How do we change the perception of the APFT?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 02:33:46 -0500

Physical fitness should never be viewed as a 270 plus marker but as a lifestyle. There should be more focus on the long term post military benefits of physical fitness and nutrition. When I work out, I never train to improve my APFT. I don't even have a clue how many push up and sit ups I will do or how fast I will run until my score is tallied. I'm 37 and I can roll out of bed and get a 290 plus. I see the difference in my deployed soldiers the most. Their job performance and personal attitudes have increased because of weight loss, stamina increase, and strength increase. I get it, physical fitness is just one factor when determining the potential of a future leader, but the army is viewed as a physical job. We move stuff, a lot. I feel the military failure is that we wait until a soldier is on the overweight program to educate him/her on nutrition. I just recently attended a NCOPD on the new weight control program and the PowerPoint slide was focused on if you fail tape. How many soldiers have you seen who have no ideal how to work out in the gym (fast gains lead to fast injury) or spend money on unneeded supplement when they can find it free in the food at the DFAC (meal plan). Whether a soldier is a genius or a box of rocks is irrelevant in army physical fitness, but if we shift the focus, we will shift the attitude.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 30 at 2013 9:14 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 09:14:07 -0500

This is what APRT is for...long-term & post-military benefits.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 11:58 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 11:58:16 -0500

I agree with 1SG Porter. I see it every 10 weeks here at Fort Jackson. The physcial fitness level of today's Soldier coming in the Army "for the most part" is horrible. My Platoon PT Average after taking there first APFT which is about week 2-3 of them being in BCT depending on training cycle is around a 158-175 for the winter months and in the summer cycle with the Highschool graduates it is around 165-205. There are some who come into the Army knowing that Physcial Fitness is a part of our job, and then there are those who are told that the Drill Sergeant's or the Army will get them into shape which is some what true.

Imagine being a Drill Sergeant on day 1 or even week 1 of BCT and having to give corrective training to Soldiers for unlocked wall lockers or missed formation and you can only give that Soldier no more than 5 Reps of only 10 exercises from PRT. This is a 350-6 regualtion. Some Drill Sergeants read into the regulation as they see fit, but with today's Soldiers and leaders you really have to be careful as to what you make them do.

In summary, it is unfortunate that we have to treat these new Soldiers coming in at a lower standard for PT, and it is seen when they get to AIT and there first Unit of Assignement especially active duty. It all comes down to those Phases of APRT and where there unit is in that cycle. I don't know all the answers and we had some pretty heated discussions over this in my Master Fitness Trainer Course here in Fort Jackson that I just went to a few months ago. It is what it is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 7:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 07:57:41 -0500

The question itself is vague, but there are many negative feelings about the APRT. When I was in my 20's PT was a breeze but now that I'm in my 40's it's a painful process. Each individuals genetics plays a large part in how they develop and their job in the Army has a large part in the damage done to joints and such. I agree that today's generation for the most part is lazy and out of shape. They have all these electronics that allow for a sedentary lifestyle which compounds the issue.

One bad perception of the APRT is that it is an indication of leadership and far too often used as a selection process. PT is an individual duty and it is our personal responsibility to meet the standard. People are far too often placed on a pedestal because they have a high PT score which is no indication of knowledge or ability. I know many gym rats that could bench press a Hyundai but have the IQ of a Q-tip.

The Army standard is 180 points, that means passing the test and is perfectly acceptable to all levels of the NCOES. However many leaders mistreat and degrade a soldier for 180 points. Heck I'm glad they passed, I don't have to answer for that. If it's good enough to get into the Sergeants Major Academy it should be good enough anywhere. If a person wishes to achieve a higher score then they must train for it but that is a personal choice and should not be viewed any differently than those who meet the Army standard. It is illogical to belittle a soldier who has done exactly what the Army asked.