How does your Commander's performance on their PT test influence your opinion of them?

I care about effort more than score, which drives me crazy if I see a lack of from from an officer, NCO or soldier. In April I had reconstructive ankle surgery and was laid up for three months. My goal was to pass the PT test within 5 months after surgery. For one reason to set the example to the soldiers below me and show perserverence. After being released from therapy, it would hurt every step I took but kept going. When the PT test was administered at the ripe age of 36 sadly I was the first one done on the run. This next generation definitely has me very concerned. This was a PT test for soldiers who struggle with the test not the entire unit.

Running fast doesn’t make you a good leader...

My commanders are always PT studs. The are always Triple canopy as well. Our newest CO actually had ALL officer PT at the O course just to find out the physical shape of his officers. In the airborne community, we don’t accept average. Set the standard or find a new job.

How can you set the standard when you as a commander can’t pass the PT test and I have seen this happen before when I was in the Army

The way I saw it they were paper pushers. I was more concerned with there knolage of battle tactics. With that said all of my commanders could hold there own during PT. That also include my Lt's come to think about it.

The PT Test is a fact of life in the military, especially in the Army and Marine Corps and we all need to prepare. I was 53 when I took my last test a month before retirement and passed. I cannot compete with my 20 year old enlisted studs, but it's important to always prepare, lead and pass.

The only time maxing PT would really matter would be for the "new guy" 2LT - until some experience and credibility gets under the belt, that's part of the initial impression. Whether the officer turns out to be a PT stud/command dud or someone you would follow, time will tell.

Do what you can do. A GO is a GO. If you fail then don't be a dick to your troops that fail.

All my husband’s career he always maxed his pt test even as a company commander with one exception(He was sick and lost 3 points on sit ups). He was in 30 years.

I would think less if they failed. My company XO recently failed his pt test. It made me feel like I was in a shitty unit. We know when it's coming. We can prepare. I have a commander that is all about "just doing the minimum". I dont feel this is something that you should preach when you are in any type of leadership role and you have to motivate your soldiers to pass. What kind of an example are you setting?? There also should just be one standard. Having two is biased and giving preference. Besides all of that I understand that people struggled with pt. I went into the army barely passing my run. I applied myself and worked extra hard and came out with a 15 minute run time. I also have had a child since joining the army and still max everything or almost everything. You should always show your soldiers that they can achieve any goal but that they have to work for it. Nothing is free.