Can you use a mat for sit-ups in the APFT? Has the regulation changed on this?

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 19:13:34 -0500

I recently took a PT test with my National Guard unit. I went to grab the mat to do my sit up. The NCO that administered the test informed me that the mat is not authorized to do the situp. He also informs me that the regulation had changed. I want to know if he was BS-ing me or should I challenge it? Since I'm on rallypoint I have access to other Soldiers that been in longer than me. I would also know of a regulation change because I receives emails from rally point. Please let me know. Thanks

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 10 at 2016 7:21 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 19:21:09 -0500

FM 7-22, Appendix A, page A-9 says that a mat is authorized and if used, the body must be on it. The sleeping mat is not authorized. That is from the Army Publishing Directorate so that is the most current version of the FM. So yes, you can still use the mat and the NCO was wrong. In fact, it can be dangerous to do sit ups on a hard surface such as a gym floor.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 7:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 19:50:11 -0500

It depends. If it was a sleeping mat then no. You have to use a mat that is intended for use for athletic events. What kind of mat was it?

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Jan 10 at 2016 8:41 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 20:41:27 -0500

Train as you'll test. Mats will absorb your energy and most likely cause you to do less reps.
You ask about challenging it. I would say if the NCO said no mat, it is a lawful order so there is no challenging it. Focus on your training and try to replicate test conditions.

Response by CSM Chris McKeown made Jan 10 at 2016 9:37 PM

CSM Chris McKeown — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 21:37:14 -0500

Mats can be used if the commands so direct it. On a norm mats are only used on hard indoor surfaces or on pavement/cement. On fields and grassy areas no mats are used.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 10 at 2016 11:59 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 23:59:09 -0500

Mats are authorized... so long as you are completely on it. Not using a mat is not good - I have never seen an APFT not using Mats... unless it was outside on soft ground.

http://www.armyprt.com/apft/instructions-for-the-apft-sit-up-event.shtml

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Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 9:53 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 09:53:36 -0500

If by "MAT" you mean the sleeping mat, then the other NCO is correct. The sleep mat can not be used during APFT.

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Jan 12 at 2016 10:57 AM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:57:12 -0500

I was referring to the mats that are issued to us at CIF. If so, what mats are authorized to use for the APFT

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 2:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:29:14 -0500

There is no regulation change. You can choose to use a mat or to not use a mat. If you use a mat your ENTIRE body must be on the mat. Sleeping mats are unauthorized.