Is it possible for every Soldier (not on profile) to score a 300 on the APFT?

2014-04-17T21:56:10-04:00

Everyone has a limit right?  If not we could all be gold medalist in the 100m dash.  But is it possible no matter how hard someone works they will never reach a 300?<div>If so, is that fair since a APFT score is used directly to determine whether someone will or will not get promoted based off of their total score.</div><div>For example someone who's cut-off for promotion to SSG is 790.  They are maxed out on everything but their APFT.  No matter what they can't run a sub 13:00 2 mile.</div><div>Maybe APFT scores should be used on a broader scale.  Like points go up for every 30 point difference in score.  i.e. 270 and up would be max promotion points.</div>

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 10:02 PM

2014-04-17T22:02:30-04:00

Not everyone can achieve this. Plain and simple. I do however agree that the points should be important but not weighed soley on that. But if that were to happen junior enlisted will need evals to help commanders decide who and when to recommend for promotion.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 17 at 2014 10:15 PM

2014-04-17T22:15:21-04:00

Yes, Soldiers can overcome personal limits and can achieve a 300 on an APFT.

Just like any other test, some will just have to work harder at it.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 17 at 2014 11:18 PM

2014-04-17T23:18:46-04:00

It's very disturbing to see all these 'No' votes.

I'd be curious to see how many 'No' votes have attained a 300 on their APFT.

PERSONAL STORY: At ANCOC (2006), I 'earned' a 218 on the APFT...I was embarrassed, but my previous leadership and team did not put an emphasis on APFT.

My next assignment (which I knew was coming during ANCOC), I was going to be working for a 'PT FREAK'...I was nervous. After only a day at my new assignment, we went to the gym EVERY DAY at lunch. Within 2 months I scored a 291 and 6 months later I was scoring 325 (extended scale, if there was one) and have consistently scored a 300 for the next 6 years (so far).

Why? I was assigned to leaders that emphasized, encouraged and lead by example when it came to healthy living. I have benefited ever since.

My last APFT (last month at the US Army Sergeant Major Academy) I scored a 287. Could I have scored higher? Yes, but I didn't work as hard (studying was more important).

The point is...we ALL have the ability (aside from injuries), but it's how we CHOOSE to live up or exceed our personal abilities that will determine our APFT score.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 11:24 PM

2014-04-17T23:24:14-04:00

Seriously have seen people put down a goal and achieve it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 11:28 PM

2014-04-17T23:28:38-04:00

Not all bodies allow us to perform in a certain way or due to other things not covered by profiles allow us to get that extra pushup or situp. Example not all Soldiers can run face due to lung problems. It is not a profile, but with all the stuff that they have smoked or may have breathed in theater they do not have the capacity to breathe fast enough and deep enough to run 1300 2 mile. PT test is just another way to set some people up higher than others.

Here is a spin. If we could and if we all did score 300s what would the discriminator be for getting specialty schools and higher ratings? I notice in a lot of ROTC schools and the "summer camp" we had almost everything (to include our field training) graded based on our AFPT scores. AFPT has nothing to do if I can do a recon, but it somehow snuck in to oh you did not get a 300 like this guy so you get a S and he gets an E. Oh you have a 250 you cannot go to air assault...etc. What is it that makes most thing that PT badge means that these Soldiers will succeed anywhere else? They just might be able to out perform on the track but get everyone killed or be dumb as a brick and not know the Soldier's Creed at the Best Warrior Competition. Just my thoughts as someone who would rather have someone who can do their job and is physically fit enough to drag my butt out of a burning vehicle if we get hit and return fire than having someone who can get a 300 on one test.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 11:52 PM

2014-04-17T23:52:45-04:00

The APFT is a "broad" paint brush that is used to try to lump a large variety of personnel into defineable criteria. However, as stated, there are people who simply never will run a 13:00 minute 2-mile. I do believe that almost anyone can max their pushups. Situps, as you get older (trust me - I know) just get harder and harder to max. I agree that promotion points could be awarded on a broader scale, but I'd say for every 10 point or 20 point difference, and if you can super-max pushups and/or situps, but can't run, then the extra pushup/situp points could be used to make up some of the difference with the run.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 12:00 AM

2014-04-18T00:00:50-04:00

Definitely possible, challenging, but possible

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 1:42 AM

2014-04-18T01:42:17-04:00

Looking at the question several time over, it would be a question of "peak performance" Could I probably achieve more on my APFT?
Yes, I could with more training for it.
I'm pretty healthy and young for for such a feat.

I think the question is rather loaded to the point to include every soldier (excluding profile) as smoking or sustaining things from deployments which would not meet profiles. I would then turn to healthy soldiers, the ones physically able to meet in all three areas and have that conversation.

In addition, I feel as the soldier who is honestly able to reach their peak performance (whichever number that is) due to dedication and training for their background should feel good about themselves and therefore make the APFT less of a numbers game and more as a measurement of the dedication a soldier has in addition to their warrior tasks and drills.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 8:19 AM

2014-04-18T08:19:24-04:00

So I am going to answer the question with a 2 part response.

1 Yes I think everyone is capable of attaining a 300 on the PT test.

2 I do not think that giving the PT test a broader range for promotion points makes any sense. Essentially you are just changing the max to 270. Why would a Soldier try for a 300 if a 270 is the same score. It would be like the extended scale and mean nothing.

If a Soldier wanted promotion; I mean really wanted it they would find a way to get that 300. Would it be far to say that because I suck at the range I should get the same score for my 34 out of 40 as a 40 out of 40 Solider gets. No way. I should try harder, get some mentorship, and some practice.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 8:25 AM

2014-04-18T08:25:53-04:00

I have never scored a 300 on my PT test, but I have been really close. With that said, I know if I trained a bit more on just the PT test, I could. I am going to vote yes because if you want it bad enough, you can achieve it.

Response by SSG Andre Jones made Apr 18 at 2014 8:45 AM

2014-04-18T08:45:03-04:00

Anything is possible if you put in the time and effort.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-04-18T09:12:14-04:00

Its not impossible but it takes hard work and determaniatioin and a lot of sacriface but it can be acheieved

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 18 at 2014 9:17 AM

2014-04-18T09:17:04-04:00

I agree. I tried for years to get a 300 before I finally said f it! Would miss sit-ups, next id miss push-ups. and when I was a younger man and active duty I ran a 12:14 was my fastest. So the APFT at a 270 cut off I think would Even the playing field for us that bust our a$$ to do what we get to the ones that are naturally PT STUDS!

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Apr 18 at 2014 9:19 AM

2014-04-18T09:19:28-04:00

Only if they take the written portion of the test.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 18 at 2014 9:53 AM

2014-04-18T09:53:39-04:00

Assuming we can choose who is in the platoon, yes. Army wide, no. Indiscriminately throughout a unit, no.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 18 at 2014 9:58 AM

2014-04-18T09:58:15-04:00

No, some people are dealing with body issues that have made it next to impossible. I for example suffered some pretty bad knee damage while I was in. I have bone-on-bone contact in my right knee. Just the act of walking is painful but every PT test I did I would run the 2 miles (probably not the smartest move). My Soldiers knew that I had a bad knee but they never saw me stop to walk or take a break. I ran as fast as I could to get around the track within the allowed time. Was I skating on the line between pass and fail? You bet I was. But I did push myself and I worked hard to maintain my push up and sit up scores because I needed those to carry my test.

Response by SSG Christopher Settembrino made Apr 18 at 2014 11:58 AM

2014-04-18T11:58:59-04:00

I believe that through hard work everyone can attain a 300 APFT. I'm working towards that myself and I believe that I can do. As I said I think it just takes hard work and the right time to training to do it.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 18 at 2014 12:02 PM

2014-04-18T12:02:45-04:00

Everyone can do whatever they desire if that is a goal they put before all else. For medical reasons some people should not push them self's that hard, other just have other priorities that are more important to their life/family than a 300 on a PT test. when it comes down to it and PT score becomes a priority i believe anyone can do it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 1:25 PM

2014-04-18T13:25:13-04:00

As long as there is no limiting physical profile, I don't see why not anyone can get a 300. I finally got mine last year during SLC and I am 40 years old, I don't know if I can get it again but at least I was able to reach that goal

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 4:03 PM

2014-04-18T16:03:08-04:00

I do believe that Genetics plays a big part on scoring 300 on the APFT, but the main reason most people don't score 300 is because of poor eating habits and training regiment, but that is another topic. How much does proper nutrition and training can effect a soldier's APFT score?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 4:50 PM

2014-04-18T16:50:35-04:00

People have different strengths in different areas. For some its easy to run fast for others its easy to do 100 push-ups. I have seen people who max thir runs be horrible at rucking and vice versa. regardless of how hard you train there are some areas that are just not your strong suit, and likely never will be.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 5:15 PM

2014-04-18T17:15:54-04:00

A more important question would be does not scoring a 300 on an APFT make you any less effective as a leader and NCO?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 5:35 PM

2014-04-18T17:35:53-04:00

It's possible but no all Soldiers can score a 300

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 18 at 2014 7:10 PM

2014-04-18T19:10:31-04:00

I voted no for the simple reason that not everyone has the mental ability to push themselves to that level

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 7:23 PM

2014-04-18T19:23:27-04:00

Anything is possible, it's a matter of how hard and how long you are willing to work on it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 8:18 PM

2014-04-18T20:18:37-04:00

This honestly disguise me to see leaders openly try to argue the fact that not everyone can score a 300. An APFT should be the easiest block of physical training you conduct. First let me start of by saying that the APFT doesn't accurately measure someones fitness. With that being said if you simply focus on those three events during your week while conducting other forms of physical training that pertain to your current fitness needs and sleep/eat right then you will max your APFT. Of course it may take some more time than others depending on how much they did or did not take care of there bodies. I will not sit here and tell you that I have scored a 300 on every APFT but that I've never scored below a 270 and strive for a 300 because it's easily achievable and we don't strive to be medicore. I strive to be the best and expect my Soldiers to follow my example. Maybe some of the leaders on this page need to look in the mirror and do a self evaluation. The Army is becoming a place for weak, sloppy, unfit, untrained Soldiers because we focus on whats fare instead of saying your fat or your sloppy fix yourself and it's not by striving to meet the minimal standards on a APFT. I will tell you that you are ruining the Army. You put it in Soldiers mind to meet the minimum standard and that's what they will do. I read a lot of post saying that everyone has limits and SSG Burns even talked about not being able to be a gold medalist in the 100m dash. That is ridiculous to try and compare running 2 miles in 13 min to winning a gold medal. You wouldn't compare high school football to the NFL. It's sad that is even a discussion point. Oh, as far as promotion if you don't take care of your body then what makes you think you'll take care of your Soldiers. If me scoring a 300 will get me promoted and I'm at a 290 then I promises you whatever event I didn't max I will work on day and night until I achieve it. But I have a lot of tattoos, my hair is long, I swear a lot, crush private when they mess up, I uphold the standards I enforce and will be the first to tell you that you embarrass the uniform that I am so proud to wear when your fat(over weight) so you probably should disregard what I am saying since I'm not professional.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 7:30 AM

2014-04-19T07:30:14-04:00

I don't think so. Some people simply aren't built for running. I had a squad leader who would max situps and pushups and barely pass the run. Then again, he was probably in the neighborhood of six feet, three inches tall, give or take, and about three hundred pounds and seemed like he'd have no problem pushing a broken down Stryker up the road like it was someone's beater Geo Metro. One time in Baghdad, we were exfiling out to the Strykers when we came under fire. I took a wrong step and ended up about knee-deep in mud. My squad leader took hold of my ALICE pack frame, curled me out of the mud, set me on my feet on the sidewalk and kept truckin' like nothing happened. He simply lifted nearly three hundred pounds of man, SAW, ammo, armor and gear out of mud like it was just a bicep curl at the gym and was wholly unfazed by it. I never, NEVER, poked fun at his difficulties in running again.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 3:13 PM

2014-04-20T15:13:48-04:00

i think everyone should strive to hit 300 and im pretty sure everyone can hit 300 if not pretty damn close physical fitness is a big factor in leadership in my opinion so im gonna say yes

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 3:38 PM

2014-04-20T15:38:44-04:00

Everyone is capable of passing but I do not believe everyone could get a 300. APFT in my opinion should be scored like you said above points for every 30 more onto your score to motivate soldiers and reward those who try to improve instead of just pass.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 4:40 PM

2014-04-20T16:40:49-04:00

I believe every has the ability to pass an APFT. I for one have not reached the 300 point ever in my military career. Being in college as well as doing classroom observation for my degree, I have found myself lacking profoundly in my physical fitness mainly from poor eating habits and lack of exercising. If I was to go to the gym everyday early in the morning, eat a balanced diet and have a positive attitude everyday, I could easily pass the APFT with a 300. I have trouble running and feel as if I work twice as hard to pass that portion of the APFT then anyone else. It all comes down to your mentality while performing it.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 20 at 2014 7:29 PM

2014-04-20T19:29:25-04:00

This post has been on Facebook for a day and has over 225 comments.  We have 32 on here?  Im so disappointed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 12:50 PM

2014-04-22T12:50:13-04:00

Everyone is capable of scoring a 300 on the APFT.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 2:15 PM

2014-04-27T14:15:06-04:00

It wont be easy. You have to take in consideration, How much time to train in a day, are you geting enougg rest, nutrition. Do you have a family or are you single. I think it would be very easy to attain a 300 if i was single with no kids again. How determined are you. Thats why now at 31 with a kid, Im NG, work as Corrections Officers on shift work and I consitently score 75-85% each event on APFT depending on how I feel, so when all my single 19 and 20 yr olds fail or dont score as well as me, there is no excuse.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 10:47 AM

2014-04-30T10:47:32-04:00

Physical fitness standards have always been taken into close consideration in the military and that will not change. I had a pushup profile for many years due to collapsed bones in my wrist, and suffered with a crappy APFT score until I decided to gut it out and do fist pushups. I don't come anywhere close to maxing them but I pass. Anybody who said life is fair is lying to themself.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 10:57 AM

2014-04-30T10:57:49-04:00

A 300 is not as difficult as people make it out to be. We're not talking about olympic level fitness. Hell, we're not even talking about collegiate level fitness...try high school athletics. Unlike your average machine that has been built to certain specifications and can only perform to a fixed maximum, the body can improve its performance. The trick...it's PAINFUL. You have to want success more than you want to avoid pain. Some people want sleep more than they want success. Figure that one out. Argue this point about the body having limits, and I can go through all kinds of evidence to the contrary and people will still cling to the excuses that they have always had...so I'll point to pop-culture media. "The Biggest Loser." Watch that show and watch all the 300+ pound people on there and what they complain about and what they think they can't do...and then listen to them at the end. The weakness has been driven out of them and they continue to improve. This isn't about limits, it's about drive and the will to succeed. It's about wanting it more than sleep, wanting it more than avoiding pain, wanting it more than a GD donut. People need to accept responsibility...and then scream like a GD warrior and kill their next workout.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 5 at 2014 9:37 PM

2014-05-05T21:37:06-04:00

Everyone CAN, but not everyone WILL achieve 300. That said, I don't think every Soldier in a unit can score 300 on a farily graded APFT unless they're on some sort of Army sports team (eg boxing, track, biathalon).

I would be happy to hit 300 just one more time; last score was 290, so I'm getting close. I have a feeling the 300 will go into the same category as me wearing my campaign hat - nice idea, but probably not in the cards.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2014 11:09 PM

2014-05-05T23:09:42-04:00

Not everyone can score a 300 on the APFT but, it should be used to calculate promotion points.

Response by SGT Alfred Cox made May 27 at 2014 10:54 PM

2014-05-27T22:54:30-04:00

My skinny ass scored 300 twice... might have taken me 11 years but I did it..

Response by Cpl Ken Mortson made May 27 at 2014 11:55 PM

2014-05-27T23:55:21-04:00

Simply put, yes, everyone has the abilty (exception given to temporary illness/physical ailement). No, not everyone has the will. Yes, score should tie to promotion points to ensure leaders can lead by example, no matter the age. Good debate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 4:51 PM

2014-07-07T16:51:41-04:00

Not everyone can score 300. However, with the right amount and type of training, more people could certainly earn the PT patch.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 8:43 PM

2014-07-07T20:43:17-04:00

I'm not a 300 PT Test Score (but I am working on improving to be one). I absolutely believe anyone can do it. It requires work from the people who want to achieve it unless they're naturally gifted, but it can be done.

I've heard of old men and women in their late eighties running marathons. I've heard of old men climbing Everest. And I've heard of Soldiers who run 300s in their sleep.

What's to say every Soldier, Marine, Sailor, and Airman can't be a 300? The only thing I see stopping us all from being 300s (save for people with profiles) is a lack of motivation. I hope that is not confused for laziness, but some people don't prioritize a 300 PT Score. Other priorities (as SGM Quick mentioned with his example of studying) may take precedence and there is nothing wrong with that, but I absolutely believe that everyone can be a 300 PT Score (with some notable exceptions).

Response by SSG Craig Brown made Jul 22 at 2014 5:04 PM

2014-07-22T17:04:21-04:00

PT is a sign of personal pride and discipline. As well as heart.. Weak mindedness needs to exfil the Army.. And it's and INDIVIDUAL event, so yeah.. push yourself harder.. This is coming from a regular 300 PT test guy with a profile..

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 10 at 2014 10:38 PM

2014-08-10T22:38:08-04:00

Most everyone barring physical defect is capable of maxing the APFT with enough hard work.

As a Marine, I typically ran in the 16's and 17's for 3 miles. I wasn't a terribly fast runner, but what I lacked in speed I made up for with endurance, and that I maintained by running 40-50 miles / week. My upper body strength wasn't initially there but I worked hard for a few months and worked myself up from 13 to 20 pullups and earned my first of many 300 Marine Corps PFT's throughout my career. I also took the Army PFT and maxed it. The Navy PRT with it's mile and half run of 8:15? for max was pretty challenging. I think when I took it I ran it in 7:52. Also, the 100 crunches were harder than the 80 bent knee situps I was accustomed to. Am not saying everyone should be able to do what I did, but 13:00 for 2 miles is not too terribly difficult a target.

A 6:30 mile (x2) can be achieved by most young men with a few months dedicated effort. BUT they have to put in the effort and most folks don't.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 7:39 PM

2014-08-11T19:39:44-04:00

As a Soldier on a permanent profile, it is kind of difficult for me to comment on the conversation. My highest PT score prior to my injury was a 289, and in all honesty I could have scored higher if I would have tried harder. But, the problem honestly lies with the SM themselves. Their lifestyle, etc. will reflect their PT score.

Response by SPC Ronald Miller made Aug 11 at 2014 8:38 PM

2014-08-11T20:38:55-04:00

I can't believe this is even a debate. Its just an APFT. I never hit 300 but it wasn't because I couldn't. It was because I didn't want it bad enough to train hard enough. I ran plenty of times that earned 100 points but never maxed sit ups. Running was what I liked to do so I ran hard with the unit and then ran more on my own. Everyone likes to do the things they are good at. Its training to improve your weaknesses that is hard. Maybe all the huge guys who can do pushups all day long but can't ace the run need to get off the weights and train to run more.

I was lucky enough to be on my own PT program most of the time I was in and the PT choice I did made me fast and able to run far. I didn't want the 300 enough to cut down on the running to make time and energy to fix my sit ups. Its all about desire and priorities.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 10:30 PM

2014-08-11T22:30:30-04:00

Only if you work for it.

Response by SPC Michelle M. made Aug 13 at 2014 3:15 PM

2014-08-13T15:15:17-04:00

I could never max my AFPT, I would max the run and push-ups but just couldnt get more than 60 for sit-ups and it seemed no matter what I did I just couldnt get anymore.

Response by SGT Alfred Cox made Aug 16 at 2014 8:09 PM

2014-08-16T20:09:55-04:00

Not on profile and at proper weight ... no injuries etc... male or female..... I gotta say it is possible... Hell it took me 10 years to reach my goal ... of being among those that done the possible...granted I avg around 270 ....giving time, temp, training, and mental prep... yes.. even the weakest Soldiers can rise to Ranger Level... I didn't sew on my APFT badge till I made 193 in Iraq... and I held on to that for 6 years ... long as i had 90 in each event...I took pride in what I worked for. my first 300+ was after I can back from Afghanistan Aug 2008 ... then again Nov 2008 , scored a 303. that was my year... then it slipped...and stuff happened...and on March 2012 I got out. ..Sorry bout that.... short answer.. yes.. but like in the rocky movies.. you gotta be hungry for it.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 11:29 PM

2014-08-18T23:29:22-04:00

I'd like to know the PT average of the voting blocks, above.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 1:19 AM

2014-10-09T01:19:37-04:00

“Do or do not. There is no try.” (Yoda)

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2014 3:47 AM

2014-10-09T03:47:28-04:00

The highest I have received in the Army was a 299, I missed my run by 1 second. I know that I can make a 300 if I tried to do it though. I do not think though that it should weigh in so much on the promotion scale, I would rather my Soldier know his or her MOS. Don't get me wrong I do not want a fat body in my section. I train my Soldiers and conduct a diag once a week and we go on out pt from there. I do not want them to just focus on their pt score however, but I do know the confidence that that will bring to them when they do max their pt tests on their next go arounds. PT is important, and it is up to the Soldier to be able to push themselves to get the score that they want. I have a PT test coming up this week, and I know that I will not be getting a 300. The reason for this? I have not pushed myself as hard as I should have to get that score. I can guarantee that my next one though I will get a 300.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 12:31 AM

2015-04-04T00:31:20-04:00

There are no universes in which I would ever have achieved a 300 on a PT test. It was trying to just keep up with the standard for the run, let alone exceed it, that completed the destruction of my knees.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 4 at 2015 1:08 AM

2015-04-04T01:08:58-04:00

Assuming no physical limitations, and a desire to do so, Yes, everyone/anyone can score 300 or better on the APFT if they so desire. While my days of 300 faded with age, I never scored below a 290... even on my final APFT in 2012... at age 51...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 4:36 AM

2015-04-04T04:36:04-04:00

If it is physical, then I would be sympathetic and empathetic. But it has never been about the physical. To achieve the 300, one achieves standards that wouldn't even be considered "high-athletic in any field -- running, strength events etc.

When we changed the run minimum from 11:54 to 13:00, many us that want to be considered athletes predicated that the scale will move up -- we would regress to the new mean -- and we did. Now someone who runs in the low 12's is considered "super-fast". Disappointing.

Effort, time and desire. That's all it takes. If someone wants to lead in combat, put the time and effort into your profession to excel. We shouldn't be advocating to lower the standard again (*and I know how I am using the word "standard" here and I am aware of what the regulatory standard is. But I don't tell my kids that a C is good on a test -- the standard is an A+. He doesn't have to achieve it, but he needs to try for it. The same holds for me and those I lead with everything we do, rightfully so since the stakes for failure n our profession are a little steep).

As I often say, we can be better. We must be better, in all that we do.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Apr 4 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-04-04T11:48:00-04:00

If everyone could do it, why would it not be the standard?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-04-04T14:01:37-04:00

I would of like an other box becuse no everyone cant be the best. Everyone will not max out pt. At the same time everyone should not get promoted we promote the best. You lead from the front. However most people could get the score that they want if the put the time into working towards it. To many people dont do pt outside of Unit PT. Some people are hurt that are not on profile. If Pt is something that you want then work towards it and get it. Is it fair no but the army is not about being fair it is about being the best.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-04-10T15:31:22-04:00

No, not everyone can, and those guys that are genetically gifted will never understand that. For me it is the run. I am a big guy, 6'4" and 255 pounds, Army for 15 years, my average score is around 265 to 275. Senior leaders tend to think I am overweight too, because of how I am built, but I always pass tape, and I went to a professional nutritionist two years ago who gave me a 5 point caliper test and I was at 17% body fat. So I decided to push myself as far as I could go to try to get a better score, I ended up developing Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in both of my legs from it and am looking at my second surgery next month to try to correct the problem. The surgeon said I was pre-disposed to the problem because of my build and the way that my legs were developed. She also said that I will probably end up with a permanent profile after this if I get to stay in at all, best case being own pace and distance. It was all because of the friggin run. Which I didn't think was bad to begin with, I ran in the 14s, maxed by push-ups, and got over a 90% on my sit-ups, but it still wasn't good enough.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-04-10T16:22:40-04:00

Yes everyone has limits, but a 300 on the APFT is not near the limits of what a trained person can accomplish. Barring an actual injury, anyone with the motivation to put in the work can get a 300.

Response by LCDR Robert S. made Aug 6 at 2018 11:11 AM

2018-08-06T11:11:38-04:00

It's disturbing to me to see all the people who are saying, "Of course, anybody can achieve a 300, it's just a matter of willpower."

I'm going to start by laying out my personal qualifications, in part to respond to the folks who think that those saying "No, not everyone can achieve a 300" are saying it because they can't do it, and in part to make it clear that I have an understanding of the science behind the answer. I never took an APFT, but I have maxed out the Marine Corps' test and the Navy's test. As a 40+ year old, I qualified for and ran as a member of one of the Navy's regional running and triathlon teams, and have held coaching certifications from RRCA and the Cooper Institute, and have spent years coaching runners at various levels.

Every human body has ultimate physical limitations that it cannot exceed. If you give a coach complete control over someone's diet, training regimen, sleep - in short, their whole life, there's still a maximum that the person can achieve. For some people that maximum is Olympic caliber performance. For others, even with perfect diet, sleep, training, etc., they're not even going to pass the APFT. For the people in the latter category, they almost certainly have identifiable physical ailments that make them unqualified to be in the Army. But then we have the middle ground. In between people with physical ailments and physically gifted people who are capable of Olympic caliber performance is everybody else. For the run (which the careful reader will note is my area of expertise), a person's absolute limits are genetically determined. A person's proportion of fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscles, hemoglobin concentration and the mechanical structure of their legs aren't something that can be changed by training. Those factors set a person's maximum limit and for some people, those limits won't allow them to max the run, no matter how much and how well they train. All that said, there aren't that many people for whom that's the case. But it's certainly worth noting that every decision to do something is a decision not to do something else. For some less-physically-gifted people, the whole-life effort required to max their run would take away from their ability to perform the rest of their job. I don't actually want someone to be a less effective soldier, or to ignore their personal life, just to be able to max their APFT.

One great thing about the Navy's PRT program is that it has added