Apft chapter help?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 19:31:22 -0400

My buddy is in ait and can’t seem to pass his run. He’s a PFC that claims he can’t pass the 2 mile. He’s had two failures and his NCOS told him he has one more chance or he’s getting chaptered. Is it inevitable for him? I’m suspicious about him doing it on purpose but I’m not certain. Is that how all apft chapters work?

Response by SSG Dale London made Jun 1 at 2019 7:43 PM

SSG Dale London — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 19:43:46 -0400

This is pretty cut and dried. If your friend cannot (or will not) pass the run, he will be chaptered. He gets two bites at the cherry with "for the record" APFT's. If he blows them both, he's headed for civvie street. They don't normally use diagnostic APFT's to start the process but if you fail a diagnostic, in the absence of a compelling medical reason, you can expect the unit to have a for-the-record APFT, even if it's only for him, within a few weeks. If he fails that one, the formal process, complete with counselling statements, medical exams and the like, begins.
If he wants to stay in, tell him to suck it up and run 'till he pukes. Then, wipe his face and start running again. This is where the rubber meets the road. He'll either do it or he won't. If he won't then he and the army will be better off with him out of uniform.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2019 8:14 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 20:14:50 -0400

Of course not, he's got a chance. But it's just like SSG London said, he has to step up or he's out.

Look, he's in AIT, fresh out of basic; all he knows about the Army is drills and hard work. He might not need you to be hard on him, his NCO's are already doing that. Be extremely supportive. Let him know you believe in him, and take the pressure off him. Let him know you're his friend whether he passes or not.

I guarantee there's little you can do that his NCO's aren't already doing or have already tried. If anything, keep steering him to work with his NCO'S and to talk them openly and honestly. There's few things more powerful than having an NCO believe in you and then go to bat for you when you're having a hard time.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 1 at 2019 10:20 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 22:20:37 -0400

Does matter if its on purpose or He just can't cut it. Regs say 2 failures= Bar to re-enlistment and Chapter out of the Army.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jun 2 at 2019 9:05 AM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 09:05:00 -0400

Ok, he is in AIT. But cannot manage the 2 mile run. He needs to seriously try here, as in push himself. It sounds as if he is not. And yes, if a person fails two record APFT's that is it, at least by the regulations. A lenient commander can make nearly any kind of call they like.... as long as the soldier shows them that they are at least honestly trying.

If he is HONESTLY struggling, he should speak to his NCOES. They want to see him succeed, if that is his goal. If not they will put him right back out on the street.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 3:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 15:15:14 -0400

How did he pass basic but cannot pass AIT? but tell him or her to eat healthy and not abuse the free will of eating whatever you want in AIT and focus on taking the training serious because he/she has come a long way to get chaptered out now. Run after school, that will help.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2019 1:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 13:02:41 -0400

Similar thing happened to my nephew. Always had trouble with the run, barely made it out of BCT/AIT. Got chaptered out after 2 years for APFT failure. Turns out he had an undiagnosed genetic heart condition. Never turned up on a routine physical. Kid had a heart attack at 27 and is now on meds for the rest of his life. If your buddy isn't faking it in order to get out, he might want to consider seeing a specialist.