Does anyone think more soldiers may not care about declining physical fitness and their performance?

SGT David Shanley Jr. — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 15:00:27 -0400

I want to see what everyone's views about Army directive 2020-06 concerning (Army Combat Fitness Test). Especially section (4) paragraph (D) about no adverse actions administrative actions, (specifically how they perceive junior enlisted might view this). I believe many junior enlisted soldiers may take this as (NOT ALL) "free Pass' so to speak and have no concern with failing the ACFT, until it matters. Potentially not taking it seriously, I understand as leaders its our job to inspire those to be the best they possibly can. I don't believe the Army should be a cheer camp by any means. But I do believe the most important thing in leading is inspiring those to give everything max effort, as I believe it builds physical and mental strength. Please note, I'm just trying to start on open and healthy discussion about how junior enlisted might view this, and share opinions as leaders and how we can ensure that given the directive. We ensure soldiers in our ranks do not procrastinate, or otherwise take physical fitness as not having not as much as significance. I support this directive but I do believe the downside should be discussed, as when you amply the positive, the negative can reflect the same increase. Again
I will clarify so this is not taken out of context, i'm not talking down on the directive I am looking to discuss how we as leaders intend to mitigate the risk and prevent the decline of physical readiness.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2020 5:00 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 17:00:11 -0400

There are a lot of units pushing back on the ACFT so this is the Armys way of forcing the ACFT into existence whether anyone likes it or not.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2020 3:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 15:25:26 -0400

The reason they're doing that with ACFT 2.0 is because gyms were closed for 3 months. People couldn't work out - and for those of us with permanent profiles it's hard to work on the alternate events when you can't access the equipment.

I did buy a bunch of weight equipment, etc so I have been working out doing what I can. Not every soldier can afford that nor has the space for it. I did buy a rowing machine last year in July but had to send it back it didn't work. Now trying to find one like the ones in the gym is hard because production stopped due to covid. And those cost $900. But I'd rather have equipment in my home so I can keep working out.

It's extremely unwise to make it the test of record in October when everything was closed and could close again.

It's up to individuals to keep in shape. I'm sure there will be more versions of this ACFT by the time I retire in 4 years. I think we need the APFT replaced but I don't think the ACFT is it. We need something that people can easily due even if gyms get shut down. Etc. But big Army just wants people who "look" fit. They dont' care if anyone IS fit. Or they'd take better care of us when we get injured. They don't.

They need to implement the ACFT after they have the ACFT centers I read about that they plan to build that has all the equipment inside and set up. Or after they have put trainers and dietitians in units.

Honestly I was in better shape before I joined the Army than I am now. Even without working out a lot.

I'm taking it seriously even though if I fail it I won't get flagged. I have yet to take a diagnostic anyway because when they were doing them, covid hit.