Posted on Nov 9, 2020
Is there a regulation to support a fitness event as RST?
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While there is a regulation (AR 350-66) to attend shooting events as valid training, is there a corresponding regulation to support fitness. While an excused absence would make sense for a soldier attending a Marathon, could they simply use the Marathon as an RST?
I ask because no one really is getting kicked out for lack of marksmanship, but it's the end of the world if one fails ACFT. So shouldn't doing a fitness competition like a Spartan event or Marathon suffice for an RST?
I ask because no one really is getting kicked out for lack of marksmanship, but it's the end of the world if one fails ACFT. So shouldn't doing a fitness competition like a Spartan event or Marathon suffice for an RST?
Posted in these groups: 
Army Reserve Elements
Fitness
Army Reserve Elements Fitness
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 3
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Much like how there is a Competitive Marksmanship Program managed by the state G3 in the Guard and probably at RD level in the Reserves, there is a program at the same level for competing in Army 10 Mile, marathons and biathlons. Working through them, the competition is covered through orders and their DTS LOA.
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CPT (Join to see)
Oh, I'll have to figure out where those are. I was hoping to figure out something simpler than getting orders cut. If an RST can reference a regulation in support of those that 1380 should clear.
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SGM (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) - i am afraid if it's not an officially sanctioned event by proponent (e.g. your higher's marathon team/program) then it is not eligible for pay.
Either way, it wouldn't be eligible for RST/SUTA/Type 11 UTA status anyway, these competitive programs are funded by G3 dollars.
IDT money is for unit training/readiness.
Using an RST for a marathon or Spartan race would be a purpose violation.
My recommendation, draw up a drill training schedule event and risk assessment for a Spartan-like event for the unit during a scheduled drill period, as an optional block of training for those present who are not delinquent on readiness requirements.
Everyone is always talking about "making drill fun again".
Either way, it wouldn't be eligible for RST/SUTA/Type 11 UTA status anyway, these competitive programs are funded by G3 dollars.
IDT money is for unit training/readiness.
Using an RST for a marathon or Spartan race would be a purpose violation.
My recommendation, draw up a drill training schedule event and risk assessment for a Spartan-like event for the unit during a scheduled drill period, as an optional block of training for those present who are not delinquent on readiness requirements.
Everyone is always talking about "making drill fun again".
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Interesting question sir, but since fm 7-22 clarifies that physical fitness is an individual responsibility for reservists and 135-91 states Soldiers must be engaged for give or take 8 hours i do not think its a justification. No commander would send a Soldier to work out at the gym for 8 hours, so then why would a marathon be treated any different. Also in the grand scheme of things, long distance at a slow pace has limited impact on an acft score, potentially only influencing 1 event, the 2mr. While fitness should be incorporated into BAs, it would be hard pressed for any unit to only focus on that with all of the mandatory training and monthly EO, MRT, etc requirements. At the end of the day the commander has the final say at what they consider an RST. As a det sergeant i would advise against it.
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CPT (Join to see)
I entirely follow you, and hoped there was a regulation I was oblivious to.
The irony is no one is going to kick out any reservist for lack of a weapons qual, and probably waive the requirement as a flagging event for promotions and schools.
Soldiers can get paid RST's for going to a range, and will never get chaptered out for a lack of wepaons qual, while the same soldier could win a Triathlon and at best be given an excused absence.
I agree, giving a paid RST would run the risk of a violation since money was paid for an activity not spelled out in training regulations.
The irony is no one is going to kick out any reservist for lack of a weapons qual, and probably waive the requirement as a flagging event for promotions and schools.
Soldiers can get paid RST's for going to a range, and will never get chaptered out for a lack of wepaons qual, while the same soldier could win a Triathlon and at best be given an excused absence.
I agree, giving a paid RST would run the risk of a violation since money was paid for an activity not spelled out in training regulations.
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SSG (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) still may be an option if you give the Soldier additional readiness related tasks to complete and document over the same training period such as oer/ncoer support form, dd93, sgli, gat or lhi scheduling. I dont think anyone in the pay team will shake a stick at getting after g1 effectiveness and personal training. Afterall it still improves unit morale and sets a positive example for Soldiers to follow.
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CPT (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - I just like to close the potential push back loop with a regulation. One never knows what those above you might think, and a regulation wont stop and verbal scolding, but it will prevent documented ones.
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I don't have a doctrinal answer to your questions, but the World Class Athlete Program places high-performing NG and Reservist athletes on full-time orders to train for and compete in sporting/athletic events. I'm pretty sure Robert Killian was on WCAP orders for awhile as an obstacle course racer. I would reach out to them and see what regulations/guidelines they have in place to support such events. I would say that it's ultimately up to whomever controls the purse strings in the G3, so the WCAP may have some information to help convince that person.
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