Posted on Jan 10, 2016
Can you use a mat for sit-ups in the APFT? Has the regulation changed on this?
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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
Posted in these groups: 
APFT
Army Regulations
APFT Army Regulations
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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?
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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.
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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
http://www.armyprt.com/apft/instructions-for-the-apft-sit-up-event.shtml
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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.
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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.
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG, the NCOIC of the APFT was not wrong. I know it isn't clear in the original post but she posted later that she was attempting to use her sleeping mat that she was issued by CIF. That mat is not authorized, as I am sure you know, for the APFT.
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SFC (Join to see)
Yeah I saw that and changed my post. Sometimes you gotta scroll down to get the whole story.
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I was referring to the mats that are issued to us at CIF. If so, what mats are authorized to use for the APFT
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If by "MAT" you mean the sleeping mat, then the other NCO is correct. The sleep mat can not be used during APFT.
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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.
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.
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CPT Mark Gonzalez
SFC Seth Nuckols as a possible example. There are 10 lanes for testing, but for whatever reason only 3 mats were brought. The NCOIC made the decision that since everyone couldn't use them no one could. This seems fair to me and isn't like you would cancel the whole event due to the mats.
I know for myself I have had to run the 2-mile run multiple times in my career on a gradient that was outside the regulation, but if I failed It would have just be an excuse.
I guess ultimately I feel in my heart that if an NCO is doing his job to the best of his ability it is my job to back him up unless it is egregious. It may not always be the most optimal handling of a situation, but I have to allow them the experience to develop.
At the end of the day it is a stupid mat. If a soldier really thinks that mat changes anything we can just agree to disagree and they will get an opportunity to retest at a later time.
I know for myself I have had to run the 2-mile run multiple times in my career on a gradient that was outside the regulation, but if I failed It would have just be an excuse.
I guess ultimately I feel in my heart that if an NCO is doing his job to the best of his ability it is my job to back him up unless it is egregious. It may not always be the most optimal handling of a situation, but I have to allow them the experience to develop.
At the end of the day it is a stupid mat. If a soldier really thinks that mat changes anything we can just agree to disagree and they will get an opportunity to retest at a later time.
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SGT (Join to see)
>Mats will absorb your energy and most likely cause you to do less reps.
With all due respect Sir, this is absolutely incorrect. We are talking about a mat not a mattress. Physics dictates reality, and as you could argue a loss in kinetic energy - the loss would be in the low single digits percent. Discomfort/pain probably results in a loss higher than the previous loss.
With all due respect Sir, this is absolutely incorrect. We are talking about a mat not a mattress. Physics dictates reality, and as you could argue a loss in kinetic energy - the loss would be in the low single digits percent. Discomfort/pain probably results in a loss higher than the previous loss.
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CPT Mark Gonzalez
Can we agree that not all mats are equal? From my own experience I hate mats, but if you want to use one go ahead. I believe everyone has their personnel preference and I would not use any information on this site to argue with a grader during an APFT.
Her question asked “BS-ing me or should I challenge it?” I have not been on this site very long, but this is like the third or fourth posting I have seen of junior SM’s basically asking for advice on how to challenge their supervisor. I just don’t think it will end well for them as none of the situations have been egregious and RP should support the NCO support channel.
Her question asked “BS-ing me or should I challenge it?” I have not been on this site very long, but this is like the third or fourth posting I have seen of junior SM’s basically asking for advice on how to challenge their supervisor. I just don’t think it will end well for them as none of the situations have been egregious and RP should support the NCO support channel.
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