What will happen if I do not pass a PT test coming up in a couple weeks If I failed once already? Can I be separated?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 18:08:38 -0500

Advice needed. I have been struggling with running since the birth of my son in 2014. I took my 1st PT test in Nov '14 and failed. I retested in Feb of 2015 and passed and in Aug of 2015. I am still struggling with my run time but my push ups and sit ups are good! I am curious as to what will happen if I do not pass this test coming up in a couple weeks If I failed once already. DOS is Nov 2016

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 4 at 2016 7:42 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 19:42:00 -0500

There should be someone in yr command who could give you some impartial counseling on what the applicable regulation says about such an issue. It may be there is discretion allowed on the part of yr CO. Family & other SMs in yr unit could also offer support to get you through the run. Any health or physical issues involved? A good attitude on yr part might help smooth your way. It's assumed you display a positive willingness to go the 'extra mile' to pass. The command should see it's in their best interests to help you pass the test. Best wishes to you and yours and let RP know how things progress.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2016 10:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 22:03:54 -0500

According to AFI 36-2905, four PT test failures in a time frame of twenty-four months is required for an Air Force commander to initiate separation. Best of luck in your preparation!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2016 2:50 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 02:50:10 -0500

I believe that it will be up to you commander. Most likely you will go to the remedial fitness training. You might run the risk to being denied re-up.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2016 10:00 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 10:00:56 -0500

You could be separated. Are you on a profile? I used to fail my runs by 3 and 4 seconds each time but that was because I seriously lacked motivation. To improve my running, I ran on a treadmill daily before work. I would run a mile at a 7:57 pace just to push myself, and then run at my regular 9:30 pace. I would alternate times and paces for about 30 minutes, and then lift weights and do push ups and sit ups. Maybe this will help you as well. I'm not a physical trainer or health coach, but the aforementioned methods have really helped me improve my run time. I ran two miles in 22:30 in badic training, which was a little over a year ago, and now I run an 18:01.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Mar 28 at 2016 6:50 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 06:50:30 -0400

You will be shot at dawn. Just kidding. The first thing I would recommend is don't plan on or accept that you are going to fail your next test. Do your best to prepare for in and turn to your peers and leaders to help you. The thing is that you have to WANT to pass it. I'm not sure what the USAF regs are on PFT Failures. I would assume you would get a retest at least one or two more times and counseling. If DOS means discharge date then it would be almost a waste to process somebody with about 6 months left on contract if you are putting in the effort to pass.