At what rank should Soldiers be exempt from organized PT?

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.

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.

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.

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.

None.

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.

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.....

ALL DO PT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, Unless restricted by DR orders.

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.

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.