Is it possible to have a failed PT test waived?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 13:10:59 -0400

Currently deployed, two days before a PT test I fell off of the ramp of a C130 from about 6-8 feet and landed on my knees. 2 days later I was told I had to take a PT test after getting X-rays and nothing bad coming out on them showing an injury with the bones. I passed both the PU and SU but failed the run by almost 6 minutes (I am 19 years old, never had a problem with a PT test at my unit, haven’t even been negatively counseled). I was unable to run at full potential because of pain in my left knee. Profile after profile, 2 days ago I am told to take a diagnostic pt test with a run at my own pace profile (told to stop if pain worsens). Okay, pass the PU and SU, get to the 3/4 mile mark and I am in terrible pain, couldn’t finish the run. I have been to sick call multiple times and am getting an LOD for my knee but nobody can answer about the PT test. I am trying to work towards awards and my career after the deployment is going to be helped by the vet status and I am looking to go to college, but I can’t have that stuff if I am flagged.

Essentially, I was told to take a PT test when I wasn’t ready for it and failed because of an injury and now I’m flagged as a result. I am worried I will be sent home for something like this and I won’t be able to pass the PT test to get all of those things.

Thank you for your input.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2019 1:58 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 13:58:45 -0400

For full initial disclosure, as a chaplain, I am not an expert on these matters. However, I will try to help. First, was your PT test taken in theater or before deployment? Second, prior to the failed PT test, what was your last APFT date? We recently returned from deployment and there was confusion as to guidance for months regarding APFT. In the end, all PT tests in theater were ruled diagnostic. You can be commanded to PT or test by command anytime you're not on profile, though in theater all such tests were diagnostic. In the future, if you're not well always get the temp profile. If you are counseled on APFT failure under these circumstances, do not agree. Note the circumstances so that the counseling can get bumped up to someone who can examine the case and pull together correct guidance.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2019 2:34 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 14:34:19 -0400

Here's how it usually works. The OIC states this is a record APFT, if you are not able to complete it, step out now. You did not, but you should have.
Next, when you fail a record APFT and get flagged, due to injury, you also need to get a profile for that injury, but the flag remains in place until you are recovered and can pass a record APFT. Your clock for getting off APFT flag starts once the profile ends.
If you have had no trouble with the run prior to injury, you will have no trouble getting at least 60 points on the run as soon as you are healed and can run with little to no pain.
Then get the flag lift started the day you pass.
And make sure that LOD goes through to completion.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 5 at 2019 6:25 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 06:25:16 -0400

Unless there were mitigating circumstance identified immediately following by a medical professional, pregnancy, a broken limb etc. thank you for your service.