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Been in PLT for 2 weeks. I am to take a APFT tmrw. I need a little more insight on the integration window for SM who have just pcs'd. Ive looked at 7-22 however just ont really understand it due to that block being kinda vague
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 12
You should always be ready for APFT. The urban legends of having a certain ammount of time once you PCS are just that. Urban Legends and/or unit courtesy.
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1SG (Join to see)
correct SFC Mark Merino but it is a courtesy, possibly even a post policy, but it is not a regulation
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SFC (Join to see)
Regulation states minimum of 4 months between record pt test a diagnostic can be give every month. And FYI to do a test by the book takes longer than 20 minutes min of 10 min with a max of 20 min rest period between each event per the reg
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1SG (Join to see)
Yep I'm tracking that the whole process takes longer than 20 minutes SFC (Join to see) the 20 minutes reference was that is the actual time that most will use to actually do the test, minus the wait times and admin stuff.
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SFC (Join to see)
Individual pcs orders states that you must be able to pass APFT once report to your unit.
fm 7-22 statesNEW SOLDIERS ENTERING UNITS
4-27. The new Soldier’s threshold level of physical performance may fall below the minimum for his gaining
unit. He may be considered a borderline APFT performer or be borderline overweight. He may be fresh out of
BCT, AIT, or OSUT, or may have just completed a permanent change of station move or returned from an
extended deployment. These Soldiers are facing new conditions relating to physical performance
(acclimatization to altitude, temperature, and humidity), which may take them up to four weeks to adapt.
Although Soldiers leave IMT prepared to transition to the sustaining phase, they may de-train due to leave,
transit, and in-processing at their new duty assignments just like Soldiers in operational units. New Soldiers
need to train in the unit for 90 days before PRT leaders or AIs assess the Soldiers' fitness levels. This timeframe
allows them to acclimatize, assimilate into a unit PRT program, and adapt physiologically and psychologically.
fm 7-22 statesNEW SOLDIERS ENTERING UNITS
4-27. The new Soldier’s threshold level of physical performance may fall below the minimum for his gaining
unit. He may be considered a borderline APFT performer or be borderline overweight. He may be fresh out of
BCT, AIT, or OSUT, or may have just completed a permanent change of station move or returned from an
extended deployment. These Soldiers are facing new conditions relating to physical performance
(acclimatization to altitude, temperature, and humidity), which may take them up to four weeks to adapt.
Although Soldiers leave IMT prepared to transition to the sustaining phase, they may de-train due to leave,
transit, and in-processing at their new duty assignments just like Soldiers in operational units. New Soldiers
need to train in the unit for 90 days before PRT leaders or AIs assess the Soldiers' fitness levels. This timeframe
allows them to acclimatize, assimilate into a unit PRT program, and adapt physiologically and psychologically.
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SGT Dinwiddie
I am going to start by answering you question directly. There is no Army standard for Soldiers PCSing to a new unit to be given and time to prepare for the APFT. As a few have stated already your orders say to show up ready to take the APFT. The reg you want to check is AR 350-1 it states the following in reference to what you asked.
350-1
Physical readiness testing gives Soldiers an incentive to stay in good physical condition and allows commanders a
means of assessing the physical readiness levels of their units. Accordingly, all AA and RC Soldiers must be able to
pass the APFT at any time, except upon return from deployment. Following redeployment, Soldiers will be administered a record APFT no earlier than three months for AA and 6 months for RC Soldiers.
(2) Commanders may administer the APFT as often as they wish; however, they must specify beforehand when the
results are for record. AA and AGR Soldiers will take the APFT twice each calendar year. A minimum of 4 months
will separate record tests. Soldiers that require make-up testing or re-testing for an APFT failure are exempt from the
4-month rule.
Now I am a Master Fitness Trainer and use to work as a Company training NCO. The only thing I know of that even suggests a “train up period” is the following from FM 7-22. It only pertains to new Soldiers straight out of IET. It is also worded to make it more of a suggestion to the commander not an order. My last unit gave all Soldiers 90 days before a record APFT. But that was the commanders call; he didn’t have to.
FM 7-22
4-27. The new Soldier’s threshold level of physical performance may fall below the minimum for his gaining
unit. He may be considered a borderline APFT performer or be borderline overweight. He may be fresh out of
BCT, AIT, or OSUT, or may have just completed a permanent change of station move or returned from an
extended deployment. These Soldiers are facing new conditions relating to physical performance
(acclimatization to altitude, temperature, and humidity), which may take them up to four weeks to adapt.
Although Soldiers leave IMT prepared to transition to the sustaining phase, they may de-train due to leave,
transit, and in-processing at their new duty assignments just like Soldiers in operational units. New Soldiers
need to train in the unit for 90 days before PRT leaders or AIs assess the Soldiers' fitness levels. This timeframe
allows them to acclimatize, assimilate into a unit PRT program, and adapt physiologically and psychologically.
I am going to start by answering you question directly. There is no Army standard for Soldiers PCSing to a new unit to be given and time to prepare for the APFT. As a few have stated already your orders say to show up ready to take the APFT. The reg you want to check is AR 350-1 it states the following in reference to what you asked.
350-1
Physical readiness testing gives Soldiers an incentive to stay in good physical condition and allows commanders a
means of assessing the physical readiness levels of their units. Accordingly, all AA and RC Soldiers must be able to
pass the APFT at any time, except upon return from deployment. Following redeployment, Soldiers will be administered a record APFT no earlier than three months for AA and 6 months for RC Soldiers.
(2) Commanders may administer the APFT as often as they wish; however, they must specify beforehand when the
results are for record. AA and AGR Soldiers will take the APFT twice each calendar year. A minimum of 4 months
will separate record tests. Soldiers that require make-up testing or re-testing for an APFT failure are exempt from the
4-month rule.
Now I am a Master Fitness Trainer and use to work as a Company training NCO. The only thing I know of that even suggests a “train up period” is the following from FM 7-22. It only pertains to new Soldiers straight out of IET. It is also worded to make it more of a suggestion to the commander not an order. My last unit gave all Soldiers 90 days before a record APFT. But that was the commanders call; he didn’t have to.
FM 7-22
4-27. The new Soldier’s threshold level of physical performance may fall below the minimum for his gaining
unit. He may be considered a borderline APFT performer or be borderline overweight. He may be fresh out of
BCT, AIT, or OSUT, or may have just completed a permanent change of station move or returned from an
extended deployment. These Soldiers are facing new conditions relating to physical performance
(acclimatization to altitude, temperature, and humidity), which may take them up to four weeks to adapt.
Although Soldiers leave IMT prepared to transition to the sustaining phase, they may de-train due to leave,
transit, and in-processing at their new duty assignments just like Soldiers in operational units. New Soldiers
need to train in the unit for 90 days before PRT leaders or AIs assess the Soldiers' fitness levels. This timeframe
allows them to acclimatize, assimilate into a unit PRT program, and adapt physiologically and psychologically.
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They way I look at it, we're NCOs. We should not have to be told that it is our responsibility to maintain our physical fitness and body composition. Fitness is a part of the job and our culture. It's a basic Soldier responsibility.
That being said, I agree with SGT(P) Robida's statement of local unit policy. We generally give our new Soldiers a 90-day window before requiring them to take an APFT, unless it's a unit-wide event (in which case they take a diagnostic). AR 350-1 requires one twice per year. If you're looking for more information on the actual requirement for taking the fitness test, AR 350-1 is a better place to start than FM 7-22. I covers unit and individual requirements.
That being said, I agree with SGT(P) Robida's statement of local unit policy. We generally give our new Soldiers a 90-day window before requiring them to take an APFT, unless it's a unit-wide event (in which case they take a diagnostic). AR 350-1 requires one twice per year. If you're looking for more information on the actual requirement for taking the fitness test, AR 350-1 is a better place to start than FM 7-22. I covers unit and individual requirements.
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Try coming up to Ft. Carson, the altitude is no joke coming from lower Alabama!
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SFC Douglas Eshenbaugh
Never been there myself but I've heard there is a post policy to allow for acclimation because of the height. But I will admit that is hearsay.
We usually take into consideration where the Soldier is coming from on if they need acclimation to Ft Bragg in the summer. A lot of our guys come from other hot and humid areas so there isn't much acclimation needed for them.
We usually take into consideration where the Soldier is coming from on if they need acclimation to Ft Bragg in the summer. A lot of our guys come from other hot and humid areas so there isn't much acclimation needed for them.
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I realize this is long past your post date, but I looked up FM 7-22, Army Physical Readiness Training, and found this paragraph.
NEW SOLDIERS ENTERING UNITS
4-27. The new Soldier’s threshold level of physical performance may fall below the minimum for his gaining unit. He may be considered a borderline APFT performer or be borderline overweight. He may be fresh out of BCT, AIT, or OSUT, or may have just completed a permanent change of station move or returned from an extended deployment. These Soldiers are facing new conditions relating to physical performance (acclimatization to altitude, temperature, and humidity), which may take them up to four weeks to adapt. Although Soldiers leave IMT prepared to transition to the sustaining phase, they may de-train due to leave, transit, and in-processing at their new duty assignments just like Soldiers in operational units. New Soldiers need to train in the unit for 90 days before PRT leaders or AIs assess the Soldiers' fitness levels. This timeframe allows them to acclimatize, assimilate into a unit PRT program, and adapt physiologically and psychologically.
And when I went through PRT Leaders course, it was also put out to us that by FM 7-22, it is 90 days before you can be given a record APFT. But you can take a diag before that.
That being said, you're still an NCO and unless you have some sort of medical condition you should be able to pass an APFT. But for new soldiers this is something good to know.
NEW SOLDIERS ENTERING UNITS
4-27. The new Soldier’s threshold level of physical performance may fall below the minimum for his gaining unit. He may be considered a borderline APFT performer or be borderline overweight. He may be fresh out of BCT, AIT, or OSUT, or may have just completed a permanent change of station move or returned from an extended deployment. These Soldiers are facing new conditions relating to physical performance (acclimatization to altitude, temperature, and humidity), which may take them up to four weeks to adapt. Although Soldiers leave IMT prepared to transition to the sustaining phase, they may de-train due to leave, transit, and in-processing at their new duty assignments just like Soldiers in operational units. New Soldiers need to train in the unit for 90 days before PRT leaders or AIs assess the Soldiers' fitness levels. This timeframe allows them to acclimatize, assimilate into a unit PRT program, and adapt physiologically and psychologically.
And when I went through PRT Leaders course, it was also put out to us that by FM 7-22, it is 90 days before you can be given a record APFT. But you can take a diag before that.
That being said, you're still an NCO and unless you have some sort of medical condition you should be able to pass an APFT. But for new soldiers this is something good to know.
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See that's one of my sticking points troops...
Readiness is essential to venture out into the "land of the not quite right" across the great divide. Physical fitness is essential and regardless of where you go, when you go and how you go, service members should be able to pass the APFT upon arrival or departure. If an individual is fit, adaptation to any environment should be brief.
Regulation are there for the commanders and are guidelines for instilling order and discipline.
Readiness is essential to venture out into the "land of the not quite right" across the great divide. Physical fitness is essential and regardless of where you go, when you go and how you go, service members should be able to pass the APFT upon arrival or departure. If an individual is fit, adaptation to any environment should be brief.
Regulation are there for the commanders and are guidelines for instilling order and discipline.
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Generally speaking most units allow 30 days for acclimatization from what I understand.
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Deployment has a delay before you can be made to take a record PFT - 90 days I think? As for PCS, I've been let off a few times if I was still in cycle because of moving, etc. But that was at command discretion. I believe each record PFT is good for 8 months - but I also think command can request you take it at any time unless you just returned from deployment.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
Interesting. The AF only gives guys 42 days after returning from a deployment. And ours are good for six months if you pass, 1 year if you get an excellent.
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Fort Carson is one command that has a integration period prior to requiring a record APFT.
Acclimatization to High Altitudes Elevations below 5,000 feet have little noticeable effect on healthy people.
However, at higher elevations the atmospheric pressure is reduced, and the body tissues get less oxygen. This means that soldiers cannot work or exercise as well at high altitudes. The
limiting effects of high elevation are often most pronounced in older soldiers and persons with low levels of fitness. Due to acclimatization, the longer a soldier remains at high altitude, the
better his performance becomes. Generally, however, he will not perform as well as at sea level and should not be expected to. For normal activities, the time required to acclimatize depends largely on the altitude. In order to insure that soldiers who are newly assigned to altitudes above 5,000 feet are not at a disadvantage, it is recommended that 30 days of acclimatization,
including regular physical activity, be permitted before they are administered a record APFT.
Before acclimatization is complete, people at high altitudes may suffer acute mountain sickness. This includes such symptoms as headache, rapid pulse, nausea, loss of appetite,
and an inability to sleep. The primary treatment is further acclimatization or returning to a lower altitude. Once soldiers are acclimatized to altitudes above 5,000 feet, deacclimatization
will occur if they spend 14 or more days at lower altitudes. For this reason, soldiers should be permitted twice the length of their absence, not to exceed 30 days, to reacclimatize
before being required to take a record APFT. A period of 30 days is adequate for any given reacclimatization."
Acclimatization to High Altitudes Elevations below 5,000 feet have little noticeable effect on healthy people.
However, at higher elevations the atmospheric pressure is reduced, and the body tissues get less oxygen. This means that soldiers cannot work or exercise as well at high altitudes. The
limiting effects of high elevation are often most pronounced in older soldiers and persons with low levels of fitness. Due to acclimatization, the longer a soldier remains at high altitude, the
better his performance becomes. Generally, however, he will not perform as well as at sea level and should not be expected to. For normal activities, the time required to acclimatize depends largely on the altitude. In order to insure that soldiers who are newly assigned to altitudes above 5,000 feet are not at a disadvantage, it is recommended that 30 days of acclimatization,
including regular physical activity, be permitted before they are administered a record APFT.
Before acclimatization is complete, people at high altitudes may suffer acute mountain sickness. This includes such symptoms as headache, rapid pulse, nausea, loss of appetite,
and an inability to sleep. The primary treatment is further acclimatization or returning to a lower altitude. Once soldiers are acclimatized to altitudes above 5,000 feet, deacclimatization
will occur if they spend 14 or more days at lower altitudes. For this reason, soldiers should be permitted twice the length of their absence, not to exceed 30 days, to reacclimatize
before being required to take a record APFT. A period of 30 days is adequate for any given reacclimatization."
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Unless a local commander has instituted a local policy for an "integration" period before newly assigned SM is required to take a RECORD APFT.. then none exists.
I have seen policies that require a delay in strenuous activity not limited to APFT in High Alt locations and cold / hot weather locations.
And I've seen local policy for a delayed of a Record APFT in several commands for newly assigned SM.. those policies did not restrict the unit from administering a non record APT for diagnostic use.
I have seen policies that require a delay in strenuous activity not limited to APFT in High Alt locations and cold / hot weather locations.
And I've seen local policy for a delayed of a Record APFT in several commands for newly assigned SM.. those policies did not restrict the unit from administering a non record APT for diagnostic use.
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Yes, your unit Commander can order you to do a an APFT for DIAGNOSTIC if you've passed a for record APFT less than 8 months ago. Per AR 350-1, the for record APFT window is 8 to 14 months after getting a passing APFT. If a Soldier fails a for record, then the Soldier gets four months until his next APFT.
Heard too many stories of Soldiers failing back to back APFT in less than four months and get paperwork done on them to get discharged.
Heard too many stories of Soldiers failing back to back APFT in less than four months and get paperwork done on them to get discharged.
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1SG (Join to see)
SSG Riley,
I also felt I needed to give you correct information about the failure of APFT. If you look at the (2) from AR 350-1 above you will notice that failures are exempt from the 4 months between APFT. They must retake the APFT no later than 90 days. And it is up to the commander. If he wants you to retake it sooner he can. See the other paragraph from 350-1 below. My last command made failures take a diagnostic APFT ever 30 days after failing. If the succesfully passed one of those diagnostics they could be given the record APFT almost immidiatly because it shows the commander and the Soldier that they are able to pass.
(6) Soldiers who fail a record APFT for the first time or fail to take a record APFT within the required period will
be flagged in accordance with AR 600–8–2. In the event of a record test failure, commanders may allow Soldiers to
retake the test as soon as the Soldier and the commander feel the Soldier is ready. Soldiers without a medical profile
will be retested no later than 90 days following the initial APFT failure.
I also felt I needed to give you correct information about the failure of APFT. If you look at the (2) from AR 350-1 above you will notice that failures are exempt from the 4 months between APFT. They must retake the APFT no later than 90 days. And it is up to the commander. If he wants you to retake it sooner he can. See the other paragraph from 350-1 below. My last command made failures take a diagnostic APFT ever 30 days after failing. If the succesfully passed one of those diagnostics they could be given the record APFT almost immidiatly because it shows the commander and the Soldier that they are able to pass.
(6) Soldiers who fail a record APFT for the first time or fail to take a record APFT within the required period will
be flagged in accordance with AR 600–8–2. In the event of a record test failure, commanders may allow Soldiers to
retake the test as soon as the Soldier and the commander feel the Soldier is ready. Soldiers without a medical profile
will be retested no later than 90 days following the initial APFT failure.
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Look at their PCS orders, does it say
"You are responsible for reporting to your next duty station in satisfactory physical condition, able to pass the army physical fitness test and meet height/weight standards in accordance with AR 600-9"
I'm willing to bet it does. Any "buffer" zone that is given would be based off unit policies, or at the discretion of the Commander. If the Soldier is brand new out of IET they still take the APFT, they just cannot be flagged for failing it until they hit 12 months TIS.
"You are responsible for reporting to your next duty station in satisfactory physical condition, able to pass the army physical fitness test and meet height/weight standards in accordance with AR 600-9"
I'm willing to bet it does. Any "buffer" zone that is given would be based off unit policies, or at the discretion of the Commander. If the Soldier is brand new out of IET they still take the APFT, they just cannot be flagged for failing it until they hit 12 months TIS.
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
If they don't and they fail a record APFT, they get flagged. Showing up able to pass your APFT is just common sense, I just assume at some point the powers at be got tired of hearing it as an excuse.
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