At what rank should Soldiers be exempt from organized PT?

2014-09-04T15:22:06-04:00

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 3:56 PM

2014-09-04T15:56:08-04:00

Ranks from organized PT? None. That defeats unity! Unless of course mission critical billets that need to be manned at that time

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Sep 4 at 2014 6:25 PM

2014-09-04T18:25:31-04:00

Never...
You can put certain perks for achieving specific PT scores, like 270/300 reduced participation... Then you put them in charge of specific PT formations as a pre-requisite for consideration of next grade or NCOER bullet.

Soldier performance is a leader's responsibility. If you are not present to evaluate your Soldier's performance, you are being derelict in your duty. If you are not doing your best to improve your Soldier's performance by being present to coach them through PT sessions, you are being derelict as a leader...

If you don't want to lead troops and improve the organization, get out.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 6:31 PM

2014-09-04T18:31:05-04:00

Most Air Force medical units don't have organized PT due to the 24 hour ops tempo. As a result, we are individually responsible for our own PT and for passing our PT test accordingly. I think there should be some level of individual accountability and integrity regarding fitness. However, I also believe that group PT is great for motivation, teamwork, morale, and cohesion.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 4 at 2014 6:31 PM

2014-09-04T18:31:54-04:00

Brigadier General.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Sep 4 at 2014 6:40 PM

2014-09-04T18:40:25-04:00

Most of my PT is disorganized so Im not sure.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Sep 4 at 2014 6:52 PM

2014-09-04T18:52:23-04:00

Retired

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 8:31 PM

2014-09-04T20:31:04-04:00

I don't think any rank should be exempt, that being said my last two units have been PT on your own.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 9:00 PM

2014-09-04T21:00:13-04:00

Soldiers should only be exempt from PT when the 1SG says, SONK!!!!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 10:06 PM

2014-09-04T22:06:45-04:00

Ask the Officers.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 10:14 PM

2014-09-04T22:14:35-04:00

In a perfect military unit I would say ...none! However, I've never seen a perfect military unit and especially from the PT aspect. Most unit PT programs do not build morale and esprit de corps, most unit PT programs are the same thing over and over again.

Even though I said above, None should be exempt, As a 1SG at Ft. Bragg, I did have exemptions in my unit PT programs. Soldiers who scored 300 on their PT tests were exempt from unit PT for 90 days, with the exception of the weekly Battalion Run. At the end of the 90 days, they had the option to either return to unit PT or take a diagnostic PT test. IF they scored 300, they were exempt again, same rules, if not, back to PT they went.

My reasoning was, 1. Unit PT programs for the most part do not imporve individual Soldier fitness, it only allows him/her to maintain the level they are at. 2. Soldiers scoring 280 and higher are working out on their own time in order to score that 280 and higher. 3. The program was successful in that the unit went from 5 Soldiers with 300 scores to an average of 18-24. Officers, Squad Leaders and Platoon Sergeants were not eligible.

4. These Soldiers did not get to sleep in, they made up a core group of personal and small group trainers that took charge of my PT Failures, those on Weight Contol Program, and Profile personnel. They ensured that these "Special Fitness" Soldiers exercised to their maximum potential and then a little bit more. We soon found out that the majority of the Special Soldiers couldn't get back to the regular PT program fast enough. No one stayed in it long!

So I will have to say that exemptions from unit PT can be good for a unit!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 10:52 PM

2014-09-04T22:52:56-04:00

Retirement.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 11:40 PM

2014-09-04T23:40:35-04:00

SFC Sannis,

In the enlisted ranks, First Sergeant and above should be exempt so they can take care of 1SG Business or SGM/CSM Business. (I'm not sure what those "businesses" actually entail, but I'm sure it's all very important and time-sensitive.)

That being said, I think that all Senior NCOs worth their salt will still show up for organized PT at least once or twice per week to motivate their Soldiers and promote unit cohesion.

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Sep 5 at 2014 2:15 AM

2014-09-05T02:15:12-04:00

At what rank are they exempt from PT test?

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 5 at 2014 8:13 AM

2014-09-05T08:13:30-04:00

All members of the unit should participate in organized PT, regardless of rank. Leadership by example.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 5 at 2014 8:41 AM

2014-09-05T08:41:41-04:00

I don't think service members should ever be exempted from PT due to pay grade/rank. If so, then why stop at PT? ...why not ask at what pay grade leader should no longer have to qualify with their primary weapon twice per year (or whatever the unit policy is)? ...or, at what pay grade should leaders no longer have to participate in 10-mile unit 'espirit de corps' run?

I know this isn't what you asked, and I'm not putting words in your mouth at all (and I don't assume you support leaders being exempted) -- but to me, these other questions are not that far off. It becomes a slippery slope.

I know I wouldn't want to go on patrol with a leader who had not qualified with his/her weapon within the unit time standard, and I sure as heck wouldn't want the unit's more junior personnel to think that leaders operate by a different set of standards.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 5 at 2014 9:23 AM

2014-09-05T09:23:15-04:00

To me we ALL should participate in organized PT, HOWEVER that being said, I firmly and adamantly disagree with 5 days a week MANDATORY PT. Lets go for MWF and give Tu/Th back to the individual. I also firmly agree that reduced PT is an option for 290 and above, not 270, which means I go each day like everyone else cause the days of my 290 and above are gone.

Oh and for those who think I have to only be present and breathing to pass the APFT, think again!

P.S. Leadership is not only enforcing an example/standard, but setting it by leading from the front.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 11:10 AM

2014-09-05T11:10:55-04:00

At no rank. If they consistently score 270 or above on the APFT, and they take it once per quarter, let them be exempt, because that shows they're doing what they need to do to maintain fitness on their own.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 11:27 AM

2014-09-05T11:27:17-04:00

Shouldn't be a rank issue, but a PERFORMANCE issue. When I was a squad leader I took it upon myself to exempt the guys who had at least a 300 APFT score. No soldier maxes the APFT on morning PT alone. They get there by having the discipline to PT themselves off-duty. It's a pretty good incentive.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 1:40 PM

2014-09-05T13:40:18-04:00

I believe that no SM should be exempt from PT except when they're on profile or the SM can score at least 280 on their APFT.

Physical Training is part of the Army and soldiers exempting themselves gives bad examples thus making bad leaders. How would you expect to survive if the soldier next to you can't even run two miles?

Response by Capt Al Parker made Sep 5 at 2014 2:12 PM

2014-09-05T14:12:35-04:00

Upon discharge or retirement, and of course death!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 2:22 PM

2014-09-05T14:22:42-04:00

Good question,
As a senior NCO i could care less if my 1SG or CSM do PT. Same goes for my Squadron commander. As long as they particpate in the troop and/or squadron runs. Besides that i dont see why a 1SG, CSM, or LTC couldnt be exempt.

Response by CPT Kit Lancaster made Sep 5 at 2014 2:24 PM

2014-09-05T14:24:32-04:00

Never. War fighting is a team event with all members of the team needing to attain and sustain a level of physical fitness. As limited, stupid and painful as organized PT can be from time to time, it serves a good purpose.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 2:24 PM

2014-09-05T14:24:35-04:00

At retirement.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Sep 5 at 2014 3:35 PM

2014-09-05T15:35:40-04:00

If it's a company formation, anyone out ranking the company leadership.

If it's a battalion formation, anyone out ranking the battalion leadership.

If it's a brigade formation, anyone out ranking the brigade leadership.

If it's a...I think the point has been made.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Sep 5 at 2014 3:37 PM

2014-09-05T15:37:09-04:00

If you are in charge of Soldiers, should there be an exemption?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 5 at 2014 3:56 PM

2014-09-05T15:56:38-04:00

For my unit, the only way to get out of Unit PT is to be individually excused (per DAY) by your Flight Superintendent, Sq Superintendent or 1st Shirt.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 7:02 PM

2014-09-05T19:02:25-04:00

I responded to CPT Aaron Kletzing, and I have seen many of the same comments from multiple people: NONE!!

This is from my vantage point and what I've seen. Take it for what it's worth and keep an open mind.

The last time a leader is personally responsible for organized unit level PT is at the Company level (1SG and CPT). There are some instances of a MAJ being in charge of a Company, but I'll lump them in with the CPT's. That's the last time unit training management and the conduct of a physical training plan is squarely on your shoulders. You MUST conduct PT with your unit in order to execute and evaluate the plan that you have in place and adjust it as necessary to meet the goals you have set for YOUR unit.

Beyond that, you are a staff MAJ or SGM. At that point there is no reason why you shouldn't be conducting PT with your staff section. But...you have a Company Commander and a 1SG who have set the goals for the company and the sections. It is your job to comply. Still should be doing PT with your section.

Beyond that, you have upper level staff SGM's and LTC's and then BN CDR's and CSM's. Keep walking that up the chain. You are no longer a part of any ONE unit, but responsible for the conduct and standards across a larger formation. It is your duty to ensure that those standards are being met. It is difficult to do that by reporting into the unit of your assignment for PT. You should be out with the platoons and troops looking at the physical training being conducted. Participate in those unit PT events, but never stick with one unit. You may be doing great PT...but THAT ISN"T YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY. The Army doesn't want you for your body anymore. It wants your mind. Sometimes, it's best if you don't work out with a single unit at all, but move in between units on the same morning. It allows you to see the kinds of training going on in different units at once.

Here's the deal...if I show up to do PT with a platoon...it's smoke the Squadron Commander time. The Platoon Sergeant thinks it's his personal mission to show how tough their PT is. What I really want to see is that they are conducting the PT that is on their training schedule, whatever that is. Often I will show up somewhere because they are supposed to go on a long run, but when I show, it gets changed to 5000 burpees and budy carries until someone vomits. Often at this level, just getting out on a run (by myself or with my CSM) accomplishes the REAL task that I am supposed to be performing as a Squadron Commander. I do extra PT as well...and I still get a 300.

I wouldn't call it being exempt from organized PT...I'd call it selective adherence to organized PT in order to enfore the standards and discipline of the Squadron. You call it what you want, and then we can play rock-paper-rank about it. If you win...I'll do what you tell me to do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 11:20 PM

2014-09-05T23:20:58-04:00

Until every rank doesn't have fat Soldiers wearing it, never. Although those who would be lazy and shirk physical fitness will continue to do so regardless of their rank, and will continue to be fat until someone cares enough to take appropriate action. So I guess my logic is wrong, because no exemptions from organized PT still doesn't force those who need to do it to do it. Only those who do the right thing will be not doing the wrong thing. That is a head scratcher. What rank should Soldiers be exempt from vehicle inspections and safety briefs? Many don't do either because they are high food chainers, but at the end of the day there are plenty of SFC and above getting DUI's and wrecking their cars with no insurance and faulty brake lights... There will always be rules and exeptions to rules and no matter the policies there will always be assholes who do the wrong thing.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 11:44 PM

2014-09-05T23:44:29-04:00

It should not be a rank thing. It should be a performance thing.

If a Soldier consistently scores above 270 on his/her APFT and is consistently within AR 600-9, then the Soldier has shown that s/he is responsible enough to keep him/herself in shape IAW regulation.

Each person is different and requires different exercise (frequency, muscle groups, length of training, etc.) to maintain physical fitness. Those showing a history of compliance and responsibility should be given the freedom to continue to do what works for him/her.

You can use the "unit cohesiveness" argument, but for that to fly, then EVERYONE in the unit should be required to attend at the same time. Good luck with that!

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 6 at 2014 1:39 AM

2014-09-06T01:39:58-04:00

Civilian rank. We had a group SgtMaj put on remedial PT.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Sep 6 at 2014 7:11 AM

2014-09-06T07:11:42-04:00

General of the Army.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 11:48 AM

2014-09-06T11:48:49-04:00

Agreeing with lots of previous posts, I'll join in with the "performance" crowd. If a Soldier is getting a 300 on a PT test, perhaps that should be reason to be exempted from some (not all) unit PT....as unit PT is about a lot more than physical fitness. However, most of the time, 300 scorers probably can do their own PT during PT time--if they only do Army PT, they won't be 300 scorers much longer.

Rank should never be a reason to be exempted from PT. Conflicting duty might be, though.

Several comments on this thread about how senior NCOs and officers should be exempted. I disagree with those comments. But, at the end of the day, the reality is probably that large numbers of senior NCOs and officers are being exempted (or are self-exempting) from unit PT (we'd need solid data to support this...and i doubt we'd ever see data about how often senior NCOs and officers exempt themselves or are exempted from unit PT). This can only be a bad thing.

The next thing we know, we'll see an Army Times article about how senior NCOs are getting better at PT as they age, at the same time that they're getting taller! (maybe the same would apply to officers; again, would need data).

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140827/NEWS/308270077/Promotion-board-Raters-fudging-facts-senior-NCOs

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Sep 6 at 2014 12:42 PM

2014-09-06T12:42:55-04:00

Pay grade should have little, if anything, to do with it. Physical fitness should be observed by everybody from the newest E-1 to the top tier officers. Considering the obstacles one encounters on deployments to Southwest Asia, that should be a given.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 1:11 PM

2014-09-06T13:11:23-04:00

I think it should be based upon a soldier's APFT score not rank. That being said, they should be exempt if they score a 270 or higher on the APFT. It would be fairer that way across the board for everyone.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 9:55 PM

2014-09-06T21:55:57-04:00

I like organized PT at the squad and platoon level. No one should be exempt and the platoon leader needs to be out in front - being the Platoon LEADER.

Company and above is useless. The "staff" show up and walk around in their PT uniforms then start to drift off to conduct individual blackberry exercises such as the thirty second text; and the email scan and delete exercise.

Sorry, I know I sound jaded on this one.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2014 9:07 AM

2014-09-07T09:07:41-04:00

I say SSG and above, there are plenty of other things that we should be doing besides organized PT.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 7 at 2014 10:09 AM

2014-09-07T10:09:37-04:00

hahaha someone already beat me to it. If you are in the military you should do PT.

Response by PO1 Tony Peters made Sep 7 at 2014 1:42 PM

2014-09-07T13:42:35-04:00

I would say retired but I spent my last sea duty tour on an Aircraft Carrier where it just wasn't possible to have unit PT, Department or even Divisional. The ship had to be manned and that came before everything. At best once a week those in my division not on Duty would Muster for a group Run and gathering on a friday when the weather was good

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 12:14 AM

2014-09-08T00:14:57-04:00

I truly hope this isn't a serious question. Um, never, I understand some positions dictate that you have responsibilities that may prevent you from being at organized pt on a regular basis, however this has nothing to do with rank. The more rank you have the more visible your pt sessions should be in order to, I don't know, SET THE EXAMPLE......end rant.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 12:28 AM

2014-09-08T00:28:11-04:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member Okay I have to ask, why would anyone be exempt from organized PT. Should not good leaders lead by example?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 2:05 PM

2014-09-08T14:05:25-04:00

I don't think anyone should be exempt from organized PT. It's part of our lives, it's part of what we do. We all have our abilities, but we need to be part of it. One team, one fight.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 5:21 PM

2014-09-08T17:21:05-04:00

No rank should be, how can a leader ensure that the standards of the army are being met if they are not there to personally oversee it?

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Sep 10 at 2014 2:57 PM

2014-09-10T14:57:37-04:00

I for one do PT on my own. Our section does not have organized PT. I pass my PT test every time. We have one every 6 months. No, I am not a PT stud but I don't feel I need to be. As long as I meet the standards and pass my height and weight.

The thing is you have to have the drive to do it. I run three days out of the week, and other two are for push-ups and sit-ups.

I never liked unit PT, as all we did was run and run some more. I want to save my knees and pounding that pavement really wears on the body. I already have arthritis in one knee.

Back to the subject though, I know a lot of services members though that would not have the will to do PT on their own. So I see why it is done.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 11 at 2014 3:18 PM

2014-09-11T15:18:54-04:00

You wear the Uniform you should maintain a degree of Physical Fitness. Just makes sense. You can't PT you should probably retire.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 12:00 PM

2014-09-12T12:00:21-04:00

None - although I am not a fan of group PT, if your unit is doing organized/unit-wide PT, then no rank should be exempt. More importantly, no one (without medical reason) should be exempt from maintaining their physical fitness.

Response by SCPO Ralph Hensley made Sep 14 at 2014 2:54 PM

2014-09-14T14:54:11-04:00

Only exception I raise is in a combat zone. I had some dumb senior enlisted who wanted organized run and PT sessions. I had organized PT in the facility gym & I think it brought our team closer together. We did organized PT at NMPS & thru training. Some officers exempted themselves.

Response by SCPO Patricia Dosdall made Sep 15 at 2014 2:38 PM

2014-09-15T14:38:50-04:00

I think that organized PT is a great team building exercise - and that's what we're all about: ONE TEAM. Individuality and democracy are not factors to be considered in this particular aspect of military life. No one is discouraged from doing PT on their own, but if it is a command event, everyone must participate.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 5:26 AM

2014-11-15T05:26:36-05:00

Never! If your more accelerated in pt get your guys on the same page as you.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 15 at 2014 6:38 AM

2014-11-15T06:38:28-05:00

SFC SANNIS when i was a marine 1975-1988 when you made Msgt-1Sgt in the Marines or lieut.col you didnt have to qualify on the rifle range anymore...i dont know if that is still true...

Response by SSG Angela Valtierra made Nov 15 at 2014 6:58 AM

2014-11-15T06:58:01-05:00

I think no one should be exempt if your in the military your in the military rank should not matter but sadly it does my last unit officers would never show up to pt unless it was the XO n almost all of them would be out of ranks when their names were called for a pt test. I thought it was very disrespectful and very unorganized

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Nov 15 at 2014 11:05 AM

2014-11-15T11:05:20-05:00

Simple answer: When (RET) becomes part of their rank.

Leaders who exempt themselves from teamwork are neglecting to lead by example.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 11:21 AM

2014-11-15T11:21:58-05:00

I think that, regardless of rank, you should be doing organized PT. However, there are a few exceptions, like those who were listed (cooks, CQ/Staff Duty, mission dictated). Now, this is going to sound hypocritical, but I am a certified indoor cycling instructor and, before deployment, was doing classes 3 days a week at 0630. While this is not "organized" per se, different elements of my unit would oftentimes use this as a chance to break monotony and do something different. Does it count as organized PT? I think so.

Now, regardless of my permanent profile, I would still take part in esprit-de-corp runs when they came around, since I felt that it was the right thing to do as a leader.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 12:54 PM

2014-11-15T12:54:20-05:00

NEVER

If I as a leader am going to require organized PT, I will go out and sweat just like everyone else.
I expect my commander to be there as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 4:15 PM

2014-11-15T16:15:33-05:00

If you score a 270 or above, regardless of rank. PT is not an issue if you score like that. I feel organized PT has brought down my score.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 4:03 PM

2014-11-16T16:03:14-05:00

How about no....

I'm pretty sure that we can all agree that if you allow people to stop attending pt, not only is their apft score going to go down due to a lack of discipline on getting their asses to the gym, but moral is gong to go down as well. People are will start doing the 'well SFC doesn't have to be here so why do i?' When the person complaining has a better pt score.

Pting together shows commitment and leadership. And not just commitment to yourself but to your troops. Sure, I hate doing pt in an organized manner. I'd rather be lifting on my own. But i do it, and I kick my own ass if the pt isn't great. But hey! That's what we do as leaders, we too embrace the suck and motivate our ppl.

I say.... too bad if you don't want to do it. Suck it up, the military isn't the boy/girlscounts. Drink water n drive on...

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Nov 16 at 2014 4:07 PM

2014-11-16T16:07:22-05:00

I can't answer for the Army, but I know in the Marines if anyone opted out, for any reason other than injury, it would be an insult.

Response by SFC Dave Joslin made Nov 16 at 2014 8:22 PM

2014-11-16T20:22:45-05:00

There are times depending on position to attend organized PT on a daily basis, but ultimately - you can't lead from the front if you aren't there! Soldiers have to see they're leaders enduring the same standards from time to time!

Response by CSM Christopher St. Cyr made Nov 16 at 2014 9:53 PM

2014-11-16T21:53:37-05:00

All military members, regardless of rank, should be exempt from organized PT the day after they ETS or retire.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Nov 17 at 2014 2:08 AM

2014-11-17T02:08:35-05:00

When they hit PFC again. Private frikkin civilian. I've gone running with the CO of Mals 12 Iwakuni. I think COL is of a decently high rank and he PT'd with his Marines.

Response by 1SG Thomas Packer made Nov 17 at 2014 4:23 PM

2014-11-17T16:23:36-05:00

FIELD GRADE AND UP. PVT THRU CSM AND JR OFFICERS SHOULD ALL PT TOGETHER, WE TRAIN TOGETHER AND DOBATTLE TOGETHER. IT'S. CALLED LEAD BY EXAMPLE. WHEN I WAS A ISG FOR A BCT UNIT BACK IN THE LATE 80'S I DID PT WITH MY TROOPS EVERYDAY.

Response by COL Fred Johnson (Retired) made Nov 17 at 2014 4:23 PM

2014-11-17T16:23:34-05:00

Never

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 5:05 PM

2014-11-17T17:05:58-05:00

I don't even understand this question...why would rank exempt you from PT? You're still a Marine/Sailor/Soldier/Airman... You still need to maintain HT/WT Standards and pass PFT/CFT/AFPT test? Why would you not participate in organized PT?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 12:45 AM

2014-11-20T00:45:43-05:00

So who scores Gen. Odierno's and SMA Chandler's PT test? Do they also get the "One...Two...Three...Four...Four....Four....Four..."?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 6:11 AM

2014-11-20T06:11:38-05:00

E7 and above. By then everyone knows their strengths and weaknesses and what to work on to stay within standards.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 10:42 AM

2014-11-20T10:42:39-05:00

At no rank should anyone be "exempt" from organized PT. Am I saying the battalion commander, SgtMaj, sections chiefs and OICs ect be out there every day? No. But seeing your higher leadership out with you once in a while once a week, month, quarter depending on circumstances is true leadership. PT is not just about getting in better shape. It also raises moral and builds comradery. Not PTing with your Marines goes against many leadership traits and principals.
Set the example
Train your Marines as a team
Know your Marines and look out for their welfare
Enthusiasm
Dependability
Loyalty
That's just a few that stand out to me. I understand that PT with your Marines is always possible, but put forth an effort to be engaged as much as possible and you will see the results in the end.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 20 at 2014 6:44 PM

2014-11-20T18:44:11-05:00

I believe that No matter what your rank is you should take part in Command PT. Why would you not wan to PT with your Troops to help build your cohesive team.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 7:12 PM

2014-11-20T19:12:01-05:00

No rank, should be based on PT score

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 8:13 PM

2014-11-20T20:13:33-05:00

It seems that my question was vaguely phrased. Organized PT is something everyone should be involved with; hence the word "organized". What I meant was that it is incumbent on a leader to be intrinsically motivated and they should therefore not be micromanaged, especially in PT. In my opinion, organized PT should only be conducted once or twice a week at the Company or Platoon levels at most. Squad Leaders (SSG/E6), Team Leaders (SGT/E5), and above should manage their own squads and teams, as they are the ones directly responsible for the good, bad, and indifferent of their Soldiers. As far as seniors are concerned, I believe that unless they hold a leadership role—in this case, a Platoon Sergeant, then they should be able to do as they see fit for PT. Most would agree that training is more effective at the lower levels. Additionally, if a Soldier at the NCO and above level can’t maintain the standard in the most basic of Soldiering tasks, i.e., PT and adherence to the ABCP, then they should simply be chaptered. Soldiers who fail to meet the standard have always been the burden that causes mass punishment, and let’s face it, forcing a Soldier who scores a 300+ or a Senior NCO do conduct Organized PT on a regular basis is borderline toxic leadership. This is not the way you foster critical thinking/thinking outside the box, self-motivation, and good leadership. It is simply perpetuating a substandard force.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Nov 20 at 2014 9:11 PM

2014-11-20T21:11:16-05:00

If organized PT acheived the results it is intended to, I would fully support that everyone should be required to particpate. However, we all know that it does not build the comradarie or acheive physical fitness results that the military needs. For this reason, I support any soldier who has the self-discipline and motivation to conduct their own personal workout plan as long as it acheives results. For those who are not capable of this feat, organized PT still has its place.

From my standpoint, PT does little to nothing to increase my physical fitness capabilities, and can be a miserable waste of time (additional 20 minute drive to PT vs. the Office). I have a permanent profile for sleep issues, deployment-related illnesses, etc, so my argument is that extra twenty minute drive twice a week significantly affects my sleep, and I am more capable of finding exercises that provide the most benefit within the limits of my profile in a gym with a personal training plan. This also allows me the flexibility to cut my workouts short if my asthma, or other conditions act up. A normal unit PT day for me is walking two miles; such a workout! (sarcasm) Unfortunately, the task of imposing indidivual based exemptions is not worth the effort. Time is better spent developing a more effective unit PT progam.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 2:03 PM

2014-11-21T14:03:06-05:00

I have been exempt from organized PT. But I was also training for a marathon and needed to do training runs which lasted longer than the allotted time for PT. I think it's a case by case situation. I believe everyone should participate in some way. The senior leadership in my unit almost always participates in organized PT unless restricted by profile.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 9:35 PM

2014-11-21T21:35:03-05:00

All ranks should be doing PT as a group. Now schedules and positions may prevent the SM from being at every organized PT but the higher the rank the more beneficial it is for the unit. I have seen some of the best and motivated PT being done with my Soldiers when the battalion commander makes an appearance at the units PT. I have seen MG Wyche appear in formations at random and conduct PT as a regular Soldier. Lead from the front and set the example.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2014 7:46 PM

2014-11-22T19:46:41-05:00

There really isn't a rank that would be exempt from PT; but organized PT, it should be the discretion of the CDR to identify who should and could not do PT in a mandatory formation. line Units battalion and below are easily mandated to do PT in formations and at a specific time daily; but to make that the standard all the way up is pretty rigid. BDE HQs and above are usually where the focus on mandatory PT formations breaks down; mission, late nights and heavy senior rank make it silly to have everybody out in a platoon or section formation just to check the block. When I was a BDE DCO we had an entire staff platoon of CPT's and above with the XO/S3 MAJ as the PL and Ops SGM as the PSG...it was silly, and very distracting to the HHC CDR's PT formation and program. It's a touchy subject and usually very passionate in the E7/CW2/CPT and below set since they are the ones always in the mandatory fun formation; and the older folks think it just doesn't make sense. Every unit has there own PT culture, there own PT needs and should be afforded the ability to use some mission command and figure out what ranks and positions need to be at the PT formation and which can be given the privelidge to do PT on their own time, place or method.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 12:27 PM

2014-11-23T12:27:08-05:00

You want to be exempt??? Get out!!! Otherwise expect to show up everyday except weekends, holidays and personal leave days...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-11-23T12:49:05-05:00

Any rank above PL and PLT SGT, which doesn't mean it's optional, it just means you have more important things to than PT with the troops. Our older Major could run with the best of them...so I didn't need him out in front, but I did want to see my LT sweating with the rest of us.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 12:52 PM

2014-11-23T12:52:49-05:00

I don't believe you should be exempted from organized PT at any rank. It is one of your jobs as a leader to show what is right and lead by example. How are you suppose to do this while you are at the gym and your Soldiers are at the pt field?

Response by SGT Bryan Bailey made Nov 23 at 2014 4:11 PM

2014-11-23T16:11:18-05:00

Never lead from the front

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 5:14 PM

2014-11-23T17:14:53-05:00

Sigh. I remember the days of very rotund NCOs and Officers in the late 70s. Especially the "Mess Sergeant". I rather liked them as they might stop a bullet while I shot from behind them as cover. The stereotypes in Beetle Bailey were not that far off the mark.
Now, if current PT really proved combat readiness, I'd still be leading PT. As it were, I led the run and martial arts, which made much more sense to me. I've never been a fan of testing by age group, yet as I got older in the Army, it was tough to run in the front--yet I did for as long as possible, then retired when I could not.
Just as we have many sizes of hats and shoes and gloves and jackets, one size of PT does not fit all people and all units.
I am a fan of a very basic fitness test that measures the middle. Then add a level that proves you are a soldier and can move, shoot, and communicate with your particular unit. The real PT = Physical & Tactical test.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 5:20 PM

2014-11-23T17:20:03-05:00

Everyone should be doing PT regardless of rank..

Response by SPC Richard White made Nov 24 at 2014 4:23 AM

2014-11-24T04:23:58-05:00

No rank should be exempt lead by example

Response by Cpl Richard Robinett made Nov 25 at 2014 5:09 AM

2014-11-25T05:09:12-05:00

Maybe leave it up to who ever does you yearly physicals. If you are a fat ass you get a prescription for a program with goals. If you are average have good #'s and a decent BMI or look like a monster leave them be. js

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 6:44 AM

2014-11-25T06:44:01-05:00

Why should anyone be exempt from PT? That should not even be a discussion. Just because you're an E6 or above does not give you the right to skip out on anything.

Response by SPC John Decker made Nov 28 at 2014 4:07 PM

2014-11-28T16:07:05-05:00

Not ever. All military personnel should be able to meet certain physical standards.

Response by SFC James Verdejo made Nov 28 at 2014 4:26 PM

2014-11-28T16:26:05-05:00

They should not be, it's called UNIT PT for a reason. All members of the unit should be required to attend no matter what rank they are.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 5:07 PM

2014-11-28T17:07:38-05:00

Interesting question. I propose that in this time of drawdowns and troop cuts the army allow all soldiers the freedom to conduct physical training on their own with the caveat that quarterly pt tests will be conducted at bn level. If you fail to maintain the standard, you're out. Do not pass go, do not colllect benefits, you're just finished. Separate the guys who want to be there from the guys who don't. Realistically, this will save servicemember's time (no waking up at 0430 IOT get to work by 0530 for a 0630 formation) and by increasing the amount of sleep, productivity should increase throughout the day. Also, by removing the "lowest common denominator" mentality it is my belief that the scores of personnel conducting pt on their own will actually increase. Just my .02 cents though.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Nov 28 at 2014 5:28 PM

2014-11-28T17:28:03-05:00

Why should any rank be exempt from organized PT? All ranks should participate as it builds unit cohesion and keeps everyone at the same 'basic' level of fitness.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 7:37 PM

2014-11-28T19:37:43-05:00

SFC and above especially 1SG and CSM... They deserve to do their own after years in the serves. CPT and above for officers. But CPT and 1SG should lease company run PT at least once a week.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 8:50 PM

2014-11-28T20:50:51-05:00

It shouldn't be based on rank. The only factor that should come into play is the SM's PT score. I would say 270 or 90 in each event soldiers could do their own PT. The only catch would be that they must maintain that PT score or higher and when it comes time for CO, BN, or BDE runs they must be there as the commanders like to have full participaton.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 9:06 PM

2014-11-28T21:06:56-05:00

Never, regardless of score or rank.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 11:31 PM

2014-11-28T23:31:01-05:00

I haven't been in the Army for that long but I have seen this happen in a few places. Seen it by rank which is SSG and up as well as seeing it by the soldier's PT test score which they have to get a 90 in each event. The PT test one I saw in AIT and they had to take a PT test every month in order to continue to conduct PT on their own. I myself did PT on my own because I was on 2nd and 3rd shifts in a hospital and there were hardly any other military on those shifts so my NCOIC had us do PT on our own. In which case if we had failed a PT test he would have us doing PT as a group.

Now that being said. I love organized PT mixed in with doing your own PT. I feel that when you are doing PT with your unit it brings everyone together and creates a little bit of competition amongst them. I know it does for me. I don't like being behind anyone. So it helps push me to go faster and push harder. Which in turn helps me do better on the PT test.

I like seeing the senior leadership out conducting PT and running along side us. Also lets say you exempt SSG and upd. Who is going to make sure that PT is being done to standard? You have to have your SSG and some senior NCOs out there. It also keeps morale up. In my unit right in Korea we have the whole unit out doing PT.

Right now at my current duty station I have a schedule out that has us doing organized PT Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. With Tuesday and Thursday being gym days. Now I have those days planned out based on their latest PT test score. My XO and I work together with this and he is out there with us working out everyday.

I don't think this should be an Army policy though. It should be unit based. If they want to allow certain soldiers at a certain rank to PT on their own then so be it. I prefer to PT as a unit.

Response by SSgt Nicole Biscoe made Nov 29 at 2014 12:46 AM

2014-11-29T00:46:18-05:00

In the AF, we're pretty relaxed about group PT... if you achieve an excellent or higher, you're typically allowed to do your own thing... some units will still make it mandatory for once a week and some don't make you do any group sessions. I think it comes down to the individual... forcing everyone to do group PT never helped me out. It just makes my day longer because I feel I need to actually get a good workout after anyway.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 5:20 AM

2014-11-29T05:20:10-05:00

I think a few folks didnt understand the question and went in a totally different direction. He asked "exempt from conducting Company PT", so you can conduct PT on your own, not be exempt from PT forever or as long as you are in the military. I found that most of the time the higher ranks, above E7 and CPTs dont enjoy or get anything out of Company PT and usually will dissappear to do their own thing or dont show up at all or when they are made to be there have a bad attitude and complain the entire time. Which all of that is bad for young Soldiers to witness anyway so I say leave them out of it, PT is alot funnier with the Soldiers anyway!!

Response by CPT Michael Moffeit made Nov 29 at 2014 9:45 PM

2014-11-29T21:45:21-05:00

COL (O-6)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 11:33 AM

2014-11-30T11:33:59-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member,

Always. The Army makes such a big deal about physical fitness, yet organized PRT is "meant to sustain". If I'm going to spend an hour and a half doing PT in the morning, we should concentrate on at least breaking things down to their lowest level, ie- Team Leader or Squad Leader led training, but I think it's preferable that we go lower, to buddy teams or individual training. The argument that it boosts morale isn't always spot on. I've never had a morale boost from doing an airborne shuffle for 4 miles when I could be doing sprints instead. I DID get a morale boost from doing sports PT or some other competitive events, but a lot of places restrict those instead of embracing them.

This means the Army should make better investments in fitness and nutrition education. The Army has taken a great step forward with the Master Fitness Trainer Course, but too often I've seen NCOs come back from the course and be improperly utilized or over taxed. There was a discussion about making it a separate MOS, then have one in every company, battalion and higher to better focus PRT.

There needs to be broader PRT focused education amongst the Team Leaders, Squad Leaders and Platoon Sergeants as FM 7-22 has a substantial amount of training and advice that goes unheeded, but that comes with a document spanning 434 pages on the PDF. I've taken the time to read the entire FM during a couple CQ shifts and it's full of programs most people aren't even aware of (ie- Strength Training Circuit, which I modify based on my section's strengths and weaknesses and even traditional strength training in the gym). While it's easy to say people should just get into the FM, having some structured education would go a long way, especially since WLC only covers the Preparation Drill, Recovery Drill and either CD1 or CD2.

At the end of the day, the Army says that maintaining your fitness is an individual responsibility, but it requires 7.5 hours of mandatory training during the typical work week and usually results in a poor APFT if you rely on Army training, which should never be the case. When given the chance to perform PT on my own in the mornings (when I was on Rear D sometimes I'd be the only person doing PT in my section), I was able to work on muscle groups or APFT areas that needed the most help, resulting in better gains and an overall improvement on my fitness.

V/R
SGT Mullet

PS - I fully understand this would require a substantial investment, but if you cut a few F-35s, the Army could afford it without any issues.

I wonder what CW2 Private RallyPoint Member thinks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 12:19 PM

2014-11-30T12:19:34-05:00

The answer is No one should be exempt! It is a standard that should be met by all Soldiers. And to those who think they are exempt, they are as effed up as a person who malingers or shams out of work.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Nov 30 at 2014 4:43 PM

2014-11-30T16:43:59-05:00

I dont think any rank should ever be exempt from doing PT at any time in their assignment.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Dec 2 at 2014 1:26 PM

2014-12-02T13:26:27-05:00

ETS/retired.

If you are a senior NCO or an officer, you need to set the standard. If a slow formation run doesn't do it for your own workout needs, do additional PT on your own.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 2:05 PM

2014-12-02T14:05:06-05:00

I agree

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 3:57 PM

2014-12-02T15:57:23-05:00

This is a test

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 5:00 PM

2014-12-02T17:00:27-05:00

Retired was a great answer

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Dec 7 at 2014 9:59 AM

2014-12-07T09:59:43-05:00

I wouldn't mind seeing generals in the formation... doing PT with the rest of us. That'll keep us on our toes!

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Dec 26 at 2014 10:33 AM

2014-12-26T10:33:32-05:00

I believe the leaders in each unit should lead from the front meaning they should be in formation with the troops.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 2:03 PM

2014-12-26T14:03:54-05:00

0-7

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 10:01 AM

2014-12-27T10:01:36-05:00

No one. Unless you are a PT failure. If you haven't figured out a personal PT program, shame on you and show up to mandatory PT! Obviously the occasional command run or NCO run or such is different. My BN did that on two different OIF/OEF deployments and it worked well.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 3:57 PM

2015-01-07T15:57:48-05:00

In my opinion, I feel that no-one ought to be clearly exempt from organized PT unless their job and/or position requires them to miss an organized PT session, or if a Soldier is permitted a day off from organized PT as an incentive for doing exceptionally well in their duties.

I feel that one's level and standard of physical fitness can give someone a fair first impression of one's character and level of motivation, as I would view a Soldier who gives 110 percent of their effort and gut to an organized workout as being someone who would be driven enough to go above and beyond the normal scope of their responsibilities.

Not to mention, organized PT is a great way to learn more about everyone in your unit and/or organization, and it helps Soldiers create a more cohesive bond with one another, which I feel is critical when one considers creating a successful, healthy, and ultimately enjoyable working environment.

Granted, one's duties will more often than not take up much of their time where PT may not be placed as being a priority, however, what truly matters to me is whether or not a Soldier truly believes in themselves and pushes their body beyond their expectations towards making themselves a little bit better each and every day.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jan 7 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-01-07T18:09:56-05:00

After 40

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Jan 7 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-01-07T19:30:38-05:00

Unit cohesion is a HUGE part of the Marine Corps. Unless your detail for te day means that you can't PT you are involved in unit PT in one way or another. A lot of Sergeants Major will PT with a platoon if there is no staff Pt going on. A lot of times they'll just show up and ask to join the unit for PT. They'll even let the NCOs lead the PT as if they're not even there. This does two things essentially. 1) It allows the SgtMjr to put himself on the unit level, to bond with them. 2) It allows the SgtMjr to see what his NCOs are doing for PT and how unit cohesion is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 10:17 PM

2015-01-07T22:17:13-05:00

In the unit I was in before I retired, it was required that every O6 and below, and E-8s and below were required by policy of the BN CDR. Now when accountability was taken there were very few of those individuals present. And just about 5% of those had real reasons for not being in formation.

But what really chapped my ass about the whole thing was those that were required to be there God help them if they were not present. Because it was usually a counseling followed by ART 15. It got to the point that soldiers were flat out calling them out and basically saying "Well if COL so-so or SGM Such and Such weren't at formation why am I getting hemmed up?" And it eventually went to the IG and rather than just saying YOU WILL BE THERE, they just disbanded organized PT.

In my opinion it was a fail. PT is designed to build morale, foster esprit de corps, and physical fitness. All should be required to be there and unless there is a legitimate reason no exceptions should be granted.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 7 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-01-07T22:27:54-05:00

Everyone does PT; no excuses. I normally do PT twice a day, once with my platoon and once on personal time.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Jan 8 at 2015 11:17 AM

2015-01-08T11:17:44-05:00

Unless the job does not allow for it, Retired is the only rank that should not be in a group PT of some type. We lead from the front and set the example.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-01-08T12:40:09-05:00

I don't feel anyone should be exempt, but I have been in units where older guys like me (Last APFT 281) stand out because I can't hang in a 7-8 minute mile prolonged pt run. That doesn't change my 14:35 (89%) run time on the APFT but it makes us look bad to the younger Soldiers. Definitely feel my age.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 6:24 PM

2015-01-30T18:24:37-05:00

NEVER!!! Lead from the front...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 2:18 AM

2015-03-17T02:18:30-04:00

If an individual exceeds the next upper commands APFT average why not let them.

For example:

If you are in a CO or BN and the BDE average is 230.... Set your goal to exceed the BDE average. Then COs/1SGs have their evaluation block. "My Unit's APFT average exceeded the BDE average."

Rock Stars and high blocks all around.

ATTACK!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 1:21 PM

2015-03-24T13:21:08-04:00

No rank should be exempt. I still participate in our remedial PT program we have along with my PT failures. I believe it helps motivate them to pass quicker because I am right there ensuring they are doing it.

Response by SGT Tyler G. made Mar 24 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-03-24T14:12:07-04:00

As long as it remains at the squad level, or at least limited to no more than maybe nine or ten soldiers. When you get to many people together actual training often suffers and it becomes a clusterf**k. Limiting the size of the group allows whoever is leading it to tailor the training to the individuals needs.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 24 at 2015 10:38 PM

2015-03-24T22:38:06-04:00

I agree "retired" SSG Pete Fleming!

If you are a Soldier, or Leader, and assigned to a unit a that does organized PT, you should be there at PT whether you are an assigned leader or member the staff. I say "assigned to a unit that does organized PT," as many senior leaders assigned to MACOM Staffs and higher are in units that don't do organized PT.

When I was a Battalion XO, my Battalion Commander required everyone in the Battalion Staff (MAJs, CPTs, SGM, etc) to be at PT with HHD everyday; BS and CSM were also there. When I was Deputy Brigade Commander, my Brigade Commander required me (LTC) and all the Brigade staff (MAJs, CPTs, SGM, MSG, SFC, etc) to be at HHC PT everyday...

Also, shift workers are exceptions... Like MPs... that gets hard...

I also agree those who score 270 or above should get special rules, but not if you are a unit leader (In a leadership position), as you need to be present.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Mar 25 at 2015 12:16 AM

2015-03-25T00:16:13-04:00

Never, people of higher rank are an inspiration to those of a lower rank and should be there for the lower ranks to show them how its done and encourage them.

Response by MSgt Kurt Tull made Mar 25 at 2015 4:59 AM

2015-03-25T04:59:35-04:00

The day they retire...lead from the top

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-03-25T11:41:27-04:00

GO and CSM to GO positions because they will do whatever they want anyways... As for the rest of us there are two schools of thought on this. The first view is if you score a 280/290 or above then show up at formation and go do what you do. The other is if you are that much of a stud you should be sharing the wealth with your troops/peers and helping them get that 280/290. I can see letting them go 2-3 days out of the week. A PVT scoring a 290.... ehhhh, I am not sure about that.. Perhaps SPC and above?

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Apr 3 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-04-03T22:39:58-04:00

Very simple, when they retire.

Response by SSgt Jessie Bolado made Apr 3 at 2015 11:02 PM

2015-04-03T23:02:20-04:00

Retirement.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-07-07T22:09:48-04:00

Unless you have some type of medical issue temporarily exempting you from PT, I don't believe any rank should be exempt.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-12-04T22:25:23-05:00

none.. shows favoritism

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 30 at 2016 4:38 PM

2016-07-30T16:38:31-04:00

When they retire, how else can you lead your troops?

Response by 1SG Christopher Turk made Oct 14 at 2017 6:05 PM

2017-10-14T18:05:54-04:00

Never. How can you lead by example fi your Soldiers never see you.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 14 at 2017 6:30 PM

2017-10-14T18:30:51-04:00

"At what rank should Soldiers be exempt from organized PT?"
E 10 and O 11

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 14 at 2017 6:36 PM

2017-10-14T18:36:26-04:00

Are you passing your PT test? What is your units mission? What is your current duty? Does your duty require you to do things that would otherwise prevent you from performing your assigned duties? How many times have you seen the rest of the unit go home, and the mechanics are in the motor stables working till almost midnight to get certain pacing items up? So should they have to ocme in and do PT in a few hours? The comments by some seem to think it is universal everyone do PT. Great, then the flip side is no one goes home until the Motor Officer that every piece of equipment in the unit is up to 10/20 standards? That seems fair doesn't it?

Current and Former commanders which was more important having everyone pass their PT test or being able to roll out the front gate and be able to engage the enemy with equipment you were confident would work when it needed to? We can prioritize these things in an abstract concept, but once the shooting starts people tend to move faster. If that track breaks, or that electronic system fails, and now your opponent has the advantage. It is the wrong time to walk around and say I got a 300 on PT score. Snuffy can't perform trouble shooting diagnostics on his vehicle, or system, that he is here to support, but I hope my POW uniform is as starched as my current uniform is.

I would rather have a team of wrench turners who maybe over weight and can rebuilds without of systems, then a team of 300 studs who can't change a road wheel or a Humvee tire without instructions.

It is a balance issue, PT while important is not the end all be all of judging soldiers, nor should it be. We turned PT into something only the best of the best can do. But the reality is their a ton of other functions that need to get done, that are far more important.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 14 at 2017 11:58 PM

2017-10-14T23:58:51-04:00

Never, unless it’s doctor prescribed, but that soldier still needs to be in the correct uniform for PT formation. Throughout my years in the military, I’ve seen soldiers escape PT for all kinds of reasons. I remember having to run while coughing up a lung, and not falling out, or having a knee injury and still running. I did all that to keep from getting an ass-chewing or be seen as a “slacker-Sergeant.”

Response by SGT Gregory Yelland made Oct 27 at 2017 6:41 AM

2017-10-27T06:41:22-04:00

When they attain the rank of Retired.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2017 6:43 AM

2017-10-27T06:43:57-04:00

Never organized PT is a sustainment program if you want to become stronger then you’ll have to do PT on your own after work or during your lunch. “Suck it up buttercup”

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2017 7:04 AM

2017-10-27T07:04:02-04:00

What about just those who are not in the Army. All others should be present.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Oct 27 at 2017 7:41 AM

2017-10-27T07:41:36-04:00

over the years I did a lot of PT on my own however, I also did PT with my units as often as possible

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Oct 27 at 2017 9:57 AM

2017-10-27T09:57:07-04:00

At what rank do you remove comradre and team building from “Training”, that second word in the acronym - rank has always had its priveledges, but at what cost to the units teamwork? Do SOF units “train” individually, how successful/effective would they be? Just my thoughts...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2017 7:54 AM

2017-10-28T07:54:36-04:00

My thought process has changed on this many times over the years. Since this original post, I have obtained my personal trainer certification, so combined with years of experience, I think I have better insight on the correct answer. I believe that PT should be decided at the team/squad level, because evidence suggests that large group level PT does little for the individual. Not only would smaller group-level PT give NCOs a chance to identify and help improve individual Soldier weaknesses, it also could help reduce/prevent injuries. Additionally, what makes America’s Army so great is that we can entrust and empower our lower-ranked leaders. On the other hand, organizational level PT can be fun and conducive to building a cohesive and high-morale unit; however, in my opinion should be limited to once per week. I believe this can apply to all service branches. As Tomi Lahren would say: “Those are my final thoughts. God bless, and take care.”

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Oct 29 at 2017 6:00 PM

2017-10-29T18:00:01-04:00

Is this considered organized pt?

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Oct 29 at 2017 6:43 PM

2017-10-29T18:43:43-04:00

COL Robert Halvorson I side with the Colonel on this one. For a few reasons....

To be a member of the profession of arms one needs to be able to physically handle the rigorous physical aspects of the vocation. PT provides that conditioning. As well, being a service member of any branch or component is hard and stressful. PT is a healthy way to harness and release that stress.

And, (for the Soldiers out there) simply because the Soldier’s Creed states, “I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough....” We’ve all taken an oath to “protect and defend.” Us Soldiers have chosen to live by the Soldiers Creed...therefore PT must be part of our daily lives.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 29 at 2017 8:36 PM

2017-10-29T20:36:55-04:00

Never, How the hell can you lead 18yr old troops if you are a blimp?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Oct 29 at 2017 9:32 PM

2017-10-29T21:32:06-04:00

If they can't meet physical standards retire

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made Oct 29 at 2017 9:47 PM

2017-10-29T21:47:33-04:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member Absolutely never. Physical fitness, leadership, and human interaction which builds the team are paramount to everything we do.

Response by SSG Roland Shelton made Sep 13 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-09-13T12:56:51-04:00

I would like to say that organized PT is important on many levels. Wow it may not sustain the individual efforts to remain physically fit at least it ensures that all members have some level of physical training. The unit runs as stated in the regulations when I was in were fore esprit de corps mostly. The individual still owned his responsibility for maintaining unacceptable level of physical readiness. Still it's .training and everyone should be at training.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Sep 14 at 2019 8:52 PM

2019-09-14T20:52:16-04:00

I can't believe that is a serious question.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 12:49 PM

2019-09-16T12:49:52-04:00

I mean national guard and reservists pretty much already opted out and as I've seen E6 and above it's pretty much optional apart from just being at formation and then doing the command team huddle next to the PT formation. As you can tell I have great leadership.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 1:02 PM

2019-09-16T13:02:18-04:00

So in my opinion all and none.....

Let's start with the why all?

Unit PT sucks.... no one actually enjoys getting up at zero dark 30 to go for a run, or do muscle failure (which usually just turns into more running) followed by 3 more days of running. Now that being said, I understand some units will actually come up with a decent PT schedule and stick to it...but does the majority of units actually do that?

Now for the none....

Accountability, and military regulations says PT will be conducted.... so therefore there isn't really an option unless given a freebie by your 1SG or CO. You make it to where there is no organized PT some people will do better on their own. But we all know those select few who would ruin It for the bunch.... not workout on their own time, not conduct PT on their own ect. Resulting in PT test failures....

Response by SGT Kevin Karch made Sep 16 at 2019 1:04 PM

2019-09-16T13:04:49-04:00

In the aviation side of the army. The crew dogs rarely did company pt due to crew rest and op tempo. When we did show for pt it was usually running. Nobody ever got exempt from pt because of their pay grade.

Response by SGT Mike Starr made Sep 16 at 2019 4:44 PM

2019-09-16T16:44:08-04:00

Ahh no rank should be e empty

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 6:47 PM

2019-09-16T18:47:46-04:00

There should be no organized pt. A pt test is a individual task, if you can’t maintain the standard then you should be in the army, you should have to babysit a individual in order for the to stay in this career. The pt score minimum should be raised and pt should be done on your own. If you can’t maintain the raised standard then you have no point in being here.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 7:49 PM

2019-09-16T19:49:15-04:00

Speaking of which, anyone seen my Warrant? We were supposed to go for a run...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 9:30 PM

2019-09-16T21:30:44-04:00

At what organizational level? I loved seeing our CSM come to morning PT whenever he'd be around during training. It was cool to see that although he's really high up in rank and very busy, he has time to do the drills with us and KNOWS what the exercises are.

PT ought to be done within your immediate command level. 1SG and my CO can join with their platoons from time to time, BN level can do their own thing but freely move around, and so on. PT is to maintain physical readiness and such, same with weapon qualification, and the APFT (soon ACFT).....why do we need a rank to stop doing these?

Response by SFC Pat Mattson made Sep 16 at 2019 9:35 PM

2019-09-16T21:35:56-04:00

All soldiers, at all levels officer and enlisted, should participate in organized PT as it is company training. The higher the level (BN, BGE, etc) should participate in subordinate unit activities to monitor their training.
As a former Soldier who consistently maxed the PT test, I never asked to be excused from doing PT with my Platoon/Squad/Team as it was my duty to lead and train them to do their best.
Redundant same old PT should never be the only form of exercise your people use. Be imaginative, put a ruck in the training plan, due something the team thinks is fun once and awhile as this makes getting up a the crack of dawn more fun.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 16 at 2019 9:58 PM

2019-09-16T21:58:56-04:00

If the unit PT's as a unit, everyone in the unit without a medical exemption, conflicting duty assignment, or on leave; should PT with the unit.

Response by SFC Phillip Allen made Sep 17 at 2019 12:24 AM

2019-09-17T00:24:20-04:00

PT is not just a fitness program, it’s a team building program. It contributes to unit cohesion and develops teamwork. No one should be exempt, even profiles should be with their team as much as possible, I was never a fan of splitting the profiles out. PT is a must, and team/ unit PT is just as important as individual PT

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Sep 17 at 2019 7:59 AM

2019-09-17T07:59:10-04:00

I never made it to "senior" rank...at least from my perspective, I never felt senior enough to presume I was "exempt" from anything my people would be doing. One of my "bosses" over the years, was a reservist who worked as an engineer at NASA and was (I'm guessing) in his late 40s to early 50s when we deployed downrange. I wouldn't call him a "PT Stud", but the man was just tough, resilient. He climbed up a mountain once with us to check out a suspected rocket launch site...never missing a step. When the Army ETT thought it would be "funny" to steal our guidon and place it up the top of the radio tower...he climbed up to get it himself (of course he ordered me to accompany him because he knew I was "shaky" with heights). As advisors, we had to muster our Afghans for unit PT, and though it would've been VERY easy for an O-5 to sit it out; there he was, every time. Rank hath its privileges, and sometimes, a senior officer or SNCO may just have more important crap to be doing than running around in a circle...but every time I get to feeling "old", I remember that during the defense of Malta in 1565, the Hospitaller commander was in his seventies...and led the final defense carrying just a spear, accompanied with a handful of trusted men.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2019 9:24 AM

2019-09-17T09:24:46-04:00

Rank, None.
Score, yes.
270 show up monday and friday.
300 No show, PT on your own.
When I joined there was an incentive program, at some weird point it faded away and PT turned into a 1.5 hour hop, skip and jump ordeal, with less than stellar seniors opting out of actual PT to go yell at guys and gals who were leaving at 0730, hot and sweaty from a decent PT season... There was no surprise when scores started to go down.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2019 12:33 PM

2019-09-17T12:33:36-04:00

When you reach the rank of retired or civilian. I said what I said. My last unit, company commanders, XOs, and 1SGs would conduct PT with each other and periodically fall into random platoon's PT sessions. Not to micromanage or anything of that nature, but to show the command is here and will do the exact same PT as the troops. When you see the company, or hell, even BN command team falling into your formation during PT you knew they were down for whatever challenge you were recieving for PT, and it was a morale boost.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Nov 11 at 2019 11:22 AM

2019-11-11T11:22:49-05:00

Seriously? My son's a Lt.Col, still runs 6-10 miles a day on his own, as well as organized PT with the battalion. Guess he never outgrew Airborne training & Ranger school.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 11:38 AM

2019-11-11T11:38:06-05:00

In my unit, all the e5 and below do organized PT together.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 2:30 PM

2019-11-11T14:30:40-05:00

I may just be a corporal, however I feel many other people will share the same opinion. I don't believe I could trust a commanding officer or higher enlisted staff NCO if they were exempt from organized PT.

Hell I thought that was one of the ways they try to "build camaraderie" within the unit. If your talking about Really high brass such as Generals, then the same applies, no reason they can't go for a run or quality for a PFT/CFT each year.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 4:33 PM

2019-11-11T16:33:35-05:00

E7 and above

Response by SFC Bill Kurtz made Nov 11 at 2019 5:58 PM

2019-11-11T17:58:57-05:00

E-10, and O-12

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 6:40 PM

2019-11-11T18:40:23-05:00

I-4

Response by SSG Eddie Helmling made Nov 11 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-11-11T19:46:27-05:00

E3 lead.... E4 organize.... if an E4 can organize PT why would you want to make them a Sgt???

Response by SPC John Decker made Nov 11 at 2019 8:35 PM

2019-11-11T20:35:24-05:00

E-6 but you still have to pass annual PT test all the way up to E-9

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2019 9:59 PM

2019-11-11T21:59:34-05:00

My boss is a Brigadier General. He does PT every morning with us. After seeing that, I can think of very few reasons someone should be exempt from morning PT formation.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 4:51 AM

2019-11-12T04:51:31-05:00

PV2.

Organized PT is dumb.

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made Nov 14 at 2019 3:25 AM

2019-11-14T03:25:22-05:00

Organized PT is as much for esprit de corp and unity as it is for fitness...what rank should someone stop giving a flying about that?

Response by PO3 David Davis made Nov 15 at 2019 8:29 AM

2019-11-15T08:29:20-05:00

None, all military personnel should keep fit as possible .

Response by SSG George Duncan made Nov 23 at 2019 8:57 PM

2019-11-23T20:57:04-05:00

when they retire

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Nov 25 at 2019 5:38 AM

2019-11-25T05:38:42-05:00

60 years old,but light P.T

Response by Cpl Richard Robinett made Nov 25 at 2019 9:39 AM

2019-11-25T09:39:34-05:00

E6 and above exempt from "organized" That being said, individual PT should be monitored on some kind of honor-based log. Annual/bi-annual testing will show proof, failing/low scores should reflect on yearly evaluation report.

Response by LCpl Kareem Dixon made Nov 27 at 2019 5:18 AM

2019-11-27T05:18:34-05:00

No point!!

Response by SPC Kerry Good made Nov 30 at 2019 2:58 PM

2019-11-30T14:58:37-05:00

6 Star Generals should be exempt!

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Dec 2 at 2019 9:01 AM

2019-12-02T09:01:29-05:00

Being old school about certain military matters, I say never. I remember when we had the PRT in the Marines. Every event was team/combat oriented. We even ran our 3 miles as a platoon. In those days we could see the 1st Sgt and Company Gunny running with us as they went up and down the column yelling encouragement to everyone. Then came the PFT and we did a certain set of exercises and ran the 3 miles on our own. I disliked the lack of cohesion. Everything like this should be a group event, not a single person event. Save the singles for special events like fun competition days. Every so often we would have a "field day" and there would be competitions to see who could do the most situps, etc. Remember the PT in "Band of Brothers"? Things were done together. It promoted unit cohesion. Everyone in the unit must get to the objective together, not by some scale by age. The older leaders must arrive with the young troops, right?

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made Dec 9 at 2019 12:45 AM

2019-12-09T00:45:30-05:00

None.

Response by MSG Gus Garcia made Dec 13 at 2019 6:23 PM

2019-12-13T18:23:50-05:00

When you retired or dead

Response by MSG Bob Purcell made Dec 15 at 2019 9:35 AM

2019-12-15T09:35:30-05:00

When ypu outrank the person ordering the organized PT. But then it becomes an 'example' thing and that would depend on what kind of leader you wish to be.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Dec 15 at 2019 3:46 PM

2019-12-15T15:46:34-05:00

when they pin on their 5th star

Response by MSgt R Roberts made Dec 15 at 2019 5:38 PM

2019-12-15T17:38:39-05:00

I can see being released from organized PT to perform their own if they have achieved a passing score in XX months. Have them show up for the formation and when the squadron pt starts they would conduct their own routine. It is working for them to maintain standards. Not everyone do the same exercises or gains benefits from them. Allow the more fit individuals to do their own thing after formation but still require them to show for the formation.

Response by Sgt Troy Portis made Dec 15 at 2019 6:26 PM

2019-12-15T18:26:49-05:00

After they retire

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Dec 15 at 2019 9:10 PM

2019-12-15T21:10:55-05:00

Last I knew, every Soldier must take and hopefully pass a PT test twice annually. No Soldier, to include officers, are exempt from PT.
Company, Battalion, Brigade leadership usually administer PT. Therefore feel at times they do not have to participate and delegate responsibility.
Leading by example should be at a premium when it comes to PT, yes this should include senior officers as well.

Response by SGM Thomas Terebesi Sr made Dec 16 at 2019 10:33 AM

2019-12-16T10:33:01-05:00

As a Master Fitness trainer (P5) I knew it was especially important for all senior leadership take part in organized PT. Leading by example is extremely important to the morale of our soldiers.

Response by 1SG Todd Sullivan made Dec 16 at 2019 11:29 AM

2019-12-16T11:29:37-05:00

NONE!! No one is above doing organized PT and if they think they are, they are not a team player or a team builder!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 7:54 PM

2019-12-16T19:54:14-05:00

When I was AD at Fort Jackson under USAG HHD, SFC and above were not required to attend organized PT. In the USAR, it was every single PAX.

I think E7 and above is fine, depending on the organization, with exceptions made for those who fail APFT and/or height/weight.

And if the Garrison or Post Commander designate group PT, then that's 100% pax.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Dec 17 at 2019 12:56 AM

2019-12-17T00:56:47-05:00

There isn’t a rank that should be exempted. The standards adjusted for age and disability (especially combat related)...yes.
Rank...NEVER!

If E-9s and Warrants (all mine did) have to pass the test, so should the Flag officers. In fact one of my CWO4s routinely got outstanding scores expected of younger sailors. Always had him set the pace for me until the last 1/4 mile then he rocketed off.

In some respects, I think the Service Secretaries might do well to participate alongside their Branch service members.

Now for a real pipe dream...why not the House and Senate Armed Services Committees?? Even in a wheelchair, just so they meet the ones for whom they keep reducing cost of living adjustments, amongst other things. Time spent might keep them from considering idiotic legislation for at least a few hours twice a year.

Just imagine!!!

Response by SGT Carl Brewer made Dec 17 at 2019 7:13 AM

2019-12-17T07:13:37-05:00

Never

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 17 at 2019 10:52 AM

2019-12-17T10:52:52-05:00

1776-18 = 1758. 2020-1758 = 262. At 262 years of age.

Organized PT is about more than physical fitness. The military is not about individual "advanced placement" and testing out. This is not academia.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 12:33 AM

2019-12-18T00:33:26-05:00

Mando PT? I got Doc suff to do at the BAS, sorry maybe next time!

Response by SGT Gary Stemen made Dec 18 at 2019 1:24 AM

2019-12-18T01:24:47-05:00

They should not... readiness!

Response by Cpl Kathie Shively made Dec 18 at 2019 7:13 AM

2019-12-18T07:13:03-05:00

Discharged or retired. It is your duty to be combat ready, therefore in good physical condition.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Dec 18 at 2019 7:20 AM

2019-12-18T07:20:34-05:00

Commander In Chief.

Response by 1stSgt Timothy Phillips made Dec 18 at 2019 8:10 AM

2019-12-18T08:10:02-05:00

When the unit goes out to PT, the leader and all of his subordinate leaders should be out there with him/her. If the Division is doing a mass PT session of all its entities, the General in charge of that Division should be out there with it. His subordinate Colonels, Lt. Colonels, Majors, Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeant Majors, Staff NCO's, and all other NCO's should be out there leading their separate Regiments, Battalions, Companies, Platoons, and Squads. Everyone of these leaders should pass the Physical Fitness Test with a First Class score. If they cannot do that they should not be promoted and if they are promoted and then fail to maintain their 1stClass PFT score, they should be be demoted. All leaders SHOULD LEAD FROM THE FRONT!

Response by SGT Paul Daum made Dec 18 at 2019 9:08 AM

2019-12-18T09:08:36-05:00

I would not exempt anyone from PT due to there rank ! I would exempt soldiers from doing PT if it was causeing them harm . I am retired and and just went threw a double knee replacement because both knees were destroided by the PT I did while in service . I am of the opinion that we schould train to the standards ( PT Test ) and not expect our soldiers to hurt themselves trying to run mini marithons several times a week . I went threw Deasert Shield and Deasert Storm with screwed up knees and still compleated my mission . I was going for retirement and ended up being forced out at 17 years due to the condition of my knees . SGT X X XXXX US Army Retired & DISABLED

Response by PO1 Carl Smith made Dec 18 at 2019 7:49 PM

2019-12-18T19:49:10-05:00

Never while actively serving

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Dec 18 at 2019 10:35 PM

2019-12-18T22:35:07-05:00

Never

Response by CPL Kelly Barr made Dec 19 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-12-19T12:56:26-05:00

No one should be excused from organized pt due to their rank

Response by CPL Kelly Barr made Dec 19 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-12-19T13:05:29-05:00

PT is part of training to be a cohesive unit. Everyone must take part in it together. Now some disagree. So in that case. Then if you max out on your pt test ie.. 300 score. Then they should be exempt until they no longer can max out.

Response by SFC Brian Gillum made Dec 19 at 2019 2:24 PM

2019-12-19T14:24:06-05:00

None!

Any leader, which is anyone who holds a higher rank or higher TIG/TIS, should be out there showing there subordinates that they are doing it as well.

Our military services are unique in that our soldiers are taught to continue mission as long as possible, which includes losing superiors, and becoming a de facto mission leader.

So, regardless of your rank, you should be doing guerilla drills, squat thrusts and all those other wonderful physical activities that Uncle Sam, DoD and Department of the (insert service branch here) believe will make you fit to fight.

Response by CSM Kevin Hope made Dec 19 at 2019 3:40 PM

2019-12-19T15:40:44-05:00

Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way! NO ONE should be exempt!

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Dec 20 at 2019 5:38 AM

2019-12-20T05:38:42-05:00

NONE! Let your soldiers see you are capable of passing. Also, eat with your Joes. You want to lead? Then be seen!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2019 6:14 AM

2019-12-20T06:14:34-05:00

I have read man of the comments here and will agree that NO ONE, regardless of rank or position ,should be exempt from organized PT.

I also agree that some jobs are 24 hours and some will not be there for a morning PT session. For those soldiers, they should conduct organized PT based on their schedules.

I don't agree that those that score a 280, 290, or 300 on a PT test should be exempt from organized PT. Seeing then there shows that even they are part of the team. The same question might be asked for those who are Subject Matter Experts in their jobs. Are they exempt from doing their job because they are a SME in their job? The answer is no.

Response by SP6 Greg Jetter made Dec 20 at 2019 2:23 PM

2019-12-20T14:23:39-05:00

All ranks should participate unless they are on a medical profile . no exceptions

I have fond memories of PT formations at brigade headquarters in the dead of the Alaskan winter , running in formation on ice and snow in VB boots and balaclavas , lead by a one legged full bird . Every man suffering a little but not a one would fall out , if our commander could do it with one leg we could as well whatever our maladies were . We trained as one and fought as one , now days troops seem to be softer and more feminized , especially the young NCO's and Older officers .

My advice , if you can't do PT with the men your going to fight and die with , maybe you should be looking for work in another field , your not worthy of being a United States solider of any branch.

Response by MSG James Atwood made Dec 20 at 2019 2:55 PM

2019-12-20T14:55:57-05:00

38 years of age AND has reached the rank of E8/E9

Response by Sgt Adriane Ramos made Dec 20 at 2019 4:23 PM

2019-12-20T16:23:29-05:00

Exempt only if retired.

Response by SFC Nancy Hawk made Dec 21 at 2019 10:56 AM

2019-12-21T10:56:05-05:00

No exemption. It use to make me irrated when this round person would explain what I was doing wrong. Oh and the officers have an honor code. Of course they can pass.

Response by LCpl Nicholas Ackerson made Dec 21 at 2019 8:24 PM

2019-12-21T20:24:38-05:00

I agree with "retired" and think that should be the mark for every branch of service, because every reserve deployment includes the unexpected deaths of those whom fail to remain serviceable.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Dec 21 at 2019 10:21 PM

2019-12-21T22:21:26-05:00

Never so many believe they can be self motivated to do PT on their own but they start out with good intentions eventually they start putting it off to accomplish other task. Then when the next PT test comes around they fail or barely pass.

Response by Sgt Crusty Buck made Dec 21 at 2019 10:44 PM

2019-12-21T22:44:01-05:00

The same rank the pt standard goes away. Quit looking for ways out of crap. Lead it and do it with a smile so others catch that same energy. Sarcastic or not it’s less force fed when there isn’t worse for wear looks and crybaby bs demeanors.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Dec 22 at 2019 3:10 AM

2019-12-22T03:10:49-05:00

At no rank. Every member of the military, both male and female must be the fittest and healthiest they can possibly be. Age and rank shouldn't be a factor in health. If you are not healthy or fit enough to be in the military, get out.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Dec 22 at 2019 8:45 AM

2019-12-22T08:45:02-05:00

No rank is exempt from organized physical training activities, not even generals and CSMs. The CSA and CSM of the Army participate in organized physical training too, because they are part of a unit that is accountable for their physical fitness as per Army standards.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Dec 22 at 2019 9:08 AM

2019-12-22T09:08:26-05:00

Never until you have your DD-214. How would you know how well your subordinates doing if your exempt? Do you truly trust your Career to some one else? Organized PT is SGT's Business so as a minimum every one below and O-grade should be at PT, Unless physically unable to make it. Officer should be their to support the NCO's. Short exemptions for Maxing the PT TEST third time maybe. We had a SGT. Who was on the post weight lifting team he was exempt until he failed the run on the PT TEST. 1SGT. Pulled him back and made him lead organized PT Until he PCSED. Rank has nothing to do with it. It is your job. JMTC

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Dec 22 at 2019 8:05 PM

2019-12-22T20:05:08-05:00

End of service!

Response by Anthony S. Layne made Dec 22 at 2019 11:06 PM

2019-12-22T23:06:11-05:00

Interesting discussion. Certainly, there are situations where it's impossible — or at least impractical — for a senior NCO/officer to participate in organized PT. Taking those into account, though, as a general principle, I have to agree with those who say that anyone in a leadership position is obligated to set the example by participating, not skip out as a "privilege of rank."

Response by SPC Christopher Murano made Dec 22 at 2019 11:17 PM

2019-12-22T23:17:14-05:00

When they reach the exalted rank of PFC (Private Fuc*inh Civilian).

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2019 12:15 AM

2019-12-23T00:15:56-05:00

Never !

Response by PV2 Bruce Wade made Dec 23 at 2019 1:39 AM

2019-12-23T01:39:15-05:00

My first answer is every rank of Officer and Non-Com should be physically capable to defend their base of operations when outside CONUS.

That is the advantage professional troops have over military contractors, we can take up arms from the kitchen, the motor pool, and the janitor's crew to repel an assault.

For those in CONUS, I would expect some level of health to be mandated. Healthy people demonstrate higher levels of decision-making quality, they have more endurance to meet unexpected problems and their overall healthcare costs to the VA are lower as a result of their healthy lifestyle.

The benefits of a healthy Armed Forces leads me to ask, why is this being asked when there is so much evidence toward the obvious answer?

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Dec 23 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-12-23T10:08:51-05:00

A surprising comment from a senior NCO!. In the word "never". We all serve, thus should be fit.

Response by SGT Kenneth Duncan made Dec 23 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-12-23T11:16:51-05:00

We were all out there. No matter what the rank. Does someone call time out, they don't want to go to war? You fight together, you train together.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2019 10:51 PM

2019-12-23T22:51:28-05:00

Officers (whether NCOs, Warrant, or Commissioned) MUST lead by example.

The morale of all soldiers is bolstered when they see that the commander considers himself to be a soldier like them.

The commander needs to be seen regularly running with his company, battalion, or in the case of brigades or larger with scheduled runs on a rotational basis. In the case of senior officers not in troop command positions, I really have no opinion.

I also believe commanders should be eating the same food as the soldiers under his command. I always found it galling that some high ranking commanders would have chefs on their staffs while we were eating the "freeze dried pork paddy" MRE.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 12:06 PM

2019-12-24T12:06:51-05:00

Warrants. They know everything, have no supervisors, sleep with your rater, proud of their GED (from Pennsylvania).

Response by PO1 David Cunningham made Dec 24 at 2019 12:24 PM

2019-12-24T12:24:51-05:00

Never

Response by AB Edward Mondini made Dec 24 at 2019 1:10 PM

2019-12-24T13:10:34-05:00

The way I’m reading your question: at what rank should soldiers be allowed to sit on a couch, develop a beer belly & engage in poor health habits leading to clogged arteries. Do you want to know my answer or are you a good guesser?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 1:19 PM

2019-12-24T13:19:45-05:00

I just love how units pull pt Poland out of their ass the last second to do something that "sounds good" but end up being a disaster.

Soldiers wouldn't mind PT if idk...maybe utilize facilities and equipment that the installation provides soldiers to use SPECIFICALLY FOR PT.

Also when you hear pt is "individual responsibility" I laugh because...well you already know.

I have soldiers that outshine most of everyone else because of the PT they do on their own after hours. The mandatory PT literally does not really improve performance at all. It's going through the motions and seeing what they can fit in the given time frame.

Response by SGT James E Prettyman made Dec 24 at 2019 7:20 PM

2019-12-24T19:20:59-05:00

WHEN YOU ARE "NO LONGER DEPLOOABLE", NO MATTER THE RANK.

Response by SSgt Gary Darby made Dec 25 at 2019 9:45 PM

2019-12-25T21:45:27-05:00

Agree entirely with SSG Fleming!

Response by Sgt Graeme Payne made Dec 25 at 2019 11:54 PM

2019-12-25T23:54:25-05:00

A person could be exempted from organized PT at the same rank they can be exempted from deployment. Being fit for deployment and combat is a personal and unit responsibility. It should include everyone who is expected to be deployable with the unit.

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Dec 26 at 2019 10:35 AM

2019-12-26T10:35:58-05:00

For me it is a case by case scenario, Not based on Rank. I happened to have been stationed in 3 locations where I had specialty assignments and PT was on your own. However, I was stationed on one base, where I was the Captain of the Army ten mile Race team. I would report to the 1SG at formation and myself and other team members would be excused to work out on our own. With the understanding that if one of us failed a PT test We would all be back in formation doing organized PT. I was also at another assignment in a small 3 person detachment. We did PT. But one day we ran, the next we were in the gym, and rotated as such each day. So for me it would be on a case by case basis.

Response by PO2 Michael Krupa made Dec 26 at 2019 12:44 PM

2019-12-26T12:44:59-05:00

PT should be mandatory for all ranks. It is a no brainer.

Response by PO3 Mike Gordon made Dec 26 at 2019 1:17 PM

2019-12-26T13:17:51-05:00

Never

Response by SFC James (Jim) R Brown made Dec 26 at 2019 4:48 PM

2019-12-26T16:48:06-05:00

The answer to this question is very simple: NEVER. The requirements decrease as you attain certain ages. You just SUCK it up and do it. I been there and done that. Not easy sometimes.

Response by SSgt Chris Francis made Dec 27 at 2019 3:57 AM

2019-12-27T03:57:23-05:00

I don't understand that question. Other than being broken, why would anyone be exempt from pt?

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made Dec 27 at 2019 9:36 AM

2019-12-27T09:36:37-05:00

Always participate in PT with unit or staff section. Never an excuse to dodge it.

Response by SGT Jim Giffin made Dec 27 at 2019 11:13 AM

2019-12-27T11:13:07-05:00

Should be exempt at the rank of Civilian

Response by SFC Carlos Cherry made Dec 27 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-12-27T12:12:31-05:00

I’m retired SFC and in my experience organized PT served a couple of purposes, neither of which we’re to make anyone a PT stud or studette.. first, was accountability, and second, build cohesion with your team. Typically, officers would PT among themselves and enlisted in small groups, exceptions could battalion level events. IMO to be exempt solely based on rank would be contrary to every leadership trait or quality I was ever taught, not to mention warrior ethos!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2019 9:25 PM

2019-12-27T21:25:43-05:00

The situation is the boss sometimes and missing organized PT should be avoided. It is exercise and accountability in one shot.

Response by SrA Chris Bohler made Dec 28 at 2019 11:54 AM

2019-12-28T11:54:22-05:00

Never

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Dec 29 at 2019 7:53 PM

2019-12-29T19:53:22-05:00

No rank should be exempt. Organized PT builds togetherness and a desire to succeed as a team. It is not designed as an individual effort. If they are exempt they feel special and will be separated from the team in the long run.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Dec 30 at 2019 12:26 AM

2019-12-30T00:26:09-05:00

Heh, I was USCG in the 70's and 80's, and an ET to boot, what's PT? LOL

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2019 3:40 PM

2019-12-30T15:40:20-05:00

I think, as a Reservist, that it's going to depend as much on the unit structure and the soldier's role (as someone observed-- I think this may be more in-the-field than in current garrison-- cooks might be excused from AM PT formations and do their own PT in the afternoon). Maybe moreso. An engineer company of 60-100 reservists will be better able to organize unit PT every month than a Military History detachment with a roster of three.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2020 7:26 PM

2020-01-02T19:26:27-05:00

Personally, I think PT should be individual based. If the soldier fails, see ya. No, remedial plan, no second chance to pass, etc. If unit PT was as successful as it's claimed to be, then we'd see companies as a whole doing it. Just my thoughts.

Response by SGT Thomas Price made Jan 5 at 2020 10:51 PM

2020-01-05T22:51:50-05:00

I always enjoyed PT. I mean, it was the Army, not the typing corps. I went in knowing there might be physical expectations.....

Never did like the singing though....those were some stupid @$$ songs.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2020 4:00 AM

2020-01-07T04:00:55-05:00

No one should be exempt from PT everyone should lead by example no matter what rank PT is great for team building which helps other push people to try harder to do there best and set goals

Response by 1SG Marcus Whitfield made Jan 7 at 2020 6:43 PM

2020-01-07T18:43:25-05:00

No Rank Is Exempt, the only day you will be exempt is the day before you retire.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2020 6:12 PM

2020-01-09T18:12:43-05:00

Unit PT is a joke sometimes, honestly I’m a firm believer that you should be able to do pt on your own and be accountable for yourself mess around fail a couple pt tests and you should be gone

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Jan 11 at 2020 1:46 PM

2020-01-11T13:46:19-05:00

AS a old old retiree I think it should be broken down into age groups.Everyone needs to keep in shape as best as they can..A 35-40 year old can not keep up with a 18-20 year old..PT should be modified to fit age groups..I have been through the PT in the Marines and later in the USAF.Half way through my USAF time I could never keep up with what I did in my younger years..

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 14 at 2020 10:22 PM

2020-01-14T22:22:03-05:00

Death.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 10:16 AM

2020-01-15T10:16:39-05:00

None. Although you can otp out of the APFT at age 60 and above.

Response by MSG William Hesser made Jan 16 at 2020 12:48 PM

2020-01-16T12:48:43-05:00

Basically any and all PT is necessary to maintain your ability to perform to the level required.
In my active duty unit we did various forms of PT to maintain our conditioning. When I was in the Guard, we were on our own but the unit worked out a deal with the local training center for us to have available the various exercise programs and equipment. My unit was subject to a PT test at any time during drill. We didn't do a PT test every month but must be ready to do one if required. That way we were to assure ourselves that we didn't "slack" on our conditioning.
So basically, to answer your question is that we no longer need to have any organized PT at retirement.

Response by SMSgt Cary Baker made Jan 17 at 2020 10:29 AM

2020-01-17T10:29:35-05:00

Never

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Jan 18 at 2020 4:40 PM

2020-01-18T16:40:07-05:00

When they are retired, not before.

Response by PO1 Anthony Sam made Jan 19 at 2020 11:23 AM

2020-01-19T11:23:03-05:00

Retired

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jan 23 at 2020 2:43 PM

2020-01-23T14:43:18-05:00

Rank, never. However, I understand that some duty positions and the responsibilities involved will not allow participation in organized PT during the "prescribed time"...such as foodservice soldiers preparing breakfast and hospital soldiers. In MY case when I was a Family Readiness Liaison, I had certain AM missions to acquire free supplies for my unit that I was required to pick up myself. I had to drive all over the state to get this stuff, so I had to start as early as possible to get done as soon as possible...which would keep me from organized PT. IT DID NOT, HOWEVER, keep me from doing PT on my own.

Response by Sgt James D. made Jan 24 at 2020 9:39 PM

2020-01-24T21:39:24-05:00

General you lead from the front not from a desk! generals are past the point they will be running into or away from a fire fight below that they need to be out there leading! don't ask a young troop to do something you cant or wont do!

Response by SCPO Ken Badoian made Jan 25 at 2020 7:55 AM

2020-01-25T07:55:31-05:00

Yes SSG Fleming when you are retired. Never ask your people to do what you can't do. It's one of the basics of leadership.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Jan 25 at 2020 9:20 AM

2020-01-25T09:20:08-05:00

I always did PT with my unit and on runs at the end of my career (34years), I told everyone on the PT test, anyone that finishes after me fails

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jan 25 at 2020 7:25 PM

2020-01-25T19:25:21-05:00

Never! It is the duty of every man or woman serving in the military to stay in shape. Very few will do it on their own. Unless you have a proven record of passing every physical fitness tests (and not just barely) you should have to do PT as a group. Back when I was in you didn't want to be the one that couldn't do the minimum number of pull ups, sit ups or drop out of the three mile run.

Response by AN Wilfred Davis made Jan 26 at 2020 2:31 PM

2020-01-26T14:31:29-05:00

NONE-No Rank should be exempt

Response by CWO4 Ray Fairman made Jan 26 at 2020 2:35 PM

2020-01-26T14:35:19-05:00

Your followers cannot see your good intentions, but they will surely respond to your good example. Hence if you want to be a good leader at any rank and not just a commander with subordinates. Then always choose to lead by example your entire career. There is a little time to relax as you slip into the retirement world. But, I really think you will find those good leaders are always called upon (even in retirement) to take up the challenge of leadership when others around you are failing so miserably to do just that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2020 3:44 PM

2020-01-26T15:44:51-05:00

Retired for almost three years.

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Jan 26 at 2020 3:52 PM

2020-01-26T15:52:10-05:00

Although my site claims the Corps, I have served with both the Army National Guard and Reserves. During that tenure, I was a 95BX30, Military Police Drill Sergeant. I served from Vietnam to Iraq.That being said, I would like to express my point of view.
The level of physical exertion in a combat zone should be equal to the exertion during Group PT. That is who we are, warriors, period. If you are anything else, get the F out and we will support you, because that is what we do. If you “can’t hang” hang up your jockstrap or training bra, if you can’t figure out who you are hang up everything and go AWOL and you are on your own.
Morale and esprit de corps comes to the front during group PT. It also identifies those willing to go the extra mile and those that are unwilling to do the same. Vital information for leaders during the pre-deployment stage and especially in the heat of battle and you are totally exhausted. Or you can suck it up and lead by example, during PT and in the combat zone and become legendary.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2020 10:56 PM

2020-01-26T22:56:29-05:00

Never. That's why it is on a graduated points system. If you can not maintain the standard, then you really should consider getting out. As I remember, if you can not make standards within a year, they put you out for the better of the military.

Response by CSM Rik Williamson made Jan 27 at 2020 11:21 AM

2020-01-27T11:21:46-05:00

This is a rhetorical question right?...I sure hope it is. Nothing like excusing mid grade and senior level personnel from a team building event to destroy Esprit de Corps in a Unit. Somebody please "gorilla drill" the guy that posted the question in the first place. Now my CSM hackles will be up all day...

Response by SFC Kenneth Kreps made Jan 27 at 2020 1:16 PM

2020-01-27T13:16:25-05:00

All soldiers should be present for physical training unless there is a special they can't. The higher in Rank, the more responsibility one has to ensure the personnel in their charge are maintaining a physical fitness attitude.

Response by PO1 Robert Vasseur made Jan 27 at 2020 1:30 PM

2020-01-27T13:30:02-05:00

When I was in the seagoing Navy, there were very few fat sailors, and those that were had been told to lose it or else. During the Kennedy years, every sailor, commissioned or enlisted had to periodically qualify in running, pull-ups, etc. annually. In that period, aboard one of my destroyers, I was the PE Petty Officer, probably because I had my own very visible regimen of daily exercise, and had very few sailors flunk the quals that I supervised. But when I did flunk someone, he didn't stay that way very long. The bottom line is that the service has to demand that all service members periodically exhibit a decent level of fitness, whether or not it's through PE or a personal program, commissioned or enlisted. This may be far more essential for ground forces, but in my opinion there is a proportional relationship between physical fitness and brain power or alertness, so no matter what your duty station you need to periodically display a reasonable level of fitness whatever the mechanism used to get there.

Response by SSG Norbert Johnson made Jan 27 at 2020 3:18 PM

2020-01-27T15:18:50-05:00

NONE! That is the simple answer. Throughout my military career, even under a medical profile, there existed "Modified" PT requirements. I think that protocol must be maintained.

Response by Cpl Geoff Smith made Jan 27 at 2020 4:49 PM

2020-01-27T16:49:03-05:00

When they retire! Sergeants Major and generals do go into combat! They should NOT be a burdon on thosr under them!

Response by SPC Dennis Kregel made Jan 27 at 2020 6:33 PM

2020-01-27T18:33:02-05:00

OK, I have 2 answers to this question.

1 - When you are promoted to civilian.

2 - Is this seriously a question? What state has our military slipped to that this is an actual inquiry.....

Response by SGT Mark Friedman made Jan 27 at 2020 7:36 PM

2020-01-27T19:36:14-05:00

Never.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 8:15 PM

2020-01-27T20:15:02-05:00

Response by SGT Floyd Yates made Jan 27 at 2020 10:13 PM

2020-01-27T22:13:49-05:00

No rank should be exempt got to be in shape at all rank

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Jan 27 at 2020 10:36 PM

2020-01-27T22:36:08-05:00

Never. Organized PT is about more than physical training.

Response by SFC Antonio Baird made Jan 28 at 2020 9:56 AM

2020-01-28T09:56:02-05:00

Unit PT should be just that unit PT. Stretch as one group and then possibly break down into age groups not rank. PT scores are predicated on age and sex NOT rank. In addition, when Soldiers, NCOs, and young officers see Senior Officers at PT it reinforces why they are out there in all types of weather. When I was in HHC, 2nd Bde, 82nd Abn Div, The Bde Cdr, his Officers and Senior NCOs took their PT tests in front of the unit. Unfortunately, even in this day and age, too many Officers and Senior NCOs pencil PT tests. Do it right or get out!

Response by SFC Antonio Baird made Jan 28 at 2020 10:13 AM

2020-01-28T10:13:22-05:00

Unit PT builds cohesion and trust from subordinates to seniors. Everyone, with the exception of a Bde Cdr and Bde CSM, should be at unit PT when it begins, missions permitting. After everyone stretches, break the unit into age categories. PT tests scores are calculated based on age and sex NOT rank. Having served in Combat Arms units and Support units, I have seen too many NCOs and Officers in Support Units never attend unit PT and pencil whip PT Tests and Height/Weight measurements.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2020 12:29 PM

2020-01-28T12:29:52-05:00

Opinion:

Soldiers who pass their APFT/ACFT and height and weight should be authorized by their commands to do PT on their own with the exception of formation runs.

Alternately, units may opt to have a scheduled PT time, but encourage Soldiers to take the opportunity to use post facilities such as a gym or a pool.

Soldiers should be treated like adults until they prove they cannot be, and not wasting Soldiers' time with PRT is included in that. Soldiers will get more out of a type of PT they enjoy than a PT they are forced to do. For example, Soldiers are going to be happier and healthier if they enjoy lifting (and consistently challenge their PRs) than if they are forced to do Push Up drills.

Your senior leaders should appear physically fit and your leaders should ensure your Soldiers *are* doing some form of PT, but that should be that. Personally if we're talking about leadership and accountability, it's more important for a leader to be seen doing their APFT / ACFT with their troops (even if they're not a stud) than it is to have company level PT simply so the First Sergeant can have the formation do duck walks.

Response by SP5 James Driggers made Jan 28 at 2020 1:45 PM

2020-01-28T13:45:36-05:00

ALL DO PT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, Unless restricted by DR orders.

Response by Cpl Jamie Frei made Jan 28 at 2020 1:59 PM

2020-01-28T13:59:17-05:00

Not sure rank has anything to do with It some MOS fields like mine and many others require you to do it on your own. PFTs are twice a year in the marines if you fail you will no longer get the next rank if it’s between you and someone who can and also make weight requirements.....

Response by CPO Donald Crisp made Jan 28 at 2020 2:42 PM

2020-01-28T14:42:46-05:00

In the Coast Guard if you were assigned to a small boat unit or law enforcement duties, you were required to qualify every six months for PT and weapons qualifications (to far and inbetween if you ask me). This went for all stationed at those units no matter what rank. I believe it should be that way, i.e. lead by example. There were a few times I struggled to make the quals, but I did. I personally believe that no matter where you are stationed and what rank, you should meet the six month at a minimum.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jan 28 at 2020 2:50 PM

2020-01-28T14:50:30-05:00

None.

Response by SPC Sherwood D. made Jan 28 at 2020 7:56 PM

2020-01-28T19:56:56-05:00

Sooo don't mind the PFC throwing his two cents in, I will admit I haven't even been in for a year. However I feel that if you can score a 290 minimum and stay consistent, then obviously you know what you're doing and you can prove you have the discipline to stay fit and in fighting shape. Again just my two cents worth.

Response by MAJ Karen Wall made Jan 28 at 2020 9:05 PM

2020-01-28T21:05:28-05:00

At NO rank! IF you wear the uniform, you do PT. The fact that Generals don't have to do PT still grates my cheese.

Response by LTC David Howard made Jan 29 at 2020 9:05 AM

2020-01-29T09:05:41-05:00

No one should be exempt. PT is not only essential for combat readiness, it is a great morale builder when all members of the unit are involved, especially senior officers. At one unit where I was the Executive Officer, I was reviewing the results of the last semi annual PT test and saw that the 2 mile run times were terribly slow. As a decent runner at the time, I made the offer that anyone that beat my time, as an "old" Lieutenant Colonel, would be exempt from the following PT test. Suddenly some of the slow runners showed that they could run a lot faster when motivated! I have no doubt that I was a better leader and more relevant to the unit when I participated in unit PT. Even though that was almost 40 years ago, I see no reason why it is not as true today as it was then.

Response by SGT Shane Serna made Jan 29 at 2020 11:48 AM

2020-01-29T11:48:23-05:00

Depends on unit. I was Cadre at a Basic training unit. We did our own thing but still did the morning report and pt test every few months. Very rarely would we join in spirit runs and that was about it.

Response by MAJ Carl Owen made Jan 29 at 2020 12:58 PM

2020-01-29T12:58:35-05:00

Never. I once ran PT with a 56 year old division commander. You can't expect soldiers to stay in shape if the boss won't. Oh and he preferred hot afternoons to cool mornings. Guy liked to killed me. :-)

Response by SSG Calvin Grant made Jan 29 at 2020 1:00 PM

2020-01-29T13:00:47-05:00

We could debate this all day. I fully understand personal achievements and individuals being rewarded for that but as unit, PT is one of those events that help build cohesiveness when it's done the right way. So my answer is unless they're about to retire or ETS no one should be excluded because of age.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2020 6:25 PM

2020-01-29T18:25:41-05:00

Rank? None. Duties, duty hours and profile ... OK, I get it.

Response by LT Jason Godusky made Jan 30 at 2020 8:34 AM

2020-01-30T08:34:47-05:00

Never; as one goes up in rank, one also goes up in wisdom. There is no better way to spread the wisdom than during organized PT!

Response by MSgt Jim Bumgarner made Jan 30 at 2020 11:33 AM

2020-01-30T11:33:17-05:00

POTIS

Response by SSG Doug Terrel made Jan 30 at 2020 3:31 PM

2020-01-30T15:31:21-05:00

They should be required to do that as long as they lead Soldiers. In my opinion, part of organized PT is esprit de corps. Not good when the whole unit knows their commander never does PT and the leadership clearly does one-on-one APFT with said "leader." Really kills the whole morale thing when someone gets special treatment.

Response by COL Robert Gaudsmith made Jan 30 at 2020 5:18 PM

2020-01-30T17:18:15-05:00

Civilian That said, PT should be scaled for the older officers/NCOs. But leaders lead from the front.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2020 6:38 PM

2020-01-30T18:38:25-05:00

Whatever rank/position they have to reach to exempt EVERYBODY from PT. Sorry, but anybody that reaches a rank that they believe exempts them from anything lower ranking soldiers do, doesn't deserve that rank in the first place. Sure as hell not a leader.

Response by SPC Ray Orvin made Jan 30 at 2020 10:21 PM

2020-01-30T22:21:08-05:00

never! This is how you grow undisplined fat asses!

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Jan 30 at 2020 10:22 PM

2020-01-30T22:22:07-05:00

If they are in a location where group /organized PT is available, rank should have no more exclusion than it would from required Physical Fitness Standards.
Understandable exceptions being:
Medical,
Work shift,
Location.
Other than that, I would consider The Chief of Staff joining us in a group PT to be most motivating & a positive example.
Isn't that an important part of what *leadership is about?

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Jan 31 at 2020 5:54 AM

2020-01-31T05:54:44-05:00

No rank.

The only people who should be exempt from organized PT are those who show the discipline to stay in shape without it.

That said, organized PT is usually mostly a waste of time except in the infantry where I've seen that they actually take the time to actually plan worthwhile PT that is designed to keep soldiers in shape for being in the infantry.

REMF PT is usually a joke.

Tanker PT is usually a slow run and a few pushups. They avoid sit ups.

Arty PT is usually a joke.

MP PT is lots of running.

MI Pt consists of a run back to the rack after formation.

Now, the Finance guys are usually trying to hard to be HOOAH that their PT turns into marathons and push up competitions. Not that bad really as push ups actually work the core as well as chest and shoulders.

A fat assed Captain or Major, 1SG or MSG is as bad as a soft out of shape SPC or SSG and PFC.

If they won't keep in shape on their own, they should be forced to do PT.

My last company (and a couple of others) when I was in the Army had a policy that if you scored 90% in each event, you were exempt from PT. That's the way it should be.

I had a P2 profile and I worked my ass off through PAIN to run fast enough to get a 90 on the run portion. I usually did over 100 pushups and situps. That part was easy. A 90 on a bad hip is a little difficult.

In order to score high on PU and SU, one had to practice PU and SU. There was no work around. Pretty much the same with running. Although, I knew a guy who could just run. We even had a guy who preferred to run barefoot and had special permission to do so permanently (in my first unit). He actually had some kind of profile and Army level exemption letter signed by a four star.

Every company in which I served that had the 90% exemption policy had high average PT scores for that BN (or Regt). It's amazing what being able to sleep in every day and not go on those idiotic fun runs do as motivation for many of us. lol

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Jan 31 at 2020 6:04 AM

2020-01-31T06:04:26-05:00

As a caveat to my earlier comments...
If one is in a leadership position, one should be out there leading PT and teaching one's soldiers how and why to conduct PT.

Response by CPL Gregory Ellis made Jan 31 at 2020 11:19 AM

2020-01-31T11:19:32-05:00

Whereas I agree and can recognize that not every soldier will maintain a level of fitness above or at the same level that they may have reached when they were a brand new recruit. Not every soldier hits at the highest level on every aspect of fitness anyway as some are better runners, some can do push ups till there chest falls off. The primary fitness goal of any soldier regardless of rank should be to reach the highest level of fitness and conditioning for themselves. Once they have reached that level then they must do whatever is necessary to maintain that level for the entire length of their military career to the best of their ability. Organized PT should allow for maintenance of the core elements of fitness for every soldier, but should also be flexible and creative enough to allow soldiers who may be at differing fitness levels to work on those exercises at a level and pace that is best for them and their bodies. In short it's like this just because I primarily ran middle distance and sprints in high school does not mean I cannot run or do what is necessary to run 2-5 miles. It just means that I may do it slower or prepare differently for it than say someone who is an ultra marathoner or a triathlete, but if one wants to reach that goal they will do what is necessary to reach, grow, and maintain those skills.

Response by Sgt Davud Hepner made Jan 31 at 2020 4:38 PM

2020-01-31T16:38:42-05:00

Five star general. There are some very portly generals out there. A fine example they set. NOT.

Response by CPO John Moran made Jan 31 at 2020 6:22 PM

2020-01-31T18:22:31-05:00

When they are discharged or retired

Response by SSG Alfred Woods made Jan 31 at 2020 7:12 PM

2020-01-31T19:12:19-05:00

At no time, should "soldiers at any rank," be allowed to be exempted from PT, whether its organized or not. The military has taken into consideration, that an older soldier, may not perform at the same level as he\she did on entry into the military. So, for this, the repetitions and times, have been adjusted to suit the ages of the older soldiers. Also, this is a time for the soldier to understand the physical strengths and weaknesses of their comrades and learn to make the necessary adjustments that would allow them to perform at max, as a squad or unit. I served from 1979 to 1999 and the military at that time, were releasing soldiers from active duty in the 80's, who were identified as being over weight. These soldiers were given time to lose the weight, either on their own or by way of a directive. Today's military, seems to be undergoing many changes, that are not showing relevance. The only time a soldier has to perform to standards, is when he\she is being tested for grade. With that being said, ranking soldiers are a part of the organization and when the organization falls out for PT, the ranking soldiers needs to be present and if not, it would began to appear as though its the norm and nothing from that side of the military is enforced and it sends a bad connotation to young soldiers of, "I've done my time and don't need to be doing PT."

Response by SSG Ron Bogard made Jan 31 at 2020 7:53 PM

2020-01-31T19:53:52-05:00

I feel as though physical fitness is a process that should be continued throughout the entire career!!

Response by PFC Gerald Bailey made Feb 1 at 2020 1:00 PM

2020-02-01T13:00:40-05:00

Never. Unless their job requires being exempt from time to time while in garrison, or they have a profile. While in Baumholder Germany we had a SFC the didn't do PT because of a profile. We get a new Top and he's told that the profile is only for his knees and he is going to do all exercises that can be modified to do without bending his knees. Like jacks by just moving his arms up and down.

Response by SGT Anthony Zarrella made Feb 2 at 2020 12:20 PM

2020-02-02T12:20:55-05:00

Never

Response by SrA Brett Stratton made Feb 2 at 2020 3:21 PM

2020-02-02T15:21:25-05:00

Short answer: Never

Long answer: Why is this even a question?

Response by Lt Col Rick de Castro made Feb 2 at 2020 7:34 PM

2020-02-02T19:34:20-05:00

When they get promoted to civilian

Response by MSG Mark McClure made Feb 3 at 2020 10:08 PM

2020-02-03T22:08:21-05:00

E-10

Response by MCPO Gary Uzonyi made Feb 4 at 2020 2:11 AM

2020-02-04T02:11:03-05:00

All military personnel should fitness training - and be tested as long as they're on active (or active reserve) duty.
If they - both officer and enlisted, are too old (don't know who would make that call) to do the training or pass the physical part of the test; they should be shown the door.

Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made Feb 5 at 2020 2:33 PM

2020-02-05T14:33:56-05:00

This is not difficult. It has nothing to do with rank. It is when they are in a position that they can be trusted to stay in shape, and does not require them to set the example. That is a very rare occurence.

Response by Col Dan Ketter made Feb 5 at 2020 8:55 PM

2020-02-05T20:55:36-05:00

5 Star

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 6:25 AM

2020-02-10T06:25:12-05:00

The only time you as a service member should be exempt from PT, is when you are on a profile/ limited duty status from medical or retired . Even then depending on medical profile, you probably can still workout something other then being lazy.

Response by CW4 Jeffrey Sumners made Feb 18 at 2020 2:18 PM

2020-02-18T14:18:03-05:00

When you out rank the commander of the PT Program.

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Feb 23 at 2020 10:09 PM

2020-02-23T22:09:12-05:00

Before 1982 there was a cut off at age 40. I was 39 in 1981 and ran the best time of my life - then had to start a reduced old fart version the next year something like 10 sit ups and pushups and a walk. There were alot of guys older than me who were pretty red faced on PT day and they came up with new requirements the next year.
Rank had nothing to do with it.

Response by SSG Robert Quayle III made Feb 24 at 2020 6:37 PM

2020-02-24T18:37:41-05:00

I think it should be based on results. If a Soldier consistently scores in, say, the top 10% of the unit and has demonstrated enough self discipline, let them do PT on their own.

Response by 1LT James Rosebrough made Feb 25 at 2020 4:50 PM

2020-02-25T16:50:20-05:00

E-6. And any officer

Response by SSG Jeffery Satterfield made Feb 26 at 2020 7:33 PM

2020-02-26T19:33:43-05:00

When I was first assigned to the 25th ID we had a General come in as the new Division Commander. The first thing he set down was the only personal not expected to be in the Friday morning Division PT those that were on profile or that out ranked him. As a new PFC in the Army this instilled Esprit de Corps. No one should be excused from PT for any reason except medical.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 8:26 PM

2020-02-26T20:26:11-05:00

None,everyone needs to be there.

Response by CPT Jim Kotva made Feb 27 at 2020 7:33 AM

2020-02-27T07:33:12-05:00

Never this is part of being a soldier I was in my early 50's when I retired I still did physical training not like I did when I was 18 but I still did it

Response by SFC Dennis Capshaw made Feb 27 at 2020 4:55 PM

2020-02-27T16:55:45-05:00

At no point.

Response by SFC Dennis Capshaw made Feb 27 at 2020 4:56 PM

2020-02-27T16:56:05-05:00

Ano point.t

Response by GySgt Marc Dickerson made Feb 27 at 2020 7:04 PM

2020-02-27T19:04:46-05:00

NONE!!! NEVER!!! I took a "Physical Fitness Test" with my troops a week before my retirement. I wasn't officially required. But a professional NEVER stops leading from the front. Only a chicken-@#$% loser would think his age or rank entitled him to not be held to the same standards as everyone else. In my "humble" opinion.

Response by SPC W. Neil Cantor made Feb 28 at 2020 10:35 AM

2020-02-28T10:35:43-05:00

Soldiers need to be in tiptop shape all the time! Even top NCOs and officers. When I was active duty we had to pass PT test but top NCOs didn't have to take test! I believe all officers and enlisted need to pass these tests!

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Feb 28 at 2020 3:30 PM

2020-02-28T15:30:53-05:00

The rank of Retired

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2020 4:40 PM

2020-02-28T16:40:48-05:00

No one is exempt from PT, it was always a myth that Senior NCO's didn't have to participate but the in the past SGM of the Army ran with the President. When the Presidential Award was first initiated by President Carter it was to instill that PT was conducted at every level. A strong Military is a fit Military.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2020 5:14 PM

2020-02-28T17:14:24-05:00

PVT.

Response by PO2 Tom Hauser made Feb 28 at 2020 6:18 PM

2020-02-28T18:18:59-05:00

This is a touchy subject depending on the branch of service. I would say in the Blue Water Navy what I saw was mostly a segregated PT. Officers and Enlisted did their own organized PT separately. No one should be exempt from PT - as a matter of leadership - senior NCO's should lead, organize and participate in PT along side the enlisted personnel they serve with. After federal service I went into State of Texas - TXMF - was commissioned and hell even as an 04 I ran side by side our E-2 recruits for annual mandatory PT evaluations. Our SAR Teams & Boat Crews had very strict and mandatory PT requirements way beyond the annual mandatory PT standards. Regardless of rank - you either completed the proscribed PT requirements for SAR and Boat Crew Teams or you didn't serve on those Teams. Officers and Enlisted were not segregated but participated in PT qualifications together as a Team. At the state military level the PT standards were graduated based on age - I was on state active duty until I reached my 70th birthday - and then I was told I had reached mandatory retirement age and couldn't participate anymore. If I had retired from federal military service after 25-30 years of service I could still pass the minimum PT requirements and the height and weight requirements for federal service at the age of 60 - so I'm not sure how to answer that question for senior enlisted or senior officers in federal service as my situation was different in TXMF.

Response by Maj Ted Mc Neel Sr. made Feb 28 at 2020 9:04 PM

2020-02-28T21:04:32-05:00

In the Marine Corps the Physical Readiness Test (PFT)(pull ups, sit ups, and 3 mile run) is not based on rank but age groups. I kept waiting until I got to be 35, then no PFT; however, the Corp kept moving the age groupings up. When I retired as a 44 year old Major in 1980 after 20+ years of active duty, I was still having to take the PFT.

Response by CWO4 John Erker made Feb 29 at 2020 9:05 AM

2020-02-29T09:05:02-05:00

Never, whether your 17 or 62 physical fitness is important.

Response by SPC Jeremy Babson made Feb 29 at 2020 1:54 PM

2020-02-29T13:54:08-05:00

Enlisted I'd say never. Officers are a different a story as their obligations are outside my scope of understanding. The few times I remember my Lt running with us before I was permanenty done with running he was slow as fuck and you lose respect fast amongst enlisted not that we had much for him.

He was a joke throughout the battalion for talking back to the battalion commander during a combat support mission.

Our platoon PT was normally push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks and some sprinting.

Only one exempt was the LT which was fine with us because we hated him. His predecessor always did PT with us I think but that was in Iraq and we were more relaxed over there with officers and senior enlisted in the same room downstairs in the occupied barracks.

Unit mission should be the determining factor I'd think. Those who train together work better together. Pick up the weakest man or woman and get them to the necessary level as a team to conduct your missions.

We had a medic while deployed who never did PT with us and she stopped going out with us on missions too. We were the only platoon without a medic I think. Sometimes we'd borrow one from other companies during high risk missions.

It was weird having people with us only sometimes. Hard to work with strangers under strange circumstances. Most days in Iraq were routine but sometimes we'd be out for thirty hours.

I think PT is more than just training the body. It's part of unit cohesion. Learning to communicate. Communicating without speaking. Reading your battle buddies body language. most importantly to me recognizing their profile from far away. Because out there If didn't know who you were and you were carrying a rifle you might be a threat. I knew my battle buddies by the way they walked from a great distance.

I'm way off topic I'll stop.

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made Feb 29 at 2020 5:37 PM

2020-02-29T17:37:30-05:00

No rank should be exempt from organized PT.

Response by PFC Phillip Lord made Feb 29 at 2020 10:12 PM

2020-02-29T22:12:27-05:00

Never not at any Rank.

Response by PFC Phillip Lord made Feb 29 at 2020 10:15 PM

2020-02-29T22:15:14-05:00

Never! Not at any Rank, your soldiers not politicians. If your not fit for combat resign!

Response by Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller made Mar 1 at 2020 1:48 AM

2020-03-01T01:48:01-05:00

Sometimes duty requires you to be elsewhere other than that only civilians should be exempt. When I was a pfc in the Corps there wasn’t much cooler than our BN CO showing up once a month or so and saying “ok lieutenant, it’s your platoon, whenever your ready”. Not so much as to be in every unit leaders business (we did squad a lot) but just enough to know that we best not embarrass ourselves or our team in front of a crusty warfighter. Of course BN stuff you best be on duty sick or lame.

Response by 1SG Ken Bedwell made Mar 1 at 2020 4:58 PM

2020-03-01T16:58:18-05:00

It depends on the situation of the duty position. As a 1SG, I was always there, as was my commander, and everyone below us. At the BN level, I have seen command teams who are always there, as well as the staff. That being said, a recruiter pulling duty in rural Minnesota just isn't a realistic situation for organized PT. If the situation permits, everyone should participate. Just my 2 cents.

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Mar 1 at 2020 9:49 PM

2020-03-01T21:49:46-05:00

Never, and no rank should be allowed to skip what is needed to live and for them to be useful.

Response by SFC Dave Parker made Mar 2 at 2020 1:25 AM

2020-03-02T01:25:08-05:00

Human nature for most people will result in them not performing PT if they aren't required to do it. Having all ranks in organized PT is also a good way for senior soldiers and officers to be good examples for the junior soldiers and officers.

Response by SGT Robert Jensik made Mar 2 at 2020 10:15 AM

2020-03-02T10:15:48-05:00

0-8

Response by SFC Cynthia Eyer made Mar 3 at 2020 8:01 AM

2020-03-03T08:01:57-05:00

No rank. Only those with limited physical means should be exempt from performing organized PT. They should still “show up” which is a respectable honor to which we honor others. There is no I in TEAM and without a TEAM we are doomed to fail because there is no trust.

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Mar 7 at 2020 10:33 AM

2020-03-07T10:33:16-05:00

I don't think there's a "one size fits all" answer to this question. It depends more on the individual than rank and, should be based on their motivation level over anything else. I don't know about this new PT test that's out, or coming out, but if you have a PVT who can consistently max the test, I'd let him do PT on his own. He would have to show up at formation and then, he and all the others who could max the test would be released to do PT on their own most of the time. Conversely, a SSG who was just barely getting a passing score, on any event, should be doing organized PT with everyone else.

Response by Capt John Schmitt made Mar 8 at 2020 7:10 PM

2020-03-08T19:10:34-04:00

Retired.
As an officer candidate, it was NOT unusual to have a General or Sgt.Mjr. join a run or Obstacle course run. Same around various bases. A little intimidating to sprint for the leg-up bar, look to your left and it's THE Commandant, down the right side is a Joint Chief's Airforce General and a Senator.
There isn't a rank that is exempt from PT. The exception is the walking wounded who the services won't release to medical retirement. That's really a separate issue.

Response by CWO4 Miles Weaver made Mar 22 at 2020 12:40 PM

2020-03-22T12:40:43-04:00

When they reach the point that they could never expect to be in a situation where their level of fitness could affect their performance -- in the military, that essentially means when they retire.

Response by CPT Stanley Reed made Mar 24 at 2020 10:44 PM

2020-03-24T22:44:38-04:00

Not rank, when you consistently score 300 on the PT test, or whatever the max score is this decade.

Response by 1LT Bill Pieczara made Mar 25 at 2020 12:04 PM

2020-03-25T12:04:45-04:00

They should not stop pt, physical training and maintaining physical health is vital to life.

Response by MAJ Richard Cheek made Mar 25 at 2020 7:11 PM

2020-03-25T19:11:31-04:00

When I commanded a bde hhc every one below the rank of captain or master sgt were at my PT formations. Majors and ltc and e9 did pt with the bde commander. When I commanded a majors command every swinging Richard was there. When I was on recruiting duty and a degree completion on my own.

Response by CPT Kevin Connolly made Mar 29 at 2020 1:40 PM

2020-03-29T13:40:39-04:00

Is "deceased" a rank?

Response by PO2 Frank Ushler made Mar 29 at 2020 2:16 PM

2020-03-29T14:16:18-04:00

I think that up to the rank of LT. would be right as they interact with the enlisted personal. We should all be as fit as possible. It should be a matter of Pride . Get Squared Away.

Response by MGySgt Andre Hunter made Mar 29 at 2020 6:33 PM

2020-03-29T18:33:58-04:00

NEVER - PT is important and everyone must participate.
Oorah !

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2020 8:30 PM

2020-03-29T20:30:25-04:00

No rank

Response by Capt Ken Davis made Mar 30 at 2020 1:42 AM

2020-03-30T01:42:10-04:00

You take your pack off when you walk out the door. Until that time you still perform at your fullest.

Response by LCDR Jerry Maurer made Apr 1 at 2020 11:27 PM

2020-04-01T23:27:20-04:00

Here's another story. I'm an E4 infantry soldier and we run PT, 5 mile run. We have a guest Reserve First Sargent who sets the pace and he SETS the pace. We are able to keep up, barely. We end the run and he sits down at a picnic table. And then he takes off one of his legs. Then he takes off the other leg. He lost both of his legs below the knee to a land mine in Nam. Nobody should be exempt from OT, nobody.

Response by LCDR John Mark Nickelson made Apr 3 at 2020 11:36 AM

2020-04-03T11:36:37-04:00

Exempt? How about O-9 and higher, or with a temporary medical waiver. Certainly all field grades need to meet fitness standards, along with every senior NCO. And I'm sure when you said soldier, you meant the question to apply to sailors, Marines and airmen too.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Apr 6 at 2020 5:25 PM

2020-04-06T17:25:05-04:00

Organized PT maintains "Esprit De Corps." I will always be of the old school that every swinging Richard should fall out for unit PT. Now some of the PT studs will argue that they scored a 300 or a 290 and above so they have earned the right to do individual PT. My response would be a 300 is what you strive for, not just the passing grade for your age group. So with that why should you be "rewarded" for doing what you should be doing anyway? You want to stand out? Help that chubby fat ass work out, lose weight and raise their score 50 points or more. You will feel better about yourself. Now I'm waiting for the 300 club to start whining so let the crying begin. HOOOOOOAH!!!!!

Response by MAJ Glenn Nathan made Apr 6 at 2020 7:25 PM

2020-04-06T19:25:34-04:00

Never. Even flag officers and their CSMs have a HHC and should do PT with the Soldiers as often as operationally possible. Lead by example and show that everyone does PT regardless of rank and are held to the same standard.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2020 1:17 AM

2020-04-07T01:17:56-04:00

I am 72 years young. Don't ever give up P.T. at any age or rank . Pvt. to 4 star must be fit at all times .

Response by SGT Bill Boyd made Apr 7 at 2020 2:13 AM

2020-04-07T02:13:59-04:00

Nobody is important enough to be completely exempt from organizational PT. I will admit I never saw, or participated in an organizational run larger than a brigade (1st Bde 3AD, once) but that doesn't mean division headquarters doesn't PT, they are after all a company. I have even seen more than one general officer 'show up' at a subordinate unit to participate in PT. So I have to agree with SSG Fleming, when you append Ret. to your signature block, you are exempt from organized PT.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2020 9:43 AM

2020-04-07T09:43:39-04:00

NONE!

Response by CWO5 Jeffrey Backus made Apr 8 at 2020 12:33 AM

2020-04-08T00:33:30-04:00

when they eas or retire...

Response by CWO5 Jeffrey Backus made Apr 8 at 2020 12:33 AM

2020-04-08T00:33:54-04:00

when they EAS or Retire.

Response by 1LT Roger Pohlman made Apr 8 at 2020 9:50 PM

2020-04-08T21:50:31-04:00

Never, everyone should participate

Response by 1LT Roger Pohlman made Apr 8 at 2020 9:51 PM

2020-04-08T21:51:25-04:00

Everyone should participate!

Response by SGT Bryan O'Reilly made Apr 9 at 2020 9:09 PM

2020-04-09T21:09:44-04:00

Never, IMO, we may not hit it as hard as we once did, but staying fit and ready is an essential component of who we are and the example we set.

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Apr 14 at 2020 12:28 PM

2020-04-14T12:28:16-04:00

The only real problem I have with PT at any age is that "in my day" if a woman did what a man had to do to just pass, it would earn the woman a near MAX score. I don't know if that has changed these days but that is what it used to be... and retired or discharged is when the requirement "officially" ends.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2020 9:52 AM

2020-04-27T09:52:38-04:00

It shouldn't be based on rank, it should be based on performance. There are plenty of Lcpl's out there who willing bust their ass to stay and shape, and plenty of Ssgt's who don't know their ass from their elbow when it comes to PT, and vice versa.

Response by Cpl Robert Robertson made Apr 30 at 2020 6:16 PM

2020-04-30T18:16:00-04:00

When they retire

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made May 3 at 2020 8:32 PM

2020-05-03T20:32:09-04:00

Retired or dead. Not kidding.

Response by SGT George Stephens made May 6 at 2020 4:23 PM

2020-05-06T16:23:00-04:00

Unless it comes down from the stars, bird, or double bars; organized PT is for everyone!

Train as a team, squad, platoon, company, etc. If you're an NCO or Senior NCO you'd best be out there and leading by example and assisting the training NCO should they make a mistake but in a professional manner to teach not to disgrace which I've seen happen.

Response by PFC George Laquino made May 6 at 2020 11:12 PM

2020-05-06T23:12:00-04:00

well all marines and or there branches should do it until they cant anymore cpl 1954 to 1957

Response by SMSgt Rick Richert made May 7 at 2020 8:39 AM

2020-05-07T08:39:13-04:00

DD214 grade

Response by SP5 Steve Cline made May 7 at 2020 4:20 PM

2020-05-07T16:20:34-04:00

Commander in Chief aka POTUS

Response by CPT Peter Peter made May 7 at 2020 6:51 PM

2020-05-07T18:51:21-04:00

None, included general. Physical fitness is great important for the health of body, mind, soul, & spirit in order to serve well.

Response by Maj Phillip Leslie made May 7 at 2020 7:59 PM

2020-05-07T19:59:57-04:00

NONE. Pvt to 4Star need to PT.

Response by SGT Dakota Ivey made May 7 at 2020 8:22 PM

2020-05-07T20:22:48-04:00

Any rank, once they score over 300. Incentive for not being a fat piece of garbage like 90% of the Army.

Response by MSG Biran Colwell made May 7 at 2020 11:57 PM

2020-05-07T23:57:10-04:00

ETS , Retired or you have a Profile.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made May 8 at 2020 2:12 AM

2020-05-08T02:12:03-04:00

When they no longer wish to lead and resign, or they retire. Every Marine is a Rifleman from the Commandant on down!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2020 6:15 AM

2020-05-08T06:15:10-04:00

None. You wear a uniform right? Do Pt. Don’t care what your rank is. If I have to do it then you should too. Standards.

Response by MAJ Michael Cummings made May 8 at 2020 8:06 AM

2020-05-08T08:06:44-04:00

Retired

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made May 8 at 2020 8:47 AM

2020-05-08T08:47:43-04:00

Never! Train with your men, eat with your men and PT with your men. The reason why has less to do with you being "busy" and more to do with you being less fit than your troops. "The men won't follow me once they see I can't hang". And you'd be right. So get with them, learn from them and they will respect and follow you anywhere.

Response by LTC Barry Whiteside made May 8 at 2020 10:31 AM

2020-05-08T10:31:21-04:00

No soldier regardless of rank should be exempt

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made May 8 at 2020 10:45 AM

2020-05-08T10:45:59-04:00

Never! Every person who is in the military regardless of rank should be physically fit and ready to take on any task on a moments notice.

Response by Col P Mc made May 8 at 2020 5:10 PM

2020-05-08T17:10:30-04:00

Never! Older service personnel may not need as much physical endurance but they need more mental endurance gained by being fit, and they also still need to set an example for the rest of the team.

Response by PO2 David Allender made May 9 at 2020 7:16 AM

2020-05-09T07:16:11-04:00

I believe, as long as you are in the service, there should be some form of organized PT for everybody, both male and female. Everybody in the service should be healthy as long as they are a member of the armed forces. Just my opinion, of course.

Response by SSG(P) Danielle Birtha made May 9 at 2020 4:07 PM

2020-05-09T16:07:42-04:00

rotflmbo... you are G.I. ... Government Issue, and required to maintain yourself in the highest possible condition. Too old for PT? Turn yourself in, to be re-issued as serviceable, or it's time to find another job.
IF you cannot handle PT, you cannot handle combat, and are a detriment to everyone around you who will have to slow down, and guard you...
get out, before your inability to perform gets people killed.
The enemy has a bullet with your name on it... just like the Lion who singles out the weak.

Response by SGM Mike Ford made May 10 at 2020 8:39 AM

2020-05-10T08:39:14-04:00

I believe that that they should be exempt when they retire unless there is a medical reason, for which there are Regs. Soldiers need to see their leadership participating in all activities. Lead by example, It is easier to pull a chain than push one.

Response by SGT Frank Wolfe made May 10 at 2020 3:03 PM

2020-05-10T15:03:25-04:00

Are we Seriously even considering this as a question?
No soldier should be exempt from organized PT unless for medical reasons. The more rank you obtain the more responsibility you have to Set the example For subordinates.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made May 10 at 2020 4:16 PM

2020-05-10T16:16:42-04:00

When I was on AD, the USAF required me to run 1.5 mi in 12 min or less, go through a weight and BMI test and a stationary bicycle stress test annually. I was in the senior staff and I was not exempt from anything. Back then if you couldn't meet the standards, they did not lower the standards. I realize if you are in a ground fighting discipline, your standards far exceeded that which I had to do, but it was only 8 steps from the cockpit to the latrine on the aircraft that I flew. Had I needed to push my plane to the end of the runway to save fuel, I would have failed.

Response by MAJ Philip Crabtree made May 10 at 2020 5:35 PM

2020-05-10T17:35:09-04:00

Never. PT, fitness, unit cohesion, and team building are all some of the foundations of Soldiering. Leaders must set the example. Asking to be exempt from PT is line asking to be exempt from any kind of training. It’s not conducive to good morale or small unit cohesion.

Response by 1SG Raymond Benning made May 10 at 2020 8:40 PM

2020-05-10T20:40:02-04:00

Absolutely none!

Response by MSgt Jeff Greene made May 11 at 2020 12:11 AM

2020-05-11T00:11:42-04:00

When they are retired.

Response by CPT William Jones made May 11 at 2020 12:48 AM

2020-05-11T00:48:49-04:00

When awarded their 5 star for Officers and The day after they get their DD214 for Warrants and Enlisted

Response by Sgt Pedro Sarmiento made May 11 at 2020 11:31 AM

2020-05-11T11:31:11-04:00

As long as they are on active duty, no exemption for PT. We do not want any serviceman and woman out of shape!

Response by Maj J B made May 11 at 2020 12:43 PM

2020-05-11T12:43:30-04:00

-Leaders lead from the front, don't be a sand bagger.
-With that said once I hit a certain rank I felt that organized PT was a great way to build leadership amongst NCOs and my presence took away from their ability to be in charge.

Response by SFC James (Jim) R Brown made May 11 at 2020 10:15 PM

2020-05-11T22:15:25-04:00

They should NEVER be exempt regardless of rank. I stopped a PT test on my Cdr, a LTC. He thought he had a problem with that. After we talked he decided he did not have a problem.

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made May 12 at 2020 7:13 AM

2020-05-12T07:13:00-04:00

No one should be exempt from organized PT..I think is should depending on his or her situation and rank should not play be a factor...

Response by CPL Matthew Cervantes made May 12 at 2020 10:34 PM

2020-05-12T22:34:42-04:00

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Physical Fitness is of paramount importance to soldier health and unit combat effectiveness. The typical individual, for the most part doesn't possess the motivational drive to conduct effective physical fitness on a daily basis. Therefore organized PT remains an accepted factor of everyday life in the military service. As leaders it is important to lead by example, and not ask your subordinates to do that which your not willing to do. So if you expect your soldiers to get up early in the morning to conduct PT, as a leader you should expect yourself to be leading up front. Also possibly introducing a size [place boot size here] suppository to any "individual" who deems themselves to important to apply a minimum of 100% effort. That was the long answer.

Short answer: Everyone does PT, regardless of rank or PT Score.

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made May 13 at 2020 12:24 AM

2020-05-13T00:24:08-04:00

At no rank. Unless under the care of a Doctor.

Response by Terry Pinion made May 13 at 2020 3:52 AM

2020-05-13T03:52:23-04:00

discipline important group workouts boosts team morale and I was told that you never ask a man to do something your not willing to do yourself. its leadership setting the example period

Response by CSM Robert E Howard made May 13 at 2020 9:39 AM

2020-05-13T09:39:20-04:00

CSM R E Howard (Ret.) There is an expectation of a fitness level one should expect and require of a all soldier's. As a solider, I need to know you got my back, which means you need to be there to have it.
I think you could have some some incentives in place for those who go the extra step and max out their PT test. Only come to group PT once a week, only take the PT test every other time, allow to attend MFT course, etc...
Everyone should attend large organizational PT events for morale.
Senior Officers and NCO's (LTC and above, E-8/E-9) should be able to choose what group PT events they attend, keeping leading by example at the forefront.
Keep Jesus first and "Be fit to fight another day"

Response by Lt Col Kevin Wyman made May 13 at 2020 2:41 PM

2020-05-13T14:41:27-04:00

I actually have dual service experience both with the Army (enlisted) and the Air Force (Officer). I learned my leadership from the Army as junior NCO (Sgt-E5) and consider this training the most important training I received in my entire career.
I was always taught that a leader leads from the front whenever the mission permits. This in my opinion would encompass PT. I vividly remember during Basic Training when the Battalion commander came out and did a run with his troops. His action lifted morale showing that PT was not below him and that if he could do so, so could we Pvts.
As an officer I always did my PT test with my Airmen. I always told my NCOs' and Airmen I would never ask them to do anything I was unwilling to do, had not done in the past or would not do in the future. I like to think that my performing my PT with my Airmen solidified this statement.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made May 13 at 2020 3:23 PM

2020-05-13T15:23:00-04:00

None. Regardless of rank a military person should be fit. Granted the older they get the requirements should listen but they still should be able to run a mile without killing themselves

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 4:00 PM

2020-05-13T16:00:46-04:00

E-9. Other than that they should be with troops and lead by example. Yes CSM’s could doPT with troops at their choosing and of course on all unit runs etc..

Response by LT Jason Godusky made May 13 at 2020 4:50 PM

2020-05-13T16:50:23-04:00

ZERO!

Response by LCpl Troy Gwyn made May 13 at 2020 8:05 PM

2020-05-13T20:05:01-04:00

Marine Corps - Lt Colonel and 1st Sgt / MSgt
Army - Lt Colonel and 1st Sgt / MSgt
Navy - Commander and Sr Chief
Chair Force - Who cares. They're not real military anyway.

Response by PO3 James Stevens made May 14 at 2020 1:12 AM

2020-05-14T01:12:07-04:00

As a former Sailor and Military Police, I think that it is imperative all, and I mean ALL, active Military members from full birds all the way down the ranks be involved in organized PT. The best work outs my received is when our C.O. would show up at crack of dawn to PT with his people. It shows not only a concern with his/her subordinates well being, it also shows that no matter what your rank, physical fitness, and "operations ready" is a priority for everyone.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2020 7:48 AM

2020-05-14T07:48:33-04:00

It should never be based on rank. It should be based on results from your fitness test. If you perform well above average, it shows that you probably exercise outside of command PT. For most of those people, command PT is more of an annoyance than beneficial. However if you constantly score at the bare minimum to pass, that shows that command PT is probably the only time your exercise and your just a few push ups/sit-ups or seconds from failure. That happens at all ranks. Doesn’t matter if you’re Captain Crunch, if you are “just the minimum” kind of person, you should be in formation. Not showing up and everyone knows you’re a fat body shows your junior personnel that people in the upper chain can cut corners just because of rank.

Response by SFC Terrence Griffin made May 14 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-05-14T13:19:49-04:00

Lead by example,frigging never.

Response by Thomas Risi made May 14 at 2020 1:41 PM

2020-05-14T13:41:54-04:00

No one should be exempt.

Response by Sgt Marbury Keys made May 14 at 2020 2:39 PM

2020-05-14T14:39:37-04:00

What? No rank!!!!

Response by LT Michael Scott made May 15 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-05-15T13:19:40-04:00

The rank of civilian. Even Generals qualified for a command should be kept in excellent physical shape or discharge for medically unqualified.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 3:50 PM

2020-05-15T15:50:06-04:00

Flag grade officers and CW4 / MW5.

Response by Sgt Jeff Martin made May 16 at 2020 9:36 PM

2020-05-16T21:36:12-04:00

This is just my opinion.....maybe not organized....but I think that all must pass a biannual test. Their is a reason I say biannual...at any time and any where something could happen no matter where you are. The only reason to skip a test is deployed to a combat zone. Otherwise you are supposed to represent the US Army and if overseas the US in general. We don't need no fat ass ROADie running around representing America. I seen enough fat ass back office weenies when I was in. You may be an E9 or an 06 or 07 all that means is that you should be able to keep up with all those under your command and do the same or better. Lead from the front not from a fat lazy ass. Sorry for the rant...had my share of fat assess telling me you need to do better...or well put you on the fat boy program...them being 50 or 60 pounds over the limit. It still burns my ass.

Response by MAJ John Lavin made May 16 at 2020 9:51 PM

2020-05-16T21:51:01-04:00

Never. I was in the US Army when PT was considered to be a joke that no one laughed at. I spent many days showing up at the prescribed time on the prescribed day, signed the sheet saying I was there to do my required PT and then immediately got in my car and drove to the Mess Hall with all the others who did the exact same thing for a quick breakfast and a cup of coffee. A couple of months later I huffed and puffed my way through the yearly PT verification test because I was 15 lbs heavier than I should have been but so was everyone else. Then I smartened up. I started going to PT. I lost all the weight and I aced the yearly PT test. So don’t think you can outsmart the yearly test. I saved my own self respect by the simple fact of doing daily PT. So it was a very cheap price to pay for something that has done me so much good.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2020 11:02 PM

2020-05-16T23:02:06-04:00

You should be exempt on the day you turn 60. People that sham out of PT need their ass beat.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2020 3:16 AM

2020-05-17T03:16:18-04:00

E-5

Response by MSG Don Burt made May 17 at 2020 2:16 PM

2020-05-17T14:16:10-04:00

When they are physically unable to accomplish all tasks! Modifications can be provided by the
local unit SOP. When I got activated under OEF I was 59 yrs. old and still took the PT test and
passed. So I would take it as long as I was not profiled. Nuff said, eh?

Response by CH (LTC) Patrick Holder made May 18 at 2020 7:52 AM

2020-05-18T07:52:09-04:00

All ranks need to stay in shape.

Response by SSG Alfred Woods made May 18 at 2020 12:59 PM

2020-05-18T12:59:27-04:00

At no time, should any soldier be exempt from organize Physical Training (PT), unless he\she has a medical condition, that would excuse him\her from participating. Organized physical Training is just that, you are aware of those who can perform the activities of the organized training and those who can not perform the activities. For those who can not perform the activities, the are directed to other physical training that is within the limits of their capabilities, unless a medical official, state on document, the soldier is "NOT," to perform any physical training for "X" period of time. Organized Physical Training (PT), is inclusive of all in the platoon or unit. Organized Physical Training (PT), allows for the leaders to see and know of the physical weakness and strengths and allow for them to focus on areas of physicality, that will improve the soldier's ability to also perform his\her duties effectively.

Response by 1SG Donald Elmore made May 18 at 2020 6:54 PM

2020-05-18T18:54:45-04:00

All ranks should be required to perform PT and keep fit. As an SP6 I had to take a PT test as well as attending PT sessions. As an SFC I attended PT with a MSG and a Captain. Maybe only Generals should be exempt.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made May 18 at 2020 11:53 PM

2020-05-18T23:53:10-04:00

Interesting, should be encouraged for everyone however E6 and Up should have flexibility, FYI, 73-77 we had to wear tee shirts, fatigues and combat boots for PT

Response by SFC Stephen Kent made May 19 at 2020 9:29 AM

2020-05-19T09:29:42-04:00

To ensure unit cohesion and esprit de corps, I feel every service member should participate in unit organized physical training, no exceptions!

Response by PO1 Dee Lee made May 19 at 2020 1:11 PM

2020-05-19T13:11:52-04:00

I never saw an officer do PT in 20 years. My last CO was at least 40-50 pounds overweight. I always hated that Do as I say, not as I do. There was a lot of resentment from the troops.

Response by SGT Edward Smith made May 20 at 2020 5:53 PM

2020-05-20T17:53:35-04:00

Private

Response by 1SG John A. made May 21 at 2020 4:34 PM

2020-05-21T16:34:10-04:00

Once a long time ago the Army had a policy of everyone over 40, no longer had to regular PT, including AFPT. What was done was everyone over 40 walked for exercise, and the 2.5 walk for the AFPT. A lot of this was born because the number one instance for retirement was coronary events, the no. 2 was knees. Of course that all changed in the 90's when the "Peace Dividend" kicked the military could now impose stricter rules, only the best will be retained and the rest will be retired. As a side note, in a unit I assigned to during this time ment the junior leadership (O-1 to O-3s) were 300+ scorers on the AFPT, but were dumb as a pile of rocks and far as doing their job. It was so bad at one point, myself and the other NCOs in the S3 had to write all the OPORDs, and pretty much all the other planning for the BN. The S3 himself would had staff meetings with the NCOs after he met with his officers to ensure things got done. I know it is an insane senario, but remember a units were being judged on physical readiness as a higher priority, than mission capability. (I that the idea was to be technically and tactically proficient)

Response by SPC Les Darbison made May 21 at 2020 9:00 PM

2020-05-21T21:00:14-04:00

If your leading warriors then u represent them and should be in shape. If not then you still need to set an example.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made May 30 at 2020 11:38 PM

2020-05-30T23:38:42-04:00

Commander-in-Chief

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 4:04 AM

2020-06-01T04:04:59-04:00

After retirement. As for testing. The standard for Good to Go should be the same for all ages and ranks. Then maybe sub scores according to age.

Response by Cpl Patrick Scanlan made Jun 4 at 2020 8:40 PM

2020-06-04T20:40:13-04:00

Never

Response by CPT Wayne Price made Jun 8 at 2020 4:47 PM

2020-06-08T16:47:17-04:00

I am more concerned about age, job duties, physical or nonphysical, and medical conditions that occurred but do not impair current job duties. Those positions requiring combat readiness should take the physical fitness test.

Response by LTC David Howard made Jun 8 at 2020 5:31 PM

2020-06-08T17:31:08-04:00

I would make an exception for 5-stars.

Response by SGT Walter Drumm made Jun 9 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-06-09T13:19:11-04:00

None. Next question?

Response by COL Frank Siltman made Jun 9 at 2020 1:37 PM

2020-06-09T13:37:15-04:00

Never. I did PT right up until I retired. And frankly I shouldn’t have quit then!

Response by SFC Charlie Broadus II made Jun 9 at 2020 7:07 PM

2020-06-09T19:07:57-04:00

What kind of moron would ask this question?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 2:00 PM

2020-06-10T14:00:38-04:00

As someone who has never enjoyed group pt out of personal preference, I believe group pt should be conducted only when needed. Such examples include a company run, in preparation for an apt, or during a training environment such as a school. Otherwise one can argue that it does present a level of leadership, but that's only when said individuals in the leadership positions actually participate. I can count on one hand the times I've witnessed higher leadership outside of a school environment actually participate in the pt. They do show up, but rarely do most actually join in. And from my perspective that does nothing to motivate. I've always been one to trust the people I'm accountable for. I expect pt to be done, but as adults I lean on thier maturity to do the right thing and stay fit. Trust and a little independence goes a lot farther leadership wise than just showing up to pt and going through the motions, or not participating at all.

Response by SSG Elmer Price made Jun 10 at 2020 3:35 PM

2020-06-10T15:35:50-04:00

50 years old

Response by PO1 Jeffrey Hunter made Jun 10 at 2020 6:22 PM

2020-06-10T18:22:35-04:00

There should be no exemptions. If you can't perform the exercises for your age group then it's time to get out or retire.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 6:57 PM

2020-06-10T18:57:43-04:00

If cleared medically no age should matter

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2020 12:18 AM

2020-06-11T00:18:38-04:00

CIV

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2020 12:19 AM

2020-06-11T00:19:23-04:00

CIV

Response by SSG Francis Shaw made Jun 11 at 2020 2:21 AM

2020-06-11T02:21:01-04:00

I did PT until I retired at the age of 58 and I was out running kids half my age. If you’re in, you run...

Response by CW5 Ivan Murdock made Jun 11 at 2020 7:49 AM

2020-06-11T07:49:46-04:00

They should not be exempt by rank at all

Response by CW3 Paco Pelletier (Ret.) made Jun 11 at 2020 8:20 AM

2020-06-11T08:20:12-04:00

Simple - when retired or within 6 months of retirement and one decides to not attend their exit APFT. Now excuse me, time for my solo morning shuffle

Response by SGT Timothy Posemato made Jun 11 at 2020 10:57 AM

2020-06-11T10:57:12-04:00

No rank should be exempt from PT from E-1 to O-10. Especially senior officers that find themselves sitting behind a desk all day. I was Infantry and 6 days a week we did PT at 5am with our Cpt. Linwood P. Bailey, out front leading the pack every day with 1stSgt Wong, I'll never forget them, and his Lt's better be with his people. But this was in the 70's. At a time when the Army was a lot different than today.

Response by CPL Anthony Spivey made Jun 12 at 2020 2:50 PM

2020-06-12T14:50:32-04:00

Their should be no exemption.
Lead by example.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2020 4:05 PM

2020-06-12T16:05:24-04:00

I think that is order to set the example for soldiers, all ranks at the unit level should be required to do PT if it is required of the lower enlisted

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 12 at 2020 4:08 PM

2020-06-12T16:08:58-04:00

I realize this is old but I couldn’t resist. At no grade. Even the leadership at each level should rotate daily doing PT with subordinate elements throughout the week. Setting the example is portrayed in all that we do. So, Master sergeants and staff officers get in there. Leaders at all levels, Company, Battalion, Brigade, Division, I think you all get the picture.

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made Jun 13 at 2020 1:04 PM

2020-06-13T13:04:10-04:00

As long as they are in the military, regardless of age they should be in shape weather its organized PT or PT on their own. They should have to pas the PT test annually.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2020 7:55 PM

2020-06-13T19:55:09-04:00

In the Marines no rank should be exempt from PT.

Response by MSgt Jerry Waters made Jun 13 at 2020 10:50 PM

2020-06-13T22:50:12-04:00

Never, even Generals should do.

Response by PO1 David Shepardson made Jun 14 at 2020 9:56 AM

2020-06-14T09:56:15-04:00

Civilian

Response by SGT Keith Todd made Jun 14 at 2020 10:53 AM

2020-06-14T10:53:28-04:00

Retired !

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2020 6:33 PM

2020-06-14T18:33:31-04:00

Only once u have retired from the military. Reason. If ur in active status u could be going into action at any time. And I do not want some out of shape idiot shortening my life cause we have to take special care of him or her cause they cannot perform at their max.
And if a person that is in the military and wants to be allowed to not do PT because of their rank. Then they should be taken to put their signatures on paperwork for a dishonorable discharge cause they willingly decided to not fulfill their contract.

Response by SFC Larry Hanley made Jun 14 at 2020 7:27 PM

2020-06-14T19:27:29-04:00

Never. I am retired 78 years young and still attempt morning PT.

Response by SFC Charles Williamson made Jun 14 at 2020 8:44 PM

2020-06-14T20:44:23-04:00

None!

Response by SFC Richard Williamson made Jun 15 at 2020 7:34 AM

2020-06-15T07:34:29-04:00

Retired or separated from the service.

Response by SSgt Mose Carter made Jun 15 at 2020 12:44 PM

2020-06-15T12:44:51-04:00

I think you should be required to do pt as long as you are in the armed forces. I think as we get older, there should be more liberal requirements, age compatible. We need to be fit body, mind, and spirit as long as we are warriors.

Response by CPO Lou Oliver made Jun 15 at 2020 2:11 PM

2020-06-15T14:11:07-04:00

I would say when they reach retirement.

Response by SGT Steven Paul made Jun 16 at 2020 4:26 PM

2020-06-16T16:26:18-04:00

This is an interesting question. I always considered PT to be a big part of unit morale, and was the one calling cadence 90% of the time as a result. Despite not having attained a rank that might consider me "exempt", I know I would miss the camaraderie of organized PT. I know this because, after changing MOS's, I ended up in a job where organized PT was rare, and soldiers were expected to be self-starters with their physical training. I really missed running as a group, and calling cadence. I guess my point is: Who cares what rank you should be exempt from PT? Any good commander / high-ranking NCO has their best opportunity to connect with their soldiers during a run, so why wouldn't they want to voluntarily participate anyway? Hope that all makes sense! :-)

Response by SSG Eric Mawabi made Jun 17 at 2020 8:47 AM

2020-06-17T08:47:22-04:00

Option should be given to MAJ and Higher when it doesnt involve a Battalion event.
Option should be given to E8s only, when it doesnt involve a Battalion event.

Response by SPC Clayton Ellzey made Jun 18 at 2020 11:09 AM

2020-06-18T11:09:03-04:00

Do you mean besides a CWO ?

Response by SFC Rob Cesternino made Jun 18 at 2020 6:47 PM

2020-06-18T18:47:57-04:00

After your retirement ceremony

Response by LCpl Robert Castaldi made Jun 19 at 2020 12:52 AM

2020-06-19T00:52:52-04:00

Someone is actually asking that question? And a First Sergeant at that? Well, it figures you are Army. No wonder your branch has a reputation for getting soft. It's because of Senior NCOs like YOU! WTF do you think this is? Get all soft and mushy so you can be sure to hurt yourself whacking off behind your desk so when you retire you can milk the VA for a nice big monthly comp check? Well, I'm going to do it. I'm going to go right ahead and say it. You BIG FUCKING PUSSY! You want out of PT, sign your papers and get the fuck out! YOU ARE IN THE US MILITARY! YOU are expected to set the example! YOU are expected to lead young men and women into battle should the call come and win! Have you got a problem with that? Can you not handle it? Can't hang with the big boys? NOBODY NEEDS YOU! LEAVE! You sound like you belong in the CHAIR FARCE!!!! PACK YOUR TRASH AND GET OFF MY DIME!!! YOU ARE A DISGRACE!!! I just looked at your Bio. You enlisted at the same time my son did. He would kick your sorry ass if he saw this question. So I'll do it for him. Your Bio states,
"The meaning “Backbone of the Army,” resonates across our formations to remind us that for over 240 years, the NCO Corps has carried the responsibility of training, caring for, and developing Soldiers. As the Army continues to evolve and develop a force for the future, NCOs will be responsible to form an NCO Corps, grounded in the heritage, values, and tradition, which embodies the warrior ethos; values perpetual learning; and is capable of leading, training, and motivating Soldiers in a complex world. We must invest in our NCO Corps through rigor and discipline--developing resilience, agility, and adaptability. My mission, as a Senior NCO is to live up to the expectations of my Soldiers, the Army, and our Country. Army Strong!"
“Backbone of the Army,"?
"responsibility of training, caring for, and developing Soldiers."?
"embodies the warrior ethos; values perpetual learning; and is capable of leading, training, and motivating Soldiers in a complex world."
"invest in our NCO Corps through rigor and discipline--developing resilience, agility, and adaptability"?

I'm baffled that you would ask this question. And totally befuddled that you would ask it based on the last line where you have the BALLS to say, "My mission, as a Senior NCO is to live up to the expectations of my Soldiers, the Army, and our Country. Army Strong!"

If THAT is Army Strong, if wanting to STOP ORGANIZED PT because "I'm a first sergeant" is Army Strong, BUY A STRONGER DEOERANT BECAUSE THE ONLY STRENGTH THE ARMY HAS IS YOUR STENCH!!! NOW GROW A PAIR OF BALLS AND HIT THE RACK!!! REVILLE AT 0400 FOR COMPANY FORMATION FOR PT! YOU START WITH A 5 MILE RUN AND THEN 3 SETS OF THE DAILY 7! IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE DAILY 7, FIND A MARINE DRILL INSTRUCTOR, HE'LL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO TEACH YOU!!!

Response by PO2 Doc Blake made Jun 19 at 2020 9:02 AM

2020-06-19T09:02:10-04:00

For a Warrior, it is a lifetime commitment!... Even in my 70's, I train as though I will be in a fight to the death at any time! Start your workout with that mindset and your workout will keep your fighting edge keen as a razor,.. And your body has no choice, you look and feel good!... "I get, "how do you stay so fit at your age comments all of the time!"
Note: And the Antifa thugs take one look and they know you are bad-news, big hospital bills for them!
Note: About diet, Whole Foods, and loads of raw produce should be top of your list.
Note: Refined foods are the empty foods unfit for consumption... Why, because everything of value was refined out and fed to the Livestock!

Response by PO1 Ronald Parker made Jun 19 at 2020 12:07 PM

2020-06-19T12:07:31-04:00

Nobody should be exempt from it. PT is also a form of team building. If someone drops back do the rest continue running or does someone help that indiviual?

Response by SPC Ron Salsbury made Jun 19 at 2020 5:07 PM

2020-06-19T17:07:09-04:00

Never, they lead by example, motivating troops lagging behind, while encouraging them to do better.

Response by SSG Stephen Wondercheck made Jun 20 at 2020 6:51 PM

2020-06-20T18:51:45-04:00

When your out of the military!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2020 7:24 PM

2020-06-21T19:24:48-04:00

When I made E7 I thought I should be excluded, and now that I am an E8, I definitely should be excluded!

Just kidding! Everyone should try to be there. It is very important for morale and unit cohesion.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jun 21 at 2020 9:31 PM

2020-06-21T21:31:48-04:00

None ! That wasn't even an issue when I served.

Response by PO2 Steven Michaeli made Jun 22 at 2020 5:15 PM

2020-06-22T17:15:56-04:00

As long as you're looking at the flowers and not the roots you aren't exempt. But, as we know the military is a class society and the GI with the shiney collar and shoes is treated differently than those covered in dust and smelling like sweat.

Response by LTC George Morgan made Jun 26 at 2020 5:22 PM

2020-06-26T17:22:10-04:00

Retirement!

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Jun 27 at 2020 6:14 AM

2020-06-27T06:14:06-04:00

6 Star General. No one should be excused from PT organized or not, unless they are in the Hospital. Even if they are on a profile, they can do something.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jun 28 at 2020 11:20 PM

2020-06-28T23:20:18-04:00

None need to have every troop do PT.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2020 9:33 PM

2020-07-05T21:33:57-04:00

If pt is an individual thing, then leaders need to not contradict they selves when its convenient. To make pt organized. Especially when everyone has different goals.
Rank don't mean shit. I have seen all ranks fat and slopy and lazy.
Those are the ones that need that orginized pt. Or else they will fail an apft.
I say if a soldier wants to train on they own. Let them they are an adult. They know the consequences of failure.
We in the military constantly treat soldiers like children. Thats one of the major problems. But thats another topic.
If your chain sees you train on your own and you meet army standards then so be it.
Just my view, as someone who hates orginized robotic pt with a passion.
And someone who has been training on there own for over 15 years in the gym and fitness lifestyle before i joined the army. #FACTS

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Jul 7 at 2020 12:18 AM

2020-07-07T00:18:04-04:00

Day to Day organized PT up to Platoon Sgt. and Platoon Leader should have to participate, and at least once a year, there should be at brigade, or at least Bn. sized run, and nobody exempt except those on profile. I think it's imperative that once in a great while the leadership runs with the troops. I do know that over the years, lead by example, and being with the troops is no longer a thing with leadership. It's a shame to watch over the years how leaders don't care about their troops, and lead by example is the furthest thing from their minds.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 8:18 PM

2020-07-12T20:18:17-04:00

That rank called retired.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Jul 14 at 2020 6:35 PM

2020-07-14T18:35:14-04:00

None. Younger soldiers by and large can't be trusted to conduct pt on their own which means junior NCOs would have to be present. Senior NCOs likewise can't be trusted which is why they routinely get "taped" behind closed doors.

Response by Cpl Kristen King made Jul 15 at 2020 6:35 PM

2020-07-15T18:35:51-04:00

All Marines need to do the PFT.
I was a runner before entering the Marine Corps and am still an avid runner. This year has been a year of virtual runs which takes the competitive aspect out of running against others. I also do some weight training, push up, planks and pull ups.

Response by SSgt Dean Buckalew made Jul 16 at 2020 1:26 AM

2020-07-16T01:26:06-04:00

I'm a 73 year old veteran and when I left the Air Force in 1970. At that time I think the process to meet physical readiness was to be physically tested by doing x amount of push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups in a specified period of time. I don't see why there needs to be a rank cut off since all military personnel, when called on during a crisis or conflict or war, should be physically fit to carry out their duties in a efficient and effective order.

Response by SPC Barbara Wright made Jul 16 at 2020 7:31 AM

2020-07-16T07:31:27-04:00

You should only be exempt when you can score a 290 or better on your PT test. Or, when you show you can pass your test in the top 10.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2020 11:14 PM

2020-07-16T23:14:15-04:00

Civilian, if I’m expected to drag one of my senior ranking members out of a space during an attack on the ship. I fully believe that they should be able to do the same, and so many other examples for the other branches as well. I enjoyed our pt schedule it was an allotted time whenever worked best for our shop, it was self PT, if you were passing your prt you were cycled into the mandatory divisional pt. So if we got released early or had a random day off like a Friday you still had to go in the whole day and work with duty section. The mandatory PT was always in the afternoon like at 1600 so it was inconvenient to the T. So it was a pretty good incentive to keep yourself in check.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Jul 17 at 2020 12:06 AM

2020-07-17T00:06:08-04:00

No rank is exempt. If a E-1 is required then so every rank above that & to a 5 Star General must participate and perform IAW age, height & weight standards. Whomever that order such must joint in . If they can't or feel exempt, then should never issue the requirement

Response by CPL John Brunner made Jul 17 at 2020 9:33 AM

2020-07-17T09:33:19-04:00

If the soldier is combat arms then never. All other soldiers do some PT. Officers included. Being in shape physically contributes to mental clarity something we all need in abundance.

Response by CSM Larry Emery made Jul 17 at 2020 6:54 PM

2020-07-17T18:54:05-04:00

When they retire.

Response by SFC Roberto G Sanchez made Jul 17 at 2020 6:55 PM

2020-07-17T18:55:34-04:00

At the rank of civilian or retiree, whichever comes first. If you’re not physically fit to do what you’re supposed to do then you shouldn’t be in the military.

Response by SSG Craig Newton made Jul 18 at 2020 3:17 PM

2020-07-18T15:17:05-04:00

None. Everyone from the newest recruit to the most senior officer should be required to qualify for physical readiness.

Response by CPL Dennis Clark made Jul 18 at 2020 6:30 PM

2020-07-18T18:30:11-04:00

I don't know of any rank that would exempt them. The only thing I know of that exempted me from organized PT was having a PT of Excellence badge. That meant that my PT score was 300 +. Even though I had that badge I still chose to do PT with my unit.

Response by Sgt Allen Clayton made Jul 18 at 2020 7:29 PM

2020-07-18T19:29:24-04:00

Leave it to the Army to ask this question.

The answer is none. Noone is above organized PT. Its especially important for senior leadership to be there so they can be seen as leading from the front, rather than the rear.

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Jul 18 at 2020 8:04 PM

2020-07-18T20:04:10-04:00

I'd be careful about exempting anyone from organized PT even if that meant to let them just exercise on their own. I think we can be reasonable without being fools. I'd let company athletic teams practice during PT but in order to be on one of those teams, the soldier had to pass the APFT. I had guys who planned to game the system by failing a series of PT tests; I found that there was a correlation between wanting to play basketball.

Response by CW5 Jeff Platt made Jul 18 at 2020 10:02 PM

2020-07-18T22:02:54-04:00

Never! Train as you fight! We fight as a team.

Response by SPC Martin Pantoja made Jul 18 at 2020 11:38 PM

2020-07-18T23:38:03-04:00

I do not believe most people would workout properly left alone, HOWEVER organized PT is a sham and only hurts the individual soldiers, Take me for example when I was AD I could jog 20-30 miles no problem I was also 6ft2in and around 225lbs I was constantly struggling with that 1% even though i went to the gym everyday and ate as healthy as i possibly could with the exception of late lunches being a burger or whatever when we were under crunch (91B) which in the end it was all the random sprinting that ended up screwing up my back and knees so speed isnt everything especially in the old PT test

Now having said that Squad PT with an identified individual who understands body dynamics regardless of rank/position to lead the 4-5 people in individually focused activities ie;

-Bad at pushups? have the soldier do sets of 15-20 incline pushups and work on stretching shoulders as well as building the muscles in their Triceps/Biceps/shoulders/core muscles (the core muscles will make it easier over time to maintain the pushup position by building that core strength and stamina)

-Bad at running? sprints on the tread mill followed by stretching and working out your hip mobility to help with speed as well as train your posture when running as well as get a Breathing trainer sounds stupid but it helps build your lung strength pretty well

-Bad at Sit-ups? Everyone is bad at them but remember working out your core and lower back will help you build the stamina you need to keep crunching so go for shorter sets over longer periods of time use the bench to anchor your feet and do them on their its easier but it builds the same muscles youll use when someones anchoring you with their weight (train like you fight type of scenario)

with the new stuff idk as a mechanic that stuff is pretty normal day to day activity but would still benefit from having everyone broken down into same level groups similar to the cram school method to let those that are ahead keep ahead and those that are behind can motivate each other to get better

As a solider dont give into the "ill never be as good as so and so" dont worry about being the fitness master, simply shoot for being better than yesterday because remember should you deploy what you put into that self discipline and training makes or breaks your survival, if nothing else do the climbing drills pretty good full body work out would just suck to do every single day without stopping.

Response by CPT Douglas Rulon made Jul 19 at 2020 9:04 AM

2020-07-19T09:04:54-04:00

When they ETS or retire.

Response by SSG Norbert Johnson made Jul 19 at 2020 10:45 AM

2020-07-19T10:45:46-04:00

NONE. Should never be an exemption unless medically related

Response by PO1 Ken Helmick made Jul 19 at 2020 10:52 AM

2020-07-19T10:52:14-04:00

Never. The senior-most servicemembers are the ones who promulgate, and eventually enforce, such things as separation due to physical status. There is no greater hypocrisy than someone creating and enforcing rules and standards from which they are exempt. And this means the standards have to be realistic. I can remember a Master Chief Petty Officer in my naval reserve unit back in the mid-80s who showed his disdain for the PRT standards by doing the run in his dress uniform, with medals --- he always easily passed the test by covering the distance at a brisk walk. When questioned about this, he stated he would wear running gear when the standards were sufficiently tightened up to cause him to break an actual sweat.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2020 3:26 PM

2020-07-19T15:26:36-04:00

Once it's visually obvious their favorite space is the chow hall.

Response by MAJ Gerald Hansen made Jul 19 at 2020 5:04 PM

2020-07-19T17:04:16-04:00

At retirement

Response by SgtMaj Charles Spidell made Jul 19 at 2020 7:29 PM

2020-07-19T19:29:22-04:00

After EAS or retirement.

Response by CW2 Donald Loughrey made Jul 19 at 2020 8:24 PM

2020-07-19T20:24:37-04:00

What? Requirements may decrease with age but a level of fitness (always Considering why it is necessary; Combat makes no considerations for age), should always be required and participation should never be excused. I'm guessing you mean "exempt from PT Formation" so some duties may allow for alternate PT times, but even then it should be an exception based on mission requirements. Rank should have no bearing... although we all know it always does.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Jul 19 at 2020 9:15 PM

2020-07-19T21:15:10-04:00

Never. A Commander and the SGM should be taking PT with different units in their command every day, so they should not be confined to doing PT only with the Headquarters Company. But every soldier must maintain fitness, so why should anyone be excused from regular PT? We had a former Ranger Bn Commander serving with us in 25th ID when I served there. He was missing some pieces of his body which had been shot off in battle, and he was still maxing out the PT Test for 18-year old soldiers. What an example he was. So, every soldier still serving needs to be doing regular PT, and no one should be excused until they retire.

Response by Col Wayne Scott made Jul 19 at 2020 10:31 PM

2020-07-19T22:31:22-04:00

I did organized PT with my troops until retiring as a Colonel at age 52. It's about leadership!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2020 12:35 AM

2020-07-20T00:35:35-04:00

At 60.

Response by MSG Raymond Fauset made Jul 20 at 2020 8:32 AM

2020-07-20T08:32:04-04:00

Why would a senior NCO or Officer want to be excused from Organized PT??? Always lead from the front or don't lead at all. I would say after you retire you can stop coming to PT formation. Don't stop PT, just stop coming to formation. That's what I did. 32 years and I was still attending right up to out processing.

Response by MAJ Richard Gabryszewski made Jul 20 at 2020 11:40 AM

2020-07-20T11:40:15-04:00

Never! Organized PT reveals to the command who is fit and who is not, regardless of rank.

Response by SN Terry Poynter made Jul 20 at 2020 12:28 PM

2020-07-20T12:28:08-04:00

Never. combat readiness should be maintained no matter what the rank or job.

Response by SPC Rudolph Looez made Jul 20 at 2020 2:27 PM

2020-07-20T14:27:51-04:00

None, as long as they are in the service they should be ready for any war.

Response by SP6 Greg Jetter made Jul 20 at 2020 2:30 PM

2020-07-20T14:30:32-04:00

never , PT is not just exercise it's also a unit activity all personnel not on profile or excused because of a job conflict should participate . especially unit runs . It builds up the unit , builds confidence in the upper ranks from the lower ranks . Nothing inspires a trooper more that to see their superiors sweat just like they are , if you see your commander at PT formation then you know he or she got your back when the lead starts to fly.

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Jul 21 at 2020 12:48 AM

2020-07-21T00:48:04-04:00

Unless one has a physical disability, no one should be exempt. We live, work and train together.

Response by SGM Thomas Terebesi Sr made Jul 21 at 2020 10:52 AM

2020-07-21T10:52:41-04:00

I was a Master Fitness Trainer ASI P5. I not only had the responsiblity of keeping myself fit , but also others. With the exception of those jobs that interfere with organized PT no one should exempt themselves. It helps the morale when leaders are leading by example. Also credibility.

Response by SSG William Hull made Jul 21 at 2020 10:53 AM

2020-07-21T10:53:02-04:00

At no rank should anyone be exempt from PT. Set the standard, live the standard.

Response by SMSgt Kent Brown made Jul 21 at 2020 4:29 PM

2020-07-21T16:29:50-04:00

The same rank you should be to be exempt from the military.
I could go on a rant dut I won't.

Response by SGT Scott Carter made Jul 22 at 2020 12:43 AM

2020-07-22T00:43:31-04:00

Until you retire, you must group perspire!

Response by SPC Mark Stevens made Jul 22 at 2020 5:35 PM

2020-07-22T17:35:52-04:00

You must be physically capable of carrying out the mission. PT goes beyond that by also building esprit de corps in the unit. Yes, I groused and dragged when I got up at 4:30 am for PT (especially when I was the guidon bearer!), but there was no denying the feeling of pride when the 5 mile run was over and we marched back to the assembly point belting out cadence.

Response by CPO Roger Yaste made Jul 23 at 2020 5:54 PM

2020-07-23T17:54:00-04:00

When they become deceased!

Response by PO3 Bk Silva made Jul 30 at 2020 7:07 PM

2020-07-30T19:07:36-04:00

RETIREMENT

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Aug 10 at 2020 12:41 PM

2020-08-10T12:41:36-04:00

Do you have a P-2 / P-3 profile that precludes you from "Organized" Physical Training"?

Enough said than, right; all right then.

Response by CMSgt George Barrett made Aug 16 at 2020 11:02 AM

2020-08-16T11:02:48-04:00

PT should be mandatory for all personnel during their entire enlistment or commission. If they can't they should not continue in service.

Response by PV2 Thomas Libby made Aug 16 at 2020 3:43 PM

2020-08-16T15:43:08-04:00

llPvt e1

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 5:14 PM

2020-08-16T17:14:23-04:00

Civilian/retired

Response by SPC Timothy Rock made Aug 16 at 2020 8:40 PM

2020-08-16T20:40:01-04:00

Apparently Commander-in-Chief!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 8:46 PM

2020-08-16T20:46:13-04:00

E-9. Because it’s already made you should rotate to different units to check on PT. All leaders should conduct PT with their soldiers I know due to age they’ll be different levels of fitness but leadership is leadership in all aspects

Response by COL Herbert Holeman made Aug 16 at 2020 8:53 PM

2020-08-16T20:53:44-04:00

As long as you are a soldier, PT is part of the gig!

Response by SPC(P) Andrew Smith made Aug 16 at 2020 10:42 PM

2020-08-16T22:42:04-04:00

Never! I saw people because of their rank, or their connections up the chain who got away without doing organized PT.

Response by Cpl Gerald Hill made Aug 16 at 2020 11:19 PM

2020-08-16T23:19:51-04:00

I don't know about the US Army but in the USMC at every duty station I served at, E-6 and above were pretty much exempt from the daily PT unless it was mandated from above!

Response by SFC James L. Woodling made Aug 17 at 2020 7:31 AM

2020-08-17T07:31:34-04:00

UNLESS that soldier has a valid profile or a vital Ops. Mos that prevents them from participation non should be exempt. Lead by example . If you expect your soldiers to participate then you should do so as well.train together fight together.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2020 10:43 AM

2020-08-17T10:43:43-04:00

Never. Unless you're retired.

Response by LTC Dallas Powell made Aug 17 at 2020 11:25 AM

2020-08-17T11:25:29-04:00

None -- that determination should be made by the commander and should be based on mission and incentives that are fair and equitable across the board.

Response by SPC Stuart Campbell made Aug 17 at 2020 1:41 PM

2020-08-17T13:41:45-04:00

Retired

Response by SGT Richard Anderson made Aug 17 at 2020 7:56 PM

2020-08-17T19:56:31-04:00

As long as you are leading Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, or Sailors, you should be doing PT with them. Lead by example

Response by SSgt Frank Boyd made Aug 18 at 2020 9:02 AM

2020-08-18T09:02:36-04:00

As much as I disliked PT, I would say never. If you are wearing the uniform in any of our branches of service, PT should remain a requirement. That said, during my active time (1982 - 1995) the USAF did not have a program worth bragging about. Once a year we ran 1.5 miles with a time limit, and had to meet weight limits and BMI standards; that was until they decided we should sit on a stationary bike to prove our mettle. SMH! I don't know if that has changed, but given the images I see of modern airman, soldiers, and sailors on official branch web sites and the Stars and Stripes, it seems that the military's overall physical fitness and grooming standards have degenerated into a concerning mess. Lowering standards isn't helpful. IMO. God bless all of you that have taken the oath and serve our great nation.

Response by GySgt Theodore Shadley made Aug 18 at 2020 3:12 PM

2020-08-18T15:12:11-04:00

I know the question was for soldiers. From the Marine Corps side. Every Marine is a basic rifleman first so unless you have a medical waiver you are required to take physical fitness training. Semper Fi

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 4:10 PM

2020-08-18T16:10:05-04:00

RETIREMENT

Yet I find myself in the gym right now.

Leaders lead you don’t need to be out there everyday with your guys but they need to see you PTing with your peers everyday while they are.

Once a week PT with your guys builds this thing called “Espirit de Corps”

Response by SPC Joe W Fultz made Aug 18 at 2020 7:54 PM

2020-08-18T19:54:15-04:00

I had orders exempting me from all duty at E4. This was a result of staffing. I still kept myself in shape. However,I think the E5 level is the minimum rank with limited exemption.

Response by SSG Leo McArdle made Aug 19 at 2020 10:31 AM

2020-08-19T10:31:56-04:00

After Retirement

Response by Capt Michael Ladaw made Aug 19 at 2020 11:39 AM

2020-08-19T11:39:47-04:00

I have a old friend who was an AF Reserve BG. When he deployed, rumor had it that he would get up early and do PT with the Marines!!!
3 contradictory things come to mind, he was:
Air Force
Reservist
Flag Officer
I guess he was motivated to get in shape!!

Response by Sgt Daniel Latch made Aug 19 at 2020 6:32 PM

2020-08-19T18:32:31-04:00

Really? That's a joke, right?
Does the word soldier mean nothing? Does pride of service come from rank and status? Does readiness come from pride in what you've done or strength and skill in what you can do when the shite smacks the propeller.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Aug 19 at 2020 8:03 PM

2020-08-19T20:03:29-04:00

I believe everyone should be required, regardless of rate or rank. As one gets older the times & amount of reps can decrease but every military member should be fit, unless there’s documented medical reasons.

Response by SGT David Lockard made Aug 19 at 2020 8:39 PM

2020-08-19T20:39:43-04:00

No one should be exempt. Your life could depend on your conditionng.

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made Aug 20 at 2020 7:05 AM

2020-08-20T07:05:43-04:00

There is no rank

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2020 10:16 AM

2020-08-20T10:16:58-04:00

Hahahahaha. As a retired soldier, who now teaches Army ROTC at Boston University, I still have to have a modicum of health. So, while the youngsters are doing Conditioning Drill 1, Exercise 1, (The Bend and Reach), I'm out there walking around the track getting in my 2.5 miles.

Response by SSgt Allan Stringer made Aug 20 at 2020 1:00 PM

2020-08-20T13:00:18-04:00

corpse

Response by SGT Albert Boulay made Aug 20 at 2020 2:19 PM

2020-08-20T14:19:00-04:00

Never, all ranks should be required to do organized P.T.

Response by MSG Brenda Neal made Aug 20 at 2020 3:17 PM

2020-08-20T15:17:11-04:00

As a retired medic, I would think the question should be at what age a soldier can be exempt from organized PT. We are all required to be physically fit to do our assigned duty. You cannot deny we compete to outshine our teammates. At whatever age medical challenges may make a less strenuous or adjusted type of activity necessary. A senior officer or noncom shouldn't appear less competent because of aging where the body slows down. Facing the possibility of ridicule no matter your rank is an insult to anyone's ego. My experience at 40 was running 2 miles around the track when I was doing strength training in a gym. The best part was my unit cheering me on to make it in the allotted time. It could have gone the other way. Because I'm female, my body age may be different than a male. Brain cells, however, remain superior at any age

Response by Cpl Geoffrey Mullin made Aug 20 at 2020 4:24 PM

2020-08-20T16:24:14-04:00

Rank should not be a factor in physical fitness

Response by Cpl Geoffrey Mullin made Aug 20 at 2020 4:25 PM

2020-08-20T16:25:03-04:00

Rank should not be a factor in maintaining physical fitness.

Response by Lt Col John Culley made Aug 20 at 2020 9:50 PM

2020-08-20T21:50:01-04:00

You and your military superiors should follow the advice of your physician, who should not be connected with the military in any way so you get an unbiased medical opinion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2020 1:18 PM

2020-08-21T13:18:21-04:00

This is going to be controversial.

PT should be conducted at team and squad levels with a weekly unit level assessment of the individual teams progress. Every team and squad leader should strive to become proficient in evaluating and creating training plans that are structured to meet the individual weaknesses of the soldiers underneath them.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2020 2:51 PM

2020-08-21T14:51:14-04:00

Nobody should ever be exempt from organized PT. Military is a all for one one for all concept. if you excel in PT then you should be there to help others excel and give guidance for those that are not excelling.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2020 4:11 PM

2020-08-21T16:11:05-04:00

There should be no rank exemption from organized PT , All soldiers in the command no matter what rank from the Commander (to include stars) on down, the only exemption would be mission, mission takes precedence.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Aug 22 at 2020 10:40 PM

2020-08-22T22:40:19-04:00

Performance, not rank, should be the measuring factor. Several centuries ago when I was in college there was a PE thing referred to as the "President's Physical Fitness Test". Performance was in graduated levels from failing to passing to other layers leading to perfect. If military PT were graded in a similar manner then those who perform in the highest percentile should be allowed to condition themselves on their own recognizance, regardless of rank. Rank may have its various privileges but not participating in some regular way in PT is not one of them.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Aug 24 at 2020 12:22 PM

2020-08-24T12:22:12-04:00

Uhhh, how about never? You are in a job that requires good health and fitness, if you are trying to get out of those activities that keep you fit, then how do you plan on staying fit? Now that being said, there is the issue of profiles, which limit certain activities, but even with those some fitness activities can be done. There always to modify exercise routines to maintain fitness levels. In my 34 years I have seen many many examples of those who managed to avoid the programs and testing for whatever reasons, and the result of that was more injuries, less productive work efforts, and not to mention the appearance issues, which for me is the biggest issue. We are supposed to be a lean and mean fighting force, (Yes I know that sounds corny), and with personnel not being fit to accomplish their jobs under stressful conditions, what have you got, basically a substandard force. Bottom line, everyone needs to be required to partake in PT regardless of rank..

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Aug 24 at 2020 3:31 PM

2020-08-24T15:31:22-04:00

What does rank have to do with being physically capable to perform not only your duties, but at any time the duties of another which may far exceed your "normal" duties.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2020 7:47 AM

2020-09-03T07:47:09-04:00

i have to say, covid-19 is the best thing to happen to soldiers who prefer to do individual pt. when we are in hpcom b+, c, and c+.
organized pt is so much of a waist of time, when it comes to getting good results and progress.

now i do see why there is organized pt, some soldiers wont train and the army has standers.
those are the ones that need it.
but honestly anyone that needs organized pt to do pt, past AIT only dose pt for the army, will fall short when training takes place where pt is passed up.
i personally think if its a lifestyle then doing it solo should be fine.
also those who do it for the army and not as a lifestyle, have a higher chance for medboard as well as
when getting out to become extremely unhealthy.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Sep 4 at 2020 6:29 PM

2020-09-04T18:29:23-04:00

E 10
Officers don't count.

Response by LTC Michael Garrison made Sep 7 at 2020 11:26 AM

2020-09-07T11:26:58-04:00

If a soldier has to pass a PT test it's up to that individual to stay in shape to qualify whether he is in formation or not. Leading a PT formation is normally a Captain or Senior NCO function. Senior Officers/NCO's could form in the rear and participate as I did for many years.

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Sep 13 at 2020 2:28 AM

2020-09-13T02:28:58-04:00

At one time, nobody over 40 had to take the PT test (pushups, sit ups, two mile run). That was in 1982 - I was 39 and looking forward to not doing them, got my best ever two miles and pretty well on the others. In 1983 they changed the reg - everybody did the test, though the over-40 test was pretty lenient to keep very senior personnel from keeling over. That went away the next year, and of course I had turned 40 just in time.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Sep 14 at 2020 10:50 AM

2020-09-14T10:50:53-04:00

Organized PT should be reserved for the young warfighters. You really want old, fat senior NCOs plodding along information for allnthe world to see? That list includes old, fat WOs and Officers. As long as they pass the ht/wt and PT test required for their age group, leave then out!

Response by SN Joel Penhallegon made Sep 14 at 2020 4:33 PM

2020-09-14T16:33:45-04:00

You are exempt from organized pt when no longer serving.

Response by SSgt William Quinn made Sep 18 at 2020 9:39 AM

2020-09-18T09:39:38-04:00

Never, one team, one mission.

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Sep 18 at 2020 3:33 PM

2020-09-18T15:33:26-04:00

Well when I was in leaders did pt with the troops that shows them you are a team and not a individual.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Sep 18 at 2020 6:52 PM

2020-09-18T18:52:27-04:00

Organized PT establishes Espirit De Corps. In my opinion (and you know what they say about opinions) I wouldn's say what rank but what soldier? If you have some PT studs that score 290 or above, they can do individual PT twice a week and the other 3 days with the unit. If you have submitted paperwork and going to retire then you should be done with PT. Do it on your own if you desire but if you are in your mid to late 40's, can barely walk from all the jumps, etc. why kill yourself? You are done, move out and thanks for your service. There are probably other exceptions but do you really want to be an Army of One? TEAM and there is nothing more motivating first thing in the morning than unit runs.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2020 12:16 PM

2020-09-19T12:16:02-04:00

Never it was awesome to see First Sgt to Sgt Major out for PT with you all .

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Sep 19 at 2020 7:06 PM

2020-09-19T19:06:30-04:00

Active Duty = Active PT
Every Marine is a Rifleman from the Commandant down to E1.

Response by SPC Christopher Murano made Sep 19 at 2020 9:22 PM

2020-09-19T21:22:40-04:00

Only when they reach the exalted rank of PFC. (Private F******* Civilian)

Response by CPT Carolyn Andrews made Sep 20 at 2020 10:53 AM

2020-09-20T10:53:02-04:00

No rank should be exempt from PT. The low ranking needs to see the high ranking do the PT just like them.
Helps MORALE

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2020 12:11 PM

2020-09-20T12:11:19-04:00

I know I'm late as hell but here's my 2 cents. Squad Leaders and up shouldn't be doing unit PT.

As a Squad Leader, you should be training and selecting the best Marines as your team leaders. With that, you should be teaching them/pushing for them to go to fitness courses. Bare minimum taking Force Fitness online.

The Team Leaders will know way more about what their guys need and can tailor PT programs for them. In addition to that, not all teams are going to struggle at the same things. One team may suck at running, the other may suck at strength. Doing PT at the Squad Level is too "one size fits all" and won't correct individual deficiencies effectively. Also, while not necessarily bad at squad level, the larger the PT group, the easier it is to be cheese dicked.

If you are a Squad Leader, part of the reason you should have been put there is because you are ahead physically (among other things obviously). You should be taking care of your fitness regardless.

During the day while teaching classes and white space training as a Squad, you should be evaluating your guys on whether or not they are performing to the standard for the job. Afterward, you meet with the team leaders and come up with a PT plan to improve everyone in each team. You should be facilitating everything needed. One team needs HIIT training? One team needs strength training? Walk your ass into the company office and tell your Platoon Sergeant you need times reserved for a HIIT instructor at the HIIT gym for that team, and cut the other one loose to the gym the following week.

Your team leaders are your killhats, you are the SDI for lack of better terms. As a squad leader, you should be "daddy" so the junior Marines have a mentor/mentee relationship with you. You teach them, evaluate them, and delegate corrections to the team leaders. You are the enabler for training. You deal with the paperwork and dumb bullshit formalities so the team leaders have free reign to do what is need

But that's me. I'm huge into small unit leadership and, as a squad leader, I kept myself busy.

Response by CSM Carlos Pagan made Sep 21 at 2020 10:17 AM

2020-09-21T10:17:33-04:00

No rank! As a leader you have the obligation to leave from the front and you should be one of the most physically fit soldiers within your unit at whatever level you serving. I served at the I Battalion , brigade and the Army Alaska command Sergeant Major and in all those positions I did my daily PT with the unit. As the Army Alaska Command CSM, LTG Lovelace & I would run 4-6 miles along know unit run routes so the soldiers would see on the trails.

Response by MSgt Joseph Haynes made Sep 21 at 2020 10:26 AM

2020-09-21T10:26:26-04:00

I retired as a USAF MSgt and I was the TACP school medic. I could've stood in the stood on the side observing everything during PT, ruck marches, swims and beach PT, but I did not. Nothing garnered more respect from the instructors and students than me out there side by side doing everything. I was determined not to be that typical SNCO who stood on the side with coffee in my hand. Joining your troops has everything to do with esprit de corps, cohesion and you leading by example. When a leader embraces the "suck" along with the troops, those troops will tend respect and follow that leader over on who watches or never shows up. Yes, I was just the medic, but I had instructors and students who would've done anything I needed because they knew I cared. Be that example and that leader; your troops will do what you do.

Response by LCpl Sandy Moran made Sep 21 at 2020 12:23 PM

2020-09-21T12:23:18-04:00

I remember our company commander [cpt.] doing PT with us. I remember seeing him on the runs. He would exercise with one platoon or another then when that was done and everybody ready run with the other. It made us feel good.It showed us he too was part of the team. And would do what he wanted us to do. you know "I wouldn't have you do anything thing I wouldn't do.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2020 1:32 PM

2020-09-21T13:32:14-04:00

It shouldn't be determined by rank. If anything, it should be determined by someone's ability to stay in shape and put up good scores on their tests. High scores means you can PT alone. Low scores means you go to organized PT. Midline scores means you go once a week as long as you are showing improvement during Mock PT tests.

Response by LTC Steve Heinecke made Sep 21 at 2020 2:41 PM

2020-09-21T14:41:10-04:00

Never! Show leadership. Do PT with the troops unless there is a medical reason not to!

Response by PO1 Carlos Fortuna made Sep 22 at 2020 9:41 PM

2020-09-22T21:41:26-04:00

Never!!! It’s all about leadership by example... it’s all about building morale...

Response by COL Chris Shepherd made Sep 23 at 2020 12:48 PM

2020-09-23T12:48:05-04:00

When there's an (R) after the rank.

Response by SFC George Simons made Sep 24 at 2020 12:30 PM

2020-09-24T12:30:10-04:00

Retired but Sergeant Majors might find it hard to find a group to do PT with

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Sep 24 at 2020 1:03 PM

2020-09-24T13:03:50-04:00

Physical profile exempting them or retirement

Response by CW4 Jim Shelburn made Sep 24 at 2020 5:23 PM

2020-09-24T17:23:55-04:00

EVERY soldier, marine, sailor should be able to pass minimum physical standards to include PT. Senior NCOs, Warrant Officers, and Commissioned Officers should be setting the example. There are waivers for exceptions, but they should be few and far between.

Response by LCpl Troy Gwyn made Sep 26 at 2020 12:27 PM

2020-09-26T12:27:23-04:00

At retirement or discharge.

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made Sep 27 at 2020 3:54 PM

2020-09-27T15:54:03-04:00

There is nor rank for Pt. All active and reserve Military should do PT

Response by SSG George Duncan made Oct 13 at 2020 10:33 PM

2020-10-13T22:33:53-04:00

when they retire

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Oct 18 at 2020 8:25 PM

2020-10-18T20:25:03-04:00

I, feel know matter what the rack, personal should be doing the PT

Response by LCpl Richard Lally made Oct 21 at 2020 1:20 PM

2020-10-21T13:20:58-04:00

from what I remember from Parris Island, According to Gunny Baraca, you should be lying down with the dirt being thrown onto you

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2020 6:36 PM

2020-10-27T18:36:11-04:00

discharged civilian, then its up to you

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Oct 29 at 2020 9:20 AM

2020-10-29T09:20:35-04:00

Civilian. Cause leadership by example

Response by LTC Stephen McClain made Oct 29 at 2020 12:22 PM

2020-10-29T12:22:41-04:00

I believe that solders, regardless of their rank, should do organized PT with their unit. We can do some of our best "example setting" in those early morning hours.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2020 4:57 PM

2020-10-29T16:57:40-04:00

Warrant officer... Lol

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2020 5:11 PM

2020-10-29T17:11:22-04:00

I've never heard of being exempt from morning pt because of rank.. I have been exempt many times but it was due to the duty I had to preform and or the hours I was working.. I have had leadership call me to come to morning PT when working 6 pm to 6 am.. and I didn't think very highly of them to put it simple.

Response by LCDR Rich Bishop made Oct 29 at 2020 5:38 PM

2020-10-29T17:38:21-04:00

NONE!! While at US Special Operations Command the 4 Star led the monthly 3 mile run....

Response by Sgt John B. Gray made Oct 29 at 2020 7:33 PM

2020-10-29T19:33:52-04:00

Every active duty & reserves must all be physically fit.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2020 11:16 AM

2020-10-30T11:16:24-04:00

E-10/O-11 1st CIV DIV.

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made Oct 30 at 2020 12:52 PM

2020-10-30T12:52:32-04:00

President

Response by SSG Eric Grandon made Oct 30 at 2020 4:17 PM

2020-10-30T16:17:50-04:00

The Same Rank that they are Exempt from War

Response by MSgt Ross Baxter made Oct 30 at 2020 5:49 PM

2020-10-30T17:49:31-04:00

At retirement. If you can’t pass a PFT, you don’t need to be on active duty.

Response by LTC David Stark made Oct 30 at 2020 6:03 PM

2020-10-30T18:03:34-04:00

After they retire.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Nov 1 at 2020 12:44 PM

2020-11-01T12:44:16-05:00

I will say E-7. At that rank level, NCOs should be self motivated enough not to "need" organized PT.

Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made Nov 1 at 2020 2:37 PM

2020-11-01T14:37:14-05:00

IMO, Not at any unless incapacitated (or) Retired.

Response by SPC Corey Reichle made Nov 1 at 2020 6:07 PM

2020-11-01T18:07:55-05:00

Separated.

Response by SSG Clayton Lam made Nov 1 at 2020 8:29 PM

2020-11-01T20:29:49-05:00

None!!

Response by COL Dave Sims made Nov 2 at 2020 9:12 AM

2020-11-02T09:12:06-05:00

Don't know how to respond . Reading this my first thought was -Hilarious ! My second thought was : You have got be kidding me - esp. since it was a 1SGT who asked the question. My last PT test - two weeks before I retired after 29 years. Passed - but my knees killed me for awhile afterwards.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Nov 2 at 2020 9:48 AM

2020-11-02T09:48:39-05:00

I'm tired of this question. ANSWER: THE DAY AFTER THEY RETIRE.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Nov 4 at 2020 2:29 PM

2020-11-04T14:29:11-05:00

Your rank does not exempt you from PT you have to lead-in combat have to be physically fit to do that

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2020 10:20 AM

2020-11-13T10:20:44-05:00

None. Rank alone is not an automatic exemption from organized PT. However, we all work for somebody.... whether is a brigade commander or a GO, you may be "excused" from organized PT due to a meeting or an alternate mission.

My personal philosophy.... absent any conflicts or priorities from my boss, if there was organized PT, I always showed up, regardless of my rank.

Response by SGT(P) Troy Williams made Nov 15 at 2020 12:05 PM

2020-11-15T12:05:18-05:00

I was in the Army for 20 yrs and was never exempt from PT, untill it was time for me to retire and was on Brigade staff duty and had a day in day off schedule and no longer reported to my unit except to clear and then for my retirement ceremony.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Nov 18 at 2020 4:35 PM

2020-11-18T16:35:13-05:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner. None. The PT requirements and standards have ween watered down to nothing since the 1950’s. If a draftee can pass the PT requirements which include a lot more brutal workout the the what is no called PT, you don;t eve do PT is the Uniform you will fight in. PT has really has become pointless, really.

Response by A1C Russ Lance made Jan 10 at 2021 11:19 AM

2021-01-10T11:19:39-05:00

never, when you retire you don't have to do PT anymore

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2021 5:32 PM

2021-01-11T17:32:16-05:00

The proper rank to be exempted from PT is Civilian. A Soldier can be exempt from PT as soon as they get their DD-214.

Response by SGT Richard McArthur made Jan 26 at 2021 11:07 PM

2021-01-26T23:07:05-05:00

I'd like to suggest that no such exemption apply except to highest ranks. They should participate in some P.T. even if not organized.

Response by Sgt Ed Allen made Jan 27 at 2021 9:04 AM

2021-01-27T09:04:10-05:00

None!

If the MGYSGT (E9) that I worked with could still do his PFT and get his run time under 19 minutes for 3 miles, than NOBODY should be exempt. Besides, it sets a bad example for junior troops. Lead by example.

Response by MSgt Mayo Sifford made Jan 29 at 2021 9:24 AM

2021-01-29T09:24:01-05:00

E-10 sounds about right.

Response by SSG Bobby Richardson made Nov 29 at 2021 2:52 PM

2021-11-29T14:52:36-05:00

At the same age one becomes exempt from war?

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jan 2 at 2022 5:51 PM

2022-01-02T17:51:41-05:00

Never. Until your retired, if you can’t pull your weight you should be done. Without a medical waiver of course.