If you earned the APFT Badge, would you wear it?

2014-02-27T11:34:27-05:00

In today's army, we harp on pushing PT and scoring as high as we can. Sometimes even pushing soldiers until they get injured. Then when someone earns an APFT Badge they never are awarded it, wear it or sometimes would be advised not to wear it. If we push this hard on PT and a soldier earns a Badge why shouldn't they wear it? Would you? I mean, when we PCS we get an award just for PCSing and you take pride in wearing that award. So why not take pride in wearing the APFT Badge when you earned it. Why is it so down played?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 12:24 PM

2014-02-27T12:24:50-05:00

I've seen that when you wear it, people tend to think that you just trying to stand out or be that guy. Also people expect you to be a BEAST every time you conduct PT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 2:46 PM

2014-02-27T14:46:08-05:00

I wear mine to show my Soldiers that if I can earn it after so many years in service and my age, they sure can do it too

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 6:22 PM

2014-02-27T18:22:53-05:00

I think it is a matter of preference, would I wear it probably not; however I will not and do not judge people who do. But all in all it is each persons personal preference.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 9:19 PM

2014-02-28T21:19:20-05:00

Yes I would wear it, hell I earned it why not wear it and be proud to show your Soldiers hey I worked for mine , let me get you there so you can get yours and pass it on. It also comes down to Leadership putting you in for it, sometimes I believe some have forgotten the PT Badge which at one time was a coveted patch within a Unit for you setting physical challenges for others to follow and achieve, while separating you from your peers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 9:51 PM

2014-02-28T21:51:26-05:00

I never wore it when I qualified for it. If you fail to qualify at some point you will have a nice non faded spot on your uniform where your patch used to be.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 10:47 PM

2014-02-28T22:47:10-05:00

I can't remember a time I didn't qualify for it. But I've never worn it. However, when I was a squad leader, I'd recognize in front of the boys the guys who earned it. I'd also recognize the guys with the highest score for individual events.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 10:41 AM

2014-03-01T10:41:35-05:00

270 is the standard, so wearing it in my unit would be kinda pointless.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 8:34 PM

2014-03-01T20:34:21-05:00

I've earned mine for the last couple years. I have never worn it because I don't need a badge to prove I'm good at PT. Does everyone in my unit know I'm good at PT? Yeah, because they only see me on Mondays because I'm exempt the rest of the week. Mind you an AIT instructor so everyone in my company is a SSG or higher, so I do not have Soldiers like a normal unit, otherwise you bet your ass I'd be at PT daily because I love doing PT with Soldiers. However the folks I work with now are NCOs, it's their responsibility to pass their APFT. If someone were to ask for help I'd be more than willing to oblige. But back to the original question about the PT badge, I don't wear it because there's no reason to do so.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 8:34 PM

2014-03-01T20:34:23-05:00

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 9:21 PM

2014-03-01T21:21:33-05:00

I use to wear mine. The problem is the price. It is expensive to put a PT badge on all you shirts and jackets. The patch alone is like 8 bucks. Even if you get it awarded by your unit they are only going to hand you one. So you have to buy the rest. It is just to pricey to wear it. Now if it was something I could pin on and take off I would wear it everyday.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 11:26 PM

2014-03-01T23:26:34-05:00

I would love to wear it, as it symbolizes my recovery from my torn calf muscle (not the best of times), but as I have seen, with it comes a sort of stigma, or inferiority. I do think a pre-req should be added (ie minimum of 285 points) rewarding those who can score 100 in one or more events.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 10:39 AM

2014-03-02T10:39:53-05:00

Honestly I would not wear it. It's more of a personal accomplishment than anything else. Also I shouldn't have to wear a badge for someone to be able to look at me and tell that I am in shape. I have heard similar responses from Drill Sergeants. I have only seen 1 person ever wear the badge, and to be completely honest I thought he was a total douche.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 1:09 PM

2014-03-02T13:09:43-05:00

People down play it because others see it and task us out to carry the Colors or guideon just because we are "PT studs". Yes it is an honor to carry the Colors or guideon during a run but the guideon barrier should be running with it if he was choosen for that additional duty. But if you earn the patch wear it just stop making the Soldiers who earned it pick up the slack for the Soldiers just doing the minimum.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 1:24 PM

2014-03-02T13:24:29-05:00

Hell No! I've technically had mine for years, and I've never given so much as a second thought about putting it on. Those things just scream vanity. It's definitely the last thing I give a damn about at 0630 in the morning when I'm trying to run off my squads collective hangover.

"Hey, did you see Johnny got his PT Badge?"

"And...he must be able to do a lot of push-up's. How terrible is he at his job that he gets smoked all the time?"

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 1:58 PM

2014-03-02T13:58:43-05:00

Go ahead and wear it day to day. I'd hold off on wearing it to an APFT, though. We've all seen the disgruntled NCO graders who haven't scored above 220 since they were an E4 and resent the hell out of anyone demonstrating how NOT to be a total slacker. And they're gonna teach that young stud with the patch a lesson! "...9...10...11...11...11...11..."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 9:31 PM

2014-03-02T21:31:46-05:00

All I am saying is that I have never seen anyone wear one to a school and I have been to a few, WLC, ALC, SAPPER, Drill SGT School, Airborne, and Master Fitness.... That is quiet a few PT test and you know in the Army you have to take a PT test prior to going to a school. Even as a Drill Sergeant now I do not wear one. Like someone stated above I don't want to be that guy, am I a 300 PT scorer?? No not all the time.. most the time I am around a 282-288, I leave the PT badge wearers to those 300 and above.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 9:47 PM

2014-03-02T21:47:11-05:00

As a lower enlisted Soldier I can say that I have yet to obtain the PT Badge. I've seen a small handful of Soldiers wearing their PT badge which in turn has told me, "If you want it, you can have it" and that's been my mentality since. With that being said, I can honestly say that when I earn my first PT Badge, I will most definitely display that badge proudly to show my peers that every Soldier can obtain it.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 10:21 PM

2014-03-02T22:21:25-05:00

I would as long as I was comfortably above the minimum requirement. I can't imagine a bigger PT related shame than not wearing the badge from one morning onto another because I ran ten seconds slower.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 10:29 PM

2014-03-02T22:29:34-05:00

Because when you wear the uniform you are expected to be in excellent shape, you shouldn't need a badge to show other soldiers you can score a 270. EVERYONE should be aiming for a 300 regardless of MOS or rank.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 2:41 PM

2014-03-28T14:41:28-04:00

I think its all personal preference. Some soldiers will be proud of it, and worked hard to earn it, so they'll wear it. Others are natural PT studs, won't really care, may or may not wear it. Others will worry about being "that guy" and won't wear it. I just think wearing it in country kinda makes you "that guy" when you're the only one on the FOB at the gym with PT badges on everything. Kinda like the guy in country that rocks his CAB around. (my poor attempt at an over the internet joke.)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2014 4:32 AM

2014-03-29T04:32:04-04:00

I or my 6 guys that can wear it right now don't, I've never advised anyone not to wear it. I think my mindset is that it is expected of you that you maintain a high standard and that's why I don't personally wear it

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 6:28 PM

2014-04-25T18:28:16-04:00

You guys have a badge for a physical fitness test? Somebody post a picture please so I can see this thing! You wear this on your utility uniform and dress uniform?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 4:50 PM

2014-04-27T16:50:21-04:00

Qsg, all he is saying is what we all have seen, people will make that sm with the patch fail to meet 290 just so the grader can make a point that the sm with the patch "didnt deserve"the badge in the firat place... He makes a sound point

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 23 at 2014 9:42 AM

2014-06-23T09:42:08-04:00

No, you are not a tool for wearing any Badge you EARN! In this case it is a Badge for being better than the average Soldier in PT. Since you can only wear it as long as you continue to qualify for it, unlike many others, I believe it is a Badge you can be really proud of earning. Display it if you earn it, strive for excellence if you have not earned one.

No I have not earned a Physical Fitness Badge in the Army.
Yes I would wear one to motivate my troops. During PT, especially after 20 years in the Navy, I always did my best to motivate my Sailors and often (usually) finished well before the youngsters. Once I had 20 plus in, I was finishing PT better than many who had been born AFTER I joined the Navy, go figure that one out!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 23 at 2014 9:51 AM

2014-06-23T09:51:28-04:00

While I agree with MCPO Treants on the fact that you earned the badge, I never really saw many people wear it nor have I seen a unit actually present it like it would any other award. Now, others might have a different experience but that is what I saw. I say if you earned it, wear it but just know, the moment you don't continue maintaining that standard, it has to come off your shirt.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 23 at 2014 9:52 AM

2014-06-23T09:52:08-04:00

Not any more than being a "tool" for wearing the German Army Sports Badge. If you earn it, wear it proudly.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 10:46 AM

2014-06-23T10:46:30-04:00

Sir,

HELL NO you are not. People try to discourage other Soldiers from wearing it because most of them can not attain it. I dont wear mine because I dont feel like paying to get it put on my PT shirts and jackets. If they had a pin on I would wear it everyday.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jun 23 at 2014 10:49 AM

2014-06-23T10:49:49-04:00

Is the phrase 'tool' now taught to our future leaders?

Please clarify what you mean by 'tool' or use a more professional word/phrase in your title.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 1:29 PM

2014-06-23T13:29:36-04:00

I have mine on one shirt but I don't use it.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-06-24T11:34:00-04:00

What is APFT for those of us that don't know....

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jun 24 at 2014 12:08 PM

2014-06-24T12:08:55-04:00

Now, you see, Marines don't have badges. We don't wear unit, MOS, or anything else. Its pretty much standard uniform, except for rank and time in service stripes . When it comes to PT though, the standards are there, and you either do it well, or you stay at one rank forever.
I had a back injury, so I couldn't run, and the rule at the time was that if you could perform two of the three, you had a chance at making the grade to go up in rank, but I couldn't manage the sit ups either, so it pretty much made me a 'terminal rank'.
Considering the idea of having a badge that you'd worked incredibly hard to attain, I think I'd wear it with pride, but the other side of that, is that I worked hard at becoming a Marine... and even harder to stay a Marine, so to me, the only 'atta-girl' I needed was the pride of wearing that uniform and doing my job... but that's just me...

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 1:32 PM

2014-06-24T13:32:17-04:00

APFT Badge not applicable to me and being retired and of course being a Sailor. Being retired I’ve let all ribbons, medals and pin rest in the shadow box no ball caps, t-shirts or retired stickers not even a tie tack love my service and when they pun out to pasture I've enjoyed the hay in my field.

When I see the Army uniform they have several pins, badges and markings that shames the Las Vegas Neon. I’m proud of those men and women display their accomplishments and makes for interesting ice breakers when I say “what the heck is that?”
I would think that if the solder is truly fit a person could tell from the way the solder looks in and out of uniform and adding another pin or flash to their uniforms would be just another opportunity for more airport ice breakers.
Thanks for be battle ready and your great service to our country.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jun 28 at 2014 8:49 PM

2014-06-28T20:49:27-04:00

I have never worn mine on any PT uniform. I actually have not seen anyone with one lately either now that I think about it. It is a personal preference that most I know just choose not to wear it. Either way, I think its just fine for those who do wear it each day.

Response by Cadet CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 11:20 AM

2014-07-01T11:20:32-04:00

I think for me and you, we should not boast about it. If everyone else is wearing it cool, if not, then do not wear it. We are training to lead and guide those below us, so they in turn look to us. At least in my school, a 290 pt score is the standard. So, if you are bragging or boasting about your new award, you're bragging about being standard.

Response by SGT Chris Deets made Jul 24 at 2014 12:44 PM

2014-07-24T12:44:40-04:00

In the Infantry our NCOs always said 270 is the standard, so if you earned the badge you were just doing what was expected of you. There was a strong culture of discouraging anyone from wearing it. If you asked someone they might have said it was something Non-Combat Arms people might wear since they weren't really much into PT (at least at the level we were). It would have been cool to wear since I worked hard to earn it, but everyone would have thought I was, yes, a tool.

Response by SGT Chris Deets made Jul 24 at 2014 12:44 PM

2014-07-24T12:44:51-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-01-19T16:52:05-05:00

Yes I will proudly wear especially if you achieve the score of 300. It is so difficult to get and not a lot of people can.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 4:53 PM

2015-01-19T16:53:57-05:00

Yes abosutely especially if you achieved the score of 300. Getting a 300 is very hard to achieve and you should be proud wearing that APFT badge because you deserve it!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-01-19T17:10:52-05:00

Absolutely YES, especially if you achieved the score of 300. Getting a 300 on an APFT is extremely difficult to get and I would wear mine proudly plus it also help motivate your younger Soldiers to try an beat your score.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jan 24 at 2015 11:34 AM

2015-01-24T11:34:46-05:00

Earned it, never did and won't now due to not being able to maintain that status.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-01-24T17:09:56-05:00

Nope.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 8:51 PM

2015-02-03T20:51:40-05:00

I wouldn't or I'll have to maintain my fitness just to keep the badge

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-03-21T09:42:05-04:00

When I was in AIT I earned my pt patch. I remember supply telling me when i did it they would give me some and they did. Then fighting to wear it. Then for two years I didn't get a 90 90 90 or even close. Just yeaterday I earned it back and yes it it getting sewn on.

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made Jun 6 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-06-06T13:12:17-04:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member , I always wanted to achieve the badge as an enlisted Soldier because it communicated that I strive for excellence in PT. as an officer, I was told that officers are always expected to strive for excellence and therefore do not wear the APFT Badge or weapons qualification badges.

That said, I do not have mine sewn on in order to avoid the irk of those (peers) who haven't earned theirs.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 6 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-06-06T13:16:06-04:00

I earned it but chose not to wear it. I didn't think I needed to wear a badge to show Soldiers I could PT.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2016 1:28 AM

2016-10-17T01:28:40-04:00

Yes, I have maintained it for 8 years. I thought it was especially important during company command to reward those Soldiers who trained and excelled during the APFT.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 12:17 PM

2017-10-26T12:17:11-04:00

I've saw a PL wear it one time like 18 years ago and my PLT SGT lit into him. Never seen one wore again, besides PLDC. I think the theory behind it is "of course you maxed your PT test. That's what you're suppose to do.

Response by SSG Marshall Paul made Oct 26 at 2017 12:33 PM

2017-10-26T12:33:21-04:00

Nah. Boring. Job description calls for it.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Oct 26 at 2017 1:18 PM

2017-10-26T13:18:03-04:00

I cant remember the last time I wore Army PTs. Oh yeah ANCOC, 2005.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2017 1:38 PM

2017-10-26T13:38:25-04:00

Because the standard is weak. Everyone in the Army should be scoring 270 or above. A 180 is just plain pathetic.

Response by CPO Paul Klein made Mar 3 at 2018 12:07 PM

2018-03-03T12:07:18-05:00

As this is an Army specific medal, I don’t feel qualified to answer, but I do believe seniors should set the example for their people.

Response by 1SG David Akerson made Mar 4 at 2018 5:38 PM

2018-03-04T17:38:34-05:00

Because you are EXPECTED to be physically fit in the military and most are. You shouldn't get awards for just making routine standards.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 8:21 PM

2018-03-04T20:21:10-05:00

Absolutely you should wear it. But you should look at it as a leadership badge. Use your skills to motivate others to be the best they can be.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 9:57 PM

2018-03-04T21:57:06-05:00

He'll I'd wear one sir but I've not achieved one yet. Pretty cool to see a 15Q become a WOC congrats. -15Q In Training

Response by LTC Charles Hamilton made Mar 5 at 2018 1:39 AM

2018-03-05T01:39:15-05:00

You what!!!?? Get an award for PSCing?? Are you shittinge h

Response by LTC Charles Hamilton made Mar 5 at 2018 1:43 AM

2018-03-05T01:43:21-05:00

You get an award for PCSing? You must be kidding! Is that like a participation ribbon? Incredible!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2018 11:34 PM

2018-03-05T23:34:17-05:00

I didn't wear mine, and most in my unit don't wear theirs. Mainly because everyone questions it.

Response by SGT Maximo Sebastian made Sep 9 at 2019 10:07 PM

2019-09-09T22:07:30-04:00

What kind of question is that?

You earn it
C'mon man!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 10:37 AM

2019-09-10T10:37:03-04:00

I wouldn't wear it. But it's not for any other reason then that I don't like being flashy all the time. This is my opinion of course, I can see a reason for lots of people wearing it. Just not my personal cup of tea.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 11:07 AM

2019-09-10T11:07:06-04:00

One you do not always get a PCS award. Two the pt badge doesn’t count for promotion points. Last thing is you do not have to ware your awards or badges

Response by SFC David Warren made Sep 10 at 2019 1:39 PM

2019-09-10T13:39:56-04:00

As a retired vet from the 60’s we didn’t get our first stripe until we were E 3’s. I think there are to many that’a Boy ribbons and awards given out. As a Vietnam vet my proudest moment was when I got my CIB. Just my opinion

Response by SGT Chris Gibbs made Sep 10 at 2019 2:39 PM

2019-09-10T14:39:13-04:00

I sucked at running so I didn’t have to worry about it lol !!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 5:18 PM

2019-09-10T17:18:03-04:00

Been in the army 21 years and I think I’ve seen one or two soldiers wear it.

Response by PFC Michael Hewettdafif made Sep 10 at 2019 5:34 PM

2019-09-10T17:34:44-04:00

Nah pt is gay

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-09-10T17:48:49-04:00

I wore it when I first earned it as a private in the regular army. After I went to the Ranger Regiment I never though of wearing it because everyone has a minimum of a 290 on the PT test. I believe that the standard should be 300 and if you don’t get a 300 you are not achieving the standard. I never scored below 300 during my entire 22 year career and even gave myself a PT test just to see where I was right after retirement and was still able to score a 311. I believe having a badge for doing your job is a waste. Way to many awards are given out for nothing and then lots of times when a high valorous award is warranted it is never given. The system is backwards.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 7:59 PM

2019-09-10T19:59:32-04:00

Ya’ll get an award for PCSing!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 8:38 PM

2019-09-10T20:38:42-04:00

I earned the APFT badge once. Then I realized it meant absolute shit. The Army gives out to many bullshit badges.

Response by SPC Michael Bolarakis made Sep 10 at 2019 9:59 PM

2019-09-10T21:59:03-04:00

The attitude is geared against the award, do to a culture of insecurity amongst physically less capable members of the organization. I could not achieve the award, though I’m not so insecure as to pretend like the accomplishment is meaningless.

Response by PO2 Loren Gilmore made Sep 10 at 2019 11:10 PM

2019-09-10T23:10:20-04:00

Maybe its the Squid in me coming out but you soldiers seem to have so really messed up rules on what you can wear on your uniforms and cant wear. I respect you all very much for everything that you do but hell, you have to carry a rule book in one of your pockets just to keep straight. Doc Gilly.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 5:50 AM

2019-09-11T05:50:16-04:00

1) you wear it. You earned it. The minimum is so low to pass.

2) I can see why many won’t. The APFT had a top scale that many people could still overdrive. The top score wasn’t the top. You were still average shape if you scored a 90< in all events. You also lost it if you didn’t earn it again. The award didn’t have a consecutive add on pike most awards do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 10:43 AM

2019-09-11T10:43:02-04:00

I honestly think the whole PT scoring system should be done away with. There is to much emphasis on individual accomplishment, rather than the overall fitness and ability of the unit to accomplish its mission. The APFT/ACFT should be a go/no go task. Focus on the unit not the individual.

Response by CPT Blake Ruggiero made Sep 11 at 2019 11:02 AM

2019-09-11T11:02:27-04:00

You don’t need a badge for people to see that you’re in shape. You’re PT “Award” is looking fit, more promotion points on your packet, eligibility for advanced schools, and improved performance during FTXs. You can SEE who’s fit, you don’t need a badge to tell. Especially since I know guys with lower PT scores that absolutely gas some of our 300+ soldiers during field ops. Different kind of fitness.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 5:14 PM

2019-09-11T17:14:54-04:00

If a soldier earns this badge, then is no longer qualified to wear it, they would have to replace each shirt and jacket on which it is sewn.

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made Sep 11 at 2019 5:56 PM

2019-09-11T17:56:10-04:00

Give this sort of thing a rest.

Response by Cpl Gary Baker made Sep 11 at 2019 11:11 PM

2019-09-11T23:11:32-04:00

No marines don't need all those ribbons

Response by SSG Roger Rathert made Sep 12 at 2019 3:13 PM

2019-09-12T15:13:31-04:00

It took me 12 year's to earn mine and I never had to take it off for the rest of my career. As a Drill Sergeant my peers and privates respected the badge.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2020 5:41 PM

2020-01-26T17:41:59-05:00

Most won't wear it, but you can be your bottom dollar that they would wear the GAFPB proudly.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2020 6:33 PM

2020-01-26T18:33:47-05:00

Soldiers who earn the APFT badge of Excellence need to stay away from thinking they will be tasked to be the "go to guy or gal" when fitness requirement training, etc arise. First if all, if they are capable enough to push hard and earn the award, then why be scared to wear it and wear it proudly? They are considered to be in excellent shape, so they should be paraded around to motivate others who aren't to push even harder. Increase fitness gradually as not to injure yourself. But let's be honest, there are individuals who are meant to earn it and others that aren't. I'd wear it proudly and take ownership to make the rest of my unit to be better physically in the process.