National Guard NCOs, how do we fix our APFT numbers? We can not force soldiers to PT outside of IDT status. How can we fix it?

When I was still in the, the Air Force had the same problem.

Tough issue here... Great conversation... Offering some 'brain-storming' here... Looking at it from a different perspective, some law enforcement agencies offer bonus pay for those officers/deputies who pass their PT tests... So why not offer a proficiency pay incentive for troops who pass the AFPT...

I was seven active duty. I got out for reason I’ll not get into. I never served as Reserve, but I served with Reserves during a REFORGER exercise. I was NOT impressed...

50 sit ups, 50 pushups, 20 pull ups, run 3 miles. Every day! PFT pass every time. Discipline...

They’re not called weekend warriors for nothing.

I communicate with my soldiers regularly on pt. I send videos of me working out and rucking and try to keep them motivated consistently,I send little motivational comments and videos . I have one super high speed E5 and one not so .

I was a reservist, we didn't have to keep in shape. But, when drill weekend rolled around and you had to take a PT test, you better pass it. Twice a year you gut it out and pass the test, how tough can that be. Suck it up!

I didnt read all of the comments, but I saw most of these ideas before I retired. First and foremost if the Soldier doesn’t have any self discipline nothing will work. Positive motivation only works when it’s reinforced regularly, which is difficult to do via phone. One thing that hasn’t been tried is for the Army to seek reimbursement from the Soldier for the training they’ve received thus far. For instance, if it cost $30k to put PVT XX through IET/AIT and a year down the road he fails, and following the regulatory guidance, is separated. Then the government charges him, at a prorated calculation for his training. Also they could give BCD’s for failure to maintain fitness. Some would say that some of our troops don’t make much outside of BA so it won’t effect them much. I would disagree due to the tax laws they still get a tax return, unless it’s garnished. Is this harsh? Yes! Even the AC has PT failures where they, generally, have organized PT. So this method puts the onus on the Soldier - where it should be! Being unfit is a selfish act. If you’re unconscious sitting in a burning vehicle and you’re just a big hunk of lard, with equipment, there’s a good chance that even in my fittest days I can’t get you out because you were too selfish to maintain a reasonable weight.

As a lower enlisted soldier in the Guard who has struggled with pt. It came down to motivation, I have no motivation to be a PT stud, if all my drills will consist of is redundant computer classes, a class thrown together last minute by an NCO to fill time, or just setting around looking at my phone for a weekend. If I personally felt that the guard was in someway making me a better person or helping the community outside of our 2 weeks. Then I would actually buy into being a soldier and strive to Excell past the standard. As of right now the only motivation I have is a $40 a drill pay raise. Which isn't much motivation for the average person to take an hour a day of their time out of an already busy life.

My suggestion to fix the issue is twofold.
1. Enforce the consequences of not passing a PT test. In the 5 years I've been in I have yet to see a soldier even be threatened separation let alone it actually happen.
2. Make drills relevant and productive. I'm in a vertical construction unit. We do at most 1 project or even a hands on training that is relevant to our MOS in a year outside of AT. That quickly kills morale and any motivation a soldier has to buy into the National Guard and push themselves to be an excellent soldier in all facets.

I respect those who chose to serve in today’s National Gard and feel it is important to be in the best shape possible. But in many locations there is no reasonable and cost effective place for regular exercise unless it is provided at HQ