How can I prevent being chaptered for my APFT failure?

2019-01-14T17:47:21-05:00

I failed second apft test. Im not looking to be chaptered out. I made strides to improve the area I failed.
I failed my run, which I have never done before.. because of Shin splits feeling like stress fractures. I informed 1SGT five days out I was concerned about my run and not the apft failure event, Push Ups. I was under impression after the test you can go to sick hall. So I tried to tough it out. I read the regulation. I get why I am being processed now.
Is this a defense to fight the chapter? During the ninety days I was given to prepare for a retest...I was never administered a Diagnostic every Thirty days. even after my appointment I imagine shin splits is a separation of its own Standing.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Jan 14 at 2019 6:10 PM

2019-01-14T18:10:50-05:00

Not sure how this will play out as far as an appeal goes. I would imagine they should look over your records and see a passing soldier who had a bad day.

However, there is most likely a great deal more involved, and I don’t think a potential outcome can be predicted for this as there is much more information that needs to be gathered.

I’m tagging a few people who may be able to help. I encourage those I tagged in this to communicate via messages.

This is your livelihood, after all, and with all the ones who are trying to leave, it is sad that would treat someone who wants to be a soldier like this.

Can anyone help SPC Private RallyPoint Member out?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs,SPC Douglas Bolton,Brig Gen Jim Jaeger,CPT Jack Durish,Maj Marty Hogan,SPC Christopher Smith,Lt Col Charlie Brown,Cpl Scott McCarroll,SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth,SP5 Mark Kuzinski,PVT Mark Brown,SGT Elizabeth Scheck,PFC Jacob Wrubel,MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy,SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL,SSG William Jones,TSgt Joe C.,SSgt Robert Marx, LTC Stephen F.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2019 8:31 PM

2019-01-14T20:31:13-05:00

To make sure I understand this correctly, you failed the push-up of dents on one PT test, and then after 90 days you were administered another PT test in which you failed the Run. Is that correct?
Were you counseled after the first APFT failure? In that counseling statement did they advise you that you could be separated from service if you fail a second PT test? If so, you went in to this APFT knowing that if you failed it you could be chapter. Shin splints is an excuse and if it was that severe you should have gone to sick call. The commander has the discretion, but if you come to him with these excuses I suggest he will likely proceed.
If you made significant improvement on the push ups, and if you improved your sit-ups during that 90-days the commander may consider giving you another opportunity. However, unless you made significant improvement it is questionable.
Whether or not you were given a diagnostic APFT during the 90-day. Is not relevant with regard to the chapter. However I'm sure that there are some folks who would read this and believe it is relevant with regard to leadership. However, that does you no good.
Quite frankly, I don't know why someone didn't advise you to go on sick call, but there's always more to every story.
It is always worth the effort if you want to stay.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 14 at 2019 10:27 PM

2019-01-14T22:27:12-05:00

Based on what you have provided, nothing would give you a case to reverse the process. If you are serious and otherwise a good Soldier please with your command team and commit to eecelling in the future. You have to give them a reason to support. Thank you for your service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2019 2:58 AM

2019-01-15T02:58:06-05:00

This is hard to answer without full details and more information.
Do you still have shin splints? I made a workout for myself when I had them. I iced and rolled my shins all the time, while strengthening my calves as much as I could.
If or when you feel ready to pass (or even if you do not) maybe you could talk to your NCOs and try
to retake a PT test until you pass. It would show you cared and you willing to try. (I am not saying that you do not care and are not trying, just saying its a positive way to try to resolve this).

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 15 at 2019 7:45 AM

2019-01-15T07:45:26-05:00

OK, to prevent being put out for an APFT failure you have to pass it. That's about it.
No, shin splints will not put you out of the Army. If it did, half the Infantry would be medically discharged at one point or the other. My experience is that it's either your shoes, the most likely culprit, or your running technique may be bad. Find a running shop and have them fit you up with some shoes that are suited to your gait and body style. I over pronate and my calves hurt constantly until I was fitted with the right shoe.
I would sit down with my chain of command and outline a course of action to correct your failure. A lot of that will depend on if the chain of command feels you are worth the effort.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2019 4:43 PM

2019-01-15T16:43:43-05:00

It's really at command discretion if they decide to chapter you out. Just think, if failing 2 APFT's were Soldiers quick ticket out the Army, then they would have to reinstate the draft because everyone would try to fail to get out...Commands only chapter if it benefits them... Since you get shin splints when running, I suggest going to sick call and get walking profile for alternate event. Don't worry about the pride thing, you have a career to protect.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2019 5:51 PM

2019-08-01T17:51:29-04:00

Update* 01AUG2019
Thank you all for your input. I was able to use your all’s input and pass an APFT having the chapter dismissed!
Thank you all again for taking the time to give me your take on the situation I put myself In.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2020 12:54 AM

2020-05-01T00:54:48-04:00

If you were counseled for the failure, and given a second record APFT within 90 days, then there is nothing you can really do. The regulation reads will be, not has to be. The best way to prevent being chaptered is to not fail

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 1 at 2020 4:56 AM

2020-05-01T04:56:56-04:00

Regulations are quite clear. fail two consecutive APFT's and a chapter will be processed - wait - this is over a year old - why is this near the top of my feed?