How do you motivate a constant PT Failure?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:39:34 -0500

This question is mainly for those in the National Guard or a Reserve Unit.
There are a few soldiers in my unit that constantly fail the APFT, in fact in the 3 years I've been with my unit they have never once passed. I offered to do PT with them outside of drill, and even to drive up to an hour away to meet them 3 times a week. They have no self motivation, obviously their leadership isn't counseling them and they don't take it serious. What would you try to do to help motivate these soldiers?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 9:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:59:43 -0500

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member I know the feeling. The most knowledgeable medic I ever had couldn't pass PT b/c he wasn't taking care of himself physically. It comes down to remedial training, counseling, or give them the boot. If you tried to correct them and nothing works, then it's time to cut losses and get someone motivated to replace them. With RIP, we don't have the room for subpar medics. You have to train as if your buddy's life depends on it. If you're a medic, your ass better be fast because your guys need you on your game yesterday. The same goes for any other MOS.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 10:08 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 22:08:19 -0500

There are some who will never care. The ones can be made to care will start caring, when the unit starts busting down, and kicking out the ones who don't. I take exception to your statement, "Obviously leadership isn't counseling them." If there's no teeth in a counseling, eg. repeat offenders getting chaptered, or at minimum busted back and barred from re-enlistment, that counseling just becomes a piece of paper.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 10:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 22:33:22 -0500

I would suggest you cant motivate someone who is unwilling to be motivated. You can assist someone who is already motivated but experiencing challenges.