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?

By thinking outside the box. Have nation wide gyms bid for a gov’t contract and ensure soldiers are aware that they can obtain a gym membership for free. That’ll motivate many to stay in shape. Also, leadership by example. If Senior Staff NCOs and Officers are in great physical and mental shape, that alone will motivate junior soldiers to step up!

I was in the Kansas National Guard. While deployed to Iraq my company 1SG informed me that Army Regulations were just a guide. I’m assuming he meant they were enforced ONLY on the unpopular soldiers. APFT included!

Reimbursement for gym membership? How much does it cost to get a pull-up bar? Between that, sit-ups, pushups, squats, running, etc, you can stay in excellent condition without going to a gym. As a matter of fact, I can count on one hand the number of times (in 9 years of active duty) that PT included any equipment beyond a pull-up bar, if that. The problem is that they don't care enough to discipline themselves to do it, so separate them, they are likely poor performers anyway.

Well..I was never in the Army guard but PT failure is PT failure. To me, these soldiers that know there is a requirement and don't live up to it and fail, need to run the process for separation. The probelm is that even National Guard and Reserve troops can and are called up on moments notice to deploy. If they can't pass the physical standards then they aren't ready to deploy. They will get someone hurt or killed if they aren't physically ready. It is a requirement...plain and simple. They are adults and the option of being discharged for failure may the the motivator they need. I don't need to worry about someone standing overwatch for me being able to get to the overwatch and manuever if need be to provide top cover for others...I need to know that my unit is ready to cover each others backs whent he proverbial feces hits the oscillating device.

ETS those that do not fulfill their obligations, PT or otherwise.

Why not give tax incentives to personal trainers or gym owners for documented improvements. It wouldn’t be hard for commanders to work with existing resources if the business was incentivized.

Easy answer. Get rid of the APFT all together. It is not used to actually test whether someone is fit to do their job. I have seen plenty of PT failures perform exceptionally at their jobs and I have seen plenty of people get selected to go to schools because they have a 300. The APFT has far too much importance than what it actually needs.

Since they’re far too many folks who have a misguided amount of importance on the test this will never happen.

In my company, Soldiers that fail the APFT have to come in two hours early and do the APFT the first day of the drill period each drill. If they pass, they are done. Those that still fail, come in on Sunday for remedial PT. That happens each month until they pass.

If not, the counseling and administrative stuff will eventually catch-up with them.

In the civilian world employers ask "Are you a good fit?" Do the reserves ask the same question? Regular Army Soldiers have the benefit of NCO's and Officers ensuring that Soldiers meet standards. Perhaps create a reserve participation requirement involve a psychological fitness assessment of self-motivation and desire to lead.

Active duty have access to post/brigade gyms at no cost. At least that was my experience at Ft Leonard Wood so no excuse. Why not hold them to the standard, and reimburse for memberships up to a certain amount based on local gym fees? Then there is no excuse. I was outside my height weight charts, 6'1" 225lbs. I always but beat up the tape test and PT Tests, I was a prior colkege football player so fitness was and nutrition was always important to me. Not asking guys/gals to be super jocks but they should at least be able to pass a PT test to stay in unless the have a profile exemption.