Posted on Feb 1, 2020
If an SM can’t do a 2-mile run due to a profile, why is the 5000M row even an option for the ACFT?
13.1K
47
21
4
4
0
So I’m scheduled to take an ACFT in BLC. I can do the 2 Mi event. However as a future NCO I wanted to know about the Alternate aerobic events. So I noticed it has 5000M rower, 15000M bike and 1000M swim.
My question is if a SM can’t do a 2 MI run due to a profile why is the 5000M row even an option.
Anyone who has done rowers knows it’s a full body workout. the bike and swim are extremely low stress aerobic exercise.
This post is for opinions and advice. I know there are different events based for different profiles.
My question is if a SM can’t do a 2 MI run due to a profile why is the 5000M row even an option.
Anyone who has done rowers knows it’s a full body workout. the bike and swim are extremely low stress aerobic exercise.
This post is for opinions and advice. I know there are different events based for different profiles.
ACFT
Physical Training
Master Fitness Trainer
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
16
16
0
That's exactly why it's an alternate event. It's a good cardio measure. Lots of people with bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, knee injuries, Achilles tendinitis, and compartment syndrome in their calves can't handle the impact of running but can row just fine. The row is a no impact exercise, the equipment is lighter, cheaper, more readily available, and easier to use than the specified bike as well. Anyone who would be able to walk should be able to row.
(16)
(0)
Turn it around the other way....
If a service member CAN NOT do the run, or alt event row, ride, swim, then are they really fit for deployment and combat?
If they are not fit for deployment and combat why would you want them in Army?
The point of the ACFT is to demonstrate your Army combat fitness, ready able to deploy, do your job, come home.
The alternate event is there to allow you to prove that fitness in something other then a run.
They came up with 5000M rower, 15000M bike and 1000M swim which can show you have that minimal level of acceptable combat aerobic fitness.
Alternate events were not built to say, "oh your not fit, well ok then here is an easier event"
If you do not posses the minimal fitness standard (talking permanent profile here, not temp) you should be med boarded or otherwise separated. That does not make you a bad person, just one not fit enough for military service.
If a service member CAN NOT do the run, or alt event row, ride, swim, then are they really fit for deployment and combat?
If they are not fit for deployment and combat why would you want them in Army?
The point of the ACFT is to demonstrate your Army combat fitness, ready able to deploy, do your job, come home.
The alternate event is there to allow you to prove that fitness in something other then a run.
They came up with 5000M rower, 15000M bike and 1000M swim which can show you have that minimal level of acceptable combat aerobic fitness.
Alternate events were not built to say, "oh your not fit, well ok then here is an easier event"
If you do not posses the minimal fitness standard (talking permanent profile here, not temp) you should be med boarded or otherwise separated. That does not make you a bad person, just one not fit enough for military service.
(4)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
I agree and disagree with you’ve stated, however, I’ve been on a permanent profile for a while and instead of the 2 mile run, I did the 2 1/2 mile walk. Now those who’ve had to do the walk knows it isn’t a walk in the park but it definitely satisfies the aerobic alternate event. I disagree with it being removed from the Army’s Physical Fitness. I say this to say, me not being able to run do the 2 mile run never interfered with me being able to deploy and successfully complete the deployment. I don’t swim, I’m not sure how successful I’ll be with the row event or the bike (recovering from surgery) but I know I will be able to bounce back and get back into walking because prior to surgery I was walking 23-40 miles a week.
I understand the Army is changing, however, some of the changes being made doesn’t help the Soldiers that go hard everyday who have been injured giving it their all for a service to create events that question their ability to deploy.
I understand the Army is changing, however, some of the changes being made doesn’t help the Soldiers that go hard everyday who have been injured giving it their all for a service to create events that question their ability to deploy.
(2)
(0)
4
4
0
Rowing and biking are low impact exercises vs running which is a high impact exercise that is tough on the knees and feet and back.
Still interested in seeing how they are going to handle the leg tuck for anyone with shoulder or back issues.
Still interested in seeing how they are going to handle the leg tuck for anyone with shoulder or back issues.
(4)
(0)
The reason is because if an individual can complete one of the three approved alternate events, it’s a good measure as to whether they can achieve the same results down range.
It is also a way to get rid of the individuals who are always on profile
It is also a way to get rid of the individuals who are always on profile
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
They’re effectively trying to push people out that have profiles and they’re bringing back the stigma around being broken because of the impact the army has on the body.
The most common injuries (back, knees, hips, shoulders) are directly effected by all of the ACFT events.
As if the high failure rates in the testing units weren’t eye opening enough, they’re going to get a real wake up call when the army wide failure rates start rolling in from all components.
The most common injuries (back, knees, hips, shoulders) are directly effected by all of the ACFT events.
As if the high failure rates in the testing units weren’t eye opening enough, they’re going to get a real wake up call when the army wide failure rates start rolling in from all components.
(2)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
I really feel like the ACFT is the Army’s one size fits all answer to everyone who has complained about age and gender brackets, the APFT in general, and the politically forced integration of females into positions they used not be eligible for. And they tasked some high APFT score meathead to come up with the whole thing.
It’s like the Army is giving the middle finger to just about everyone with this test.
The first time I took it a couple of mo the ago there were a couple of females in line next to my lane on the dead lift. They were both about 5 ft tall and combined might have weighed 150lbs soaking wet. My only thought was “how tf are they supposed to accomplish this, let alone some of these other events?”
It’s like the Army is giving the middle finger to just about everyone with this test.
The first time I took it a couple of mo the ago there were a couple of females in line next to my lane on the dead lift. They were both about 5 ft tall and combined might have weighed 150lbs soaking wet. My only thought was “how tf are they supposed to accomplish this, let alone some of these other events?”
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
The alternate events are there to deal with different profiles. I am sure there is an injury out there where a run is countra-indicated but rowing is perfectly okay.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
USMC was 3 miles. Max points for 18 min. Anything above 28 min. failed. It's changed a lot though. Uphill both ways, with combat load, and through a foot of snow. J/K. Pre 1965 PRT was a different story, and pretty tough. 5 events ending with 3 mile run/walk (timed), carrying weapon and with light marching pack, H-harness and 2 full canteens. Ole Corps.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Also last FRAGO I read said TRADOC schoolhouse commanders could substitute alternate event for the ACFT at their discretion if a SM could not pass an event (ie the leg tuck) to pass the school. They are given a little more wiggle room. I would say work with your cadre at the schoolhouse as I am sure they have a plan for those on profiles.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Because the row is more feasible than the bike. The bike is rough, APFT is 6.2 miles in 25 min, but the ACFT is 9.3 miles in 25 min... that’s about a 22 mph pace...
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
When I was in you could either ride the bike, or do a 2.5 mile walk.
(1)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
Per the last profile conference call I was on last weekend the walk is gone. It’s either the run the row or the swim.
(1)
(0)
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SFC Kelly Fuerhoff bummer. You have to remember Kelly it's been a few years for me.
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I know this is a year old but I will throw another curve ball. If you have a no run profile technically speaking you can’t do the SPRINT drag carry event either which is mandatory. So it sounds like a grey area in most cases. Medboard ?
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
It's all about impact. I've dodged a running profile for 6 years because the Walk is horrible, but rowing 5km is insanely easy on the knees.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
They all measure aerobic endurance and account for differing profiles that prevent running.
(0)
(0)
Suspended Profile
Different events for different profiles. It’s always been that way. My permanent profile is for sit ups only and honestly once the ACFT goes into effect I may look at having my profile removed.
Read This Next
-
Ask questionGet expert advice and
tips for your questions. -
Post updatePost pictures, personal updates, plans, or anything you like!
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google 
