Should states be required to adopt the ACFT for their National Guard units?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 20:12:19 -0400

I know some states have pushed back on the new ACFT and are wanting to keep the current PT test. Should they be required to adopt if the big army changes?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 26 at 2019 8:16 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 20:16:43 -0400

It's not a buffet. It's an Army Standard. If it's adopted in whole or in part, the States will do it. It's not a choice.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2019 9:10 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 21:10:48 -0400

Despite many misgivings about the new test coming from the Reserve/NG forces, not moving forward with the new All Army Standard will only hurt the Soldier. They will be rated, in part, by their performance in the ACFT when they go to schools or competitions (last two Soldiers of the Year were NG Soldiers, if I recall right) and will potentially be at a disadvantage if they don't have familiarity with the new test.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2019 12:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:16:21 -0400

Pushing back on change because it’s too hard or too difficult to implement. Classic.

Of course they should be required to adopt if the big army changes. Not a question, not an option, not a choice.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2019 7:45 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 07:45:17 -0400

The National Guard should have the same standard as the Active Component. All Soldiers must be held to the same standard. The ACFT is a marked improvement over the APFT if only because it creates a single standard for scoring. That being said the ACFT provides challenges in execution for Reserve Components given the time and equipment required. I believe the test should be re-worked to make it more realistic to conduct in a drill weekend, unfortunately this test seems to have been conceived of by the Active Component without considering that the majority of the force (53%) serves in a Reserve Component.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 27 at 2019 7:33 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 19:33:10 -0400

They do not have a choice if they want Federal funds/equipment. Does not everyone wear the uniform the same way, send most reports, etc- all to US Army Standards. ditto for weapons/maintenance etc.