What is the optimal # of "testees" in an APFT line?

CSM Mike Maynard — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:04:21 -0400

When administering an APFT, what is the optimal # of testees in a line (for push-ups and sit-ups), and why - explain your rationale.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 7:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:14:13 -0400

CSM Maynard,

Two times the number of males in line. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

I think eight is optimal. Ten is too many because you'll be bumping up against the 2-hour time limit, depending on how slow the instruction-reader reads and demonstrates.

Fewer than eight means less time to relax and hydrate between events.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 7:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:44:18 -0400

I believe there is a book answer CSM however I am to lazy to looking it up. I believe it is one grader per 12 Soldiers off the top of my head. However in the basic training world we usually have upwards of 20 Soldiers per line. I know when I went to Airborne School there must have been atleast 30-40 in that line.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 2 at 2014 8:51 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 20:51:21 -0400

I prefered 0 especially when I had to be in that line. :-)

we usually had 5-6 and that worked out well

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 11:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 23:13:59 -0400

CSM, the FM states it should be a 1:8 ratio for graders. Anything over 1:11 would surpass the maximum 20 minute rest period for certain Soldiers.

While it isn't always feasible I believe 1:6 is ideal because it allows for immediate transition between events. When number six finishes push-ups number one has had a ten minute break and can begin sit-ups.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 8:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 08:00:40 -0400

If I am not mistaking, there is 1 grader per 15 testees. But the question was "per line". So 6-8 would be ideal

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Jun 3 at 2014 8:35 AM

CSM Mike Maynard — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 08:35:19 -0400

No book answer.

SSG Scudder was correct - 6 in a line. And it is for the exact reason he stated. As soon as the last person does push-ups, the first person has had there 10min rest, so you can begin sit-ups immediately.

6 in a line enables you to finish the test in the quickest amount of time possible.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 8:40 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 08:40:40 -0400

Here is what FM 7-22 says

APFT PERSONNEL
A-34. The following personnel are recommended for administration of the APFT:
 OIC and/or NCOIC.
 Event supervisor.
 One event scorer for every eight Soldiers being tested.
 Timer and back-up timer.
 Required support personnel.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 1:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 13:07:48 -0400

By the reg you want an 8:1 ratio in an APFT line. At this ratio it will take about 14 to 20 min to complete the first two APFT events. Keep in mind you only have 2 hours from the first push up to complete the entire APFT. This does not include the 10 min required break after the last sit up before the run.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 1:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 13:11:41 -0400

You can get all of the details for administering the APFT in the new Army Physical Readiness Training Manual FM 7-22

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 4:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:47:54 -0400

CSM,
While I know it has been over a year since I discussed this interesting topic with you, I discovered something new that the writers of FM 7-22 have not taken into account.

The FM has the requirement that each Soldier be given 10-20 minutes of rest between events. However they also state that the number of Soldiers per line is a max of 8. But what they do not consider is transition time. I just observed an APFT in which it was approximately one minute from stop to the next Soldier beginning. With 8 Soldiers in a line that is 16 minutes of execution and 8 minutes of transition making 21 minutes per event.