Posted on Oct 4, 2014
Raining when you show up for APFT: Run it or postpone?
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So I was in this situation this morning where I showed up to the APFT and was faced with the choice: have the test or postpone it due to weather. Do you say "if it ain't raining we ain't training" or do I postpone until tomorrow when the weather will be nicer as this is a test and the test matters for advancements for about four people taking it and promotion packets for some NCOs and officers?
What would you do a why?
What would you do a why?
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 45
I like running in the rain. First, you hardly expend personal sweat resources. Second, you don't overheat and can go for extended miles.
And lastly, if you start coughing and sneezing afterwards, you can blame Ebola and get a 21 day convalescent. Hopefully
And lastly, if you start coughing and sneezing afterwards, you can blame Ebola and get a 21 day convalescent. Hopefully
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LTC (Join to see)
PO1 (Join to see) also get sealed inside your housing area until you are deemed healthy without visitors.
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PO1 (Join to see)
I can live with that nowadays courtesy of the internet, LTC (Join to see). I'm so much cooler online ;-)
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Unless there is a dangerous element to the weather stick to the training schedule. It is an assessment tool but assessment with stressors and reasonable challenges is valuable. I've never seen weather impact an APFT score dramatically except for extreme heat and humidity, in which case some rain might be welcomed. Bang it out, get it done. If weather is going to impact you that much your attitude likely needs more exercise than your body.
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APFT. Must be completed as scheduled .As long as the weather is not to a extreme that could cause harm to the troops. Also if you're training to be a Navy Seal.
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It is more of a safety question.... if it is a light rain and will not cause Soldiers to slide/fall and get injured then by all means carry on. If you know for sure the weather will be better the next day and everyone needed will be available - to help the Soldiers achieve the best score possible - then I could see waiting 24 hours. The only legitimate reason to cancel (or postpone) an APFT is if the weather would be cause for safety concern: low visibility, ice, the track/road has not been cleared of snow/debris. If Soldiers are in good shape a little rain should not hinder their ability to pass.
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SFC (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see) Good point. The rain may make the road more hazardous or slippery for running.
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You must conduct a quick review of your risk assessment and if the danger outweighs the event being conducted safely then postpone otherwise carry out the mission and event. Yes there will be soldiers that complain but guess what that is their right and when they stop complaining is when I begin to worry.
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The APFT was on the training schedule approved by the battalion commander, technically only he can authorize to postpone the training. With that said, as long as it isn't a massive thunderstorm I would continue with the APFT. It has been scheduled, the unit should have trained and prepared for it, Soldiers have adjusted their personal workout schedule for it, and a little rain never hurt anyone.
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I loved running in the rain. Since you asked I would continue with PT but would postpone APFT. A lot rides on the APFT if you are Army.
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The point - often lost - of an APFT is that it is an assessment tool. While you can run it in inclement weather, you will not get a proper assessment of where your unit is. Unless there is some form of pressure to run it on a certain day, postpone it. Let your troops perform at their best.
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When I was active, I was in great shape and the weather wouldn't matter or affect my ability to complete my tasks. You should be able to perform at your best regardless of the conditions.
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I was always "taught" that an APFT should be administered only under the most optimum of conditions if at all possible. If postponing it by a day or two until there is better weather is feasible and will not interfere with other training/mission accomplishment then I say postpone it. As for the "It ain't raining, we ain't training" schizzle, I used to tell my students at PLDC (jokingly of course).."First one of you utters that crap, I will stab you in the eye with my bayonet!!"...I could not stand that frickin statement!! LOL!!
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