Are we doing PRT to standard?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:24:22 -0400

I remember back in the day my unit used to do PT by the book FM 21-20. With the new changes that came along with PRT, how are we doing on most units?

Are units doing PRT by the book?
Is cross-fit taking over the forefront or augmenting?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 4:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:51:45 -0400

I have seen a very diverse reaction to PRT from unit to unit that I have been with/ PT with. First off, it is not commonly being done to standard. Many NCOs just want to do their own thing and the soldiers that are their AIs end up learning bad habits early on. It is not until they are going to WLC that many of our Junior enlisted leaders are seeing what right looks like in the conduct of PRT.

I think that our primary problem is that many NCOs are making judgements on the PRT program despite not having read the manual. I find this incredibly unfortunate because these will be the same Soldiers who complain about not getting a lot of benefit out of unit runs, which PRT expressly and heavily discourages.

Needless to say, It is not SFC Latimerlozano. We need to make sure that our 1st lines crack open FM 7-22 and really digest the intent and content. I know that as an officer it is my job to set and explain the standard and intent of this program, and I happily do, but I feel like a broken record having to explain how PRT is attempting to fix the very things that soldiers think is wrong with Army PT.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Aug 2 at 2014 5:59 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 17:59:13 -0400

I just completed the CC/FSC and we were taught PRT IAW FM 7-22. Now that I know what I have done incorrectly for so long, I will see if my unit is doing it to standard. Simple mistakes like: wrong facing of hands or too much or too little of spacing of feet, arms, legs, etc. I now have a better understanding what right looks like from doing this course at Ft Jackson.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 6:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 18:08:25 -0400

I say it's dependent by post. Standard is standard, but that standard is always I interpreted and implemented in different ways when it comes to army posts. For example, crossfit probably goes a long way in light infantry divisions [82nd & 101st] whereas PRT might be taken a bit more seriously in heavy mechanized [1st CAV and 1st ID]

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 10:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 22:12:14 -0400

Units are not doing it right! I think a team needs put together that travels to units and trains them in person on what right looks like. 7-22 explains it all but I don't think people will stick to it or do it correctly u less they are shown. At drill sergeant school they go over it in and out and the new soldiers at IET are learning it and people at units just don't know it. But ya I think 4 or 5 drill sergeants that know it in and out need to travel to units and NCOs from the units show up and do like a mini PRT course

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 3:53 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 15:53:18 -0400

Aside from my personal opinions towards PRT, there is still a standard to be followed. Now my only exposure to PRT has been through NCOES schools and it is beaten through your head to know what right looks like. Now individual units at some level should have MFT qualified instructors to further enforce what right looks like. It is the commands responsibility to send people with retainablility, capability, and discipline to enforce the proper standards of PRT.

Personally I think it is not being done to standard because soldiers, NCO's, leaders feel that PRT is not the best way to get in shape. This in turn causes lack of motivation and soldiers are feeling the same way. Units end up deviating from it or dropping it altogether.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 10:18 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 22:18:55 -0400

Adherence to 21-20 wasn't so good "back in the day" either. Units are doing slightly better with PRT in terms of following the FM, but I see the same problems. Units are only using about 15% of what's available to them, and are not working to the appropriate level of intensity for most of the training.