What can I do to prevent being chaptered out for not being able to pass the APFT?

2019-08-31T04:39:20-04:00

I got to my first duty station in January straight outta AIT. I got stationed in Germany so the air is different. My first time doing PT with my platoon, I passed out while running. After multiple tests and multiple doctors appointments, they found out I have a syncope. (This pretty much means theres insufficient blood flow going to the brain while I'm running). Then shortly after I ended up getting pregnant and having a miscarriage. I gained weight because of my pregnancy. I was trying to get myself straight so I would be ready to take the APFT. I tried asking my NCOs for help because I really didn't know where to start, or how I would be able to. We went on rotation for a month and my SSG told me they started my chaptering packet. I was under the impression that I would have fail 2 APFTs before they could even start my chaptering or start any paperwork. I havent had any previous counselings or Article 15s.

Are there any ways I can fight this? Or anything I can do to prevent this from happening? Or anything I can look up? I'm confused and I need help if my COC decides to go through with this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2019 5:39 AM

2019-08-31T05:39:41-04:00

350-1 for pt test failure
600-9 for weight
135-178 for seperation

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 31 at 2019 7:20 AM

2019-08-31T07:20:14-04:00

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Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2019 10:43 AM

2019-08-31T10:43:08-04:00

Based on what you said, I would gather that you are to receive a Chapter for medical reason. But, regardless of what the reason is, you will have the opportunity to challenge this. You are to be read (counseling form) what the Chapter is for and why. You are to be notified of all of your rights and responsibilities. You are to be provided an opportunity to seek legal assistance. But yes, you are correct that you have to fail two consecutive record APFTs to receive an APFT chapter.

As SSG Private RallyPoint Member gave you the regulations to research, read them to fully understand what is going on. I can tell you that if the packet submitted by the Commander is not completed to the letter based off of the checklists they need to follow, the packet will be rejected and the Command will have to start back over.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Aug 31 at 2019 12:18 PM

2019-08-31T12:18:06-04:00

Having someone on a team that might pass out if their blood flow increases could put everyone in danger. Do you expect them to accept that risk? Would you? What if you passed out during a live fire exercise or an actual engagement with enemy forces?
With that said, you need to find out if you will be processed out for APFT failure or due to your medical condition. If your syncope prevents you from being able to PT, you might be a candidate for medical separation. Talk to your Doctor. See if they are recommending medical separation.
Either way, make sure you have everything pertaining to your medical condition documented. Make copies of everything and get in contact with a DAV rep to help you apply for VA disability once you get out. Start preparing now and things will go smoother.
Good luck. Try not to "end up getting pregnant" again unless you want to add another set of problems.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 31 at 2019 1:06 PM

2019-08-31T13:06:11-04:00

The Air in Germany is the exact same as the US. Unless you are stationed in the Alps above 5000 feet, it should not be a factor. Even then, the Army answer is to acclimatize, drink water, and do more PT. The Army only plays away games, so get used to other places. It sounds that your medical condition is the primary reason for the chapter. Follow MSG Private RallyPoint Member advice. Understand what the chapter is, then use TDS. I would have to imagine continued or further diagnosed syncope is disqualifying. AR40-501, pay attention to what entry standards are and what retention standards are. Different chapters in the reg.

What is your medical provider telling you? If they put you on a hyper-restrictive profile, that could contribute to the chapter. Especially if it makes you non-deployable. I sympathize with your weight gain, but the Army has the compassion of an inert lump of steel. They'll give you specified time periods to get into compliance, but then you are on your own. AR600-9. A handful of medical conditions will get you a mulligan on AR600-9, do not put any eggs in this basket. They are restrictively applied and very narrow.

If you manage to avert this chapter, you need to really get in touch with your inner athlete and get in shape. It's easier to get in shape if you had ever been in shape. AR 350-1 governs APFTs. TC 3-22.20 is the Manual for Physical Readiness Training. Hell you can even down load PRT apps to your phone. You'll need to see what combination of nutrition, strength training, cardiovascular training, and functional fitness works for you. You have to be in your 20s? If you are physically (high intensity) active for more than 60-90 minutes per day, 6 days a week, and weight is not coming off, you need to take a hard look at what is going into your air intake valve in the way of food and drinks. Cut soda. Cut any sugar beyond what is in foods. Reduce unhealthy fats, particularly fast food. Pomme Frits? Wave good bye. Good rule of thumb: equal parts protein, cleaner carbs, and veggies for meals each portion slightly smaller than the size of your fist. There is conflicting medical advice for whether 5-6 small meals are better than 3 solid meals, particularly for endocrine health. I used a book called Body For Life. The eating and fitness plan worked for me until the last couple years on active duty, then I had to do more PT and eat even less. You are going to have to reckon with this as the new ACFT is just months away at is point. If you fail that, you'll likely be flagged, barred, chaptered, and handed your 214 and a strip map to the front gate.

You said your NCOs were not going to help you and you don't know where to start? I find that hard to believe unless they know the train is already rolling on the chapter. Regardless, if you haven't been counseled by the Commander or his designate on which chapter etc, it isn't a done deal. If you haven't been counseled, you need to take initiative and seek out the unit master fitness trainer and the nutritionist. The MTF or wellness center usually has a weekly or monthly nutrition class. Should be two mouse clicks away from a search engine.

If you are chaptered for this medical condition, I'd reasonably anticipate that your RE Code will at least be 3 if not 4 and reentry in any armed forces branch will be a highly unrealistic prospect.

I'd also start getting my affairs in order, especially financial with a goal of 3-6 months salary. Start saving if you haven't already. Consider what life after the Army will look like.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Aug 31 at 2019 3:29 PM

2019-08-31T15:29:14-04:00

Running is not the ONLY way to pass the APFT! Hey here are situations (Medical) which allow you to walk or swim instead of runners my. As long as your inability to run does not impair you ability to perform in your MOS. Check the Regs for the PULES for your MOS. I had a Permanent P-3 profile from AIT graduation until I requested a medical discharge. Please explore all your options before you allow yourself to be discharged. Hope this helps and Good Luck in your efforts!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2019 5:03 PM

2019-08-31T17:03:11-04:00

Syncope just means you fainted. It could be for several dozen reasons, from simple and easily reversible to serious and requiring continuous treatment: dehydration, low blood sugar, irregular heart rhythm, pregnancy, sudden position change, vasovagal response to stress/fear/injury, physical strain, carotid stenosis, etc.

If your only diagnosis is "syncope," I would strongly recommend that you get it further evaluated to determine the root cause. Is it something that is going to happen every time you run? Or was it due to a reversible cause (like dehydration)? It would be hard to separate you due to a "syncope" diagnosis alone; they would have to show that it is permanently disabling. Also, if it is something permanently disabling, then having it further evaluated will help you immensely when you are separated and seeking VA disability.

On a side note, take some responsibility for the parts of this situation that you can control. Your post reads like you are the kind of person that feels like bad things just happen to them, and they never believe anything is their fault. The "air is different" in Germany is only an excuse if your commander made you take your APFT on top of the Zugspitze.

If you are serious about getting into shape and passing your PT test, I have all the faith in the world that you can accomplish it with some work. Check with your local Army Wellness Center; they have the ability to do ~$11,000 in test and will get you on the right program to meet your goals. Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) centers are few and far between, but they are amazing resources if you have one near you. Check with your local Master Fitness Trainer. You have so many great resources that can help you. Good luck!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 1 at 2019 10:40 PM

2019-09-01T22:40:41-04:00

1. You failed. 2. You have a medical condition that could be life threatening. 3. We threw out over 21k of troops who were non-deployable this year. You couldn't fit this out of a paper bag, maybe you can get a MEB before a chapter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2019 10:23 AM

2019-09-02T10:23:38-04:00

You are not chaptered for failing one APFT.
If you are being chaptered, you should have been notified by written counseling that identified the reason and chapter being considered.
Your medical condition is a readiness issue, and that could result in a PEB/MEB. See your primary care provider to ensure you have no underlying medical condition that caused you to faint during the run.
Do yourself and your reputation a huge favor and don't ever blame it on the air in Germany again. That isn't factual, and it does nothing but lead people to infer that you aren't willing to accept responsibility for what may be your lack of fitness, even if it's due to an underlying medical condition.
It may be a medical condition, or lack of physical fitness, and you need to figure out which it is, so you can take corrective action.
I suggest you use the NCOSC and use the open door policy to speak with your commander.
If your weight is becoming an issue, see your primary care physician for a referral for nutrition counseling before you are over the body fat standards.
Seek out any unit fitness qualified leaders (Master Fitness Trainer in my days) for help if your squad leader isn't helping. They can help you improve your fitness.
Don't sit back to see what happens. Elevate your concerns, and get proactive immediately.