at 2014 9:17 PM

SGT Larry Woolard — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:17:07 -0500

It amazes me you all are still having this conversation.Same problem when I left almost 20 yrs now.APFT Sir and all other interested parties has changed standards that really seemed to punish those in certain age groups and made it tougher on others.Dilemma is this,when I was in the standards in 80 were stout for and 17 to 21 year old category had to kick but to score a 300 it took work.When I got out in 95 at age 33 the standard was tougher for me at 33 than it was when I joined and the standards changed dramatically for the worse as far as I can tell.This is one of the items that contributing to the minimal standard attitude you Officers and NCO's are seeing so prevalent now.Change the mindset to achieve the goals at hand.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jul 18 at 2014 4:41 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 16:41:40 -0400

LTC Jason Bartlett NO Sir! There is no good reason I can think of for Seals and Rangers to have the same standards as Shipboard Sailors or Air FOrce personnel. Right now gender and age are factors in consideration for many tests and Navy gives a choice of swimming or running.

With the wide diversity of standards required in each service, I can foresee a military wide standard.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 18 at 2014 5:25 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 17:25:02 -0400

No. Each service has a different mission and needs different things from their people.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 1:02 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 01:02:06 -0500

If we are using the PT standards to determine your ability to preform then their should be one minimum standard regardless of age or gender. When discussing the separate services that minimum standard can and probably should be a little different. In the Army you should have a minimum APFT standard so that each Soldier meets that minimum standard. If you have differing minimums based on age and gender then what is the purpose of the APFT?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 15 at 2015 4:51 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 04:51:41 -0500

No.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 9 at 2015 10:33 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 22:33:49 -0400

That is a good one, as we struggle with the what is right for the Army. I think it makes sense, but I also think the Branches should have fitness tests that are derived from what that particular branch requires... to include by MOS.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 12:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:08:03 -0400

Different services have different missions and different needs. Why would a submariner need to run as fast as a green beret? A single standard is not only a ridiculous idea it is very dangerous as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 4:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:41:19 -0400

Oh God no! On one extreme you have the fittest force in the U.S. military, the USMC, and on the other end you have the USAF. Would you separate pay for the different MOSs too? It's only fair since, for instance, Infantry Soldiers would have to work harder than finance.