What do you think of this unit APFT policy?

2014-09-18T20:31:02-04:00

"A flag may be initiated when, through the Soldier's fault as determined by the command, the Soldier fails to take the APFT within the time prescribed by existing regulations, or when directed by the commanding officer (as provided for in AR 350-1). If your name is on the attached roster that is provided each month via email you are required to conduct the APFT, unless you have one of the below authorized absence and make prior coordinated with the Army Element CDR or NCOIC. Failure to comply may result in a FLAG being initiated IAW AR 600-8-2. Appointments and meetings need to be rescheduled so it will allow yo to take the APFT on your scheduled date.

(Authorized absences)
- Approved Leave (signed by the Commander)
- TDY
- Quarters
- Temporary Profile

Those grammatical errors are in the policy (quoting as is). My issue with this is how it is stated, according to AR 350-1 "Commanders may administer the APFT as often as they wish; however, they must specify beforehand when the results are for record. AA and AGR Soldiers will take the APFT twice each calendar year. A minimum of 4 months will separate records tests. Soldiers that require make-up testing or re-testing for an APFT failure are exempt from the 4-month rule. The intent is for the Active Army and the AGR Soldiers to take a record APFT every 6 months...."

The way the policy is written makes it seem anything that isn't on their list of approved absences will result in a flag if you're on the list for that month. My issue with this is that they changed the APFT date to a date that I have a medical appointment that can't be rescheduled (all day test). Yet, the policy states I NEED to reschedule all appointments and meetings so I can take the APFT on my scheduled date. Do you think this authorized absence list is too stringent? Should my command be authorized to initiate a flag due to conflicts with important medical appointments? They haven't said I'll be flagged, but I still think the policy isn't written as reasonably as it should be. Thoughts?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 8:37 PM

2014-09-18T20:37:37-04:00

Have you talked to your leadership about an excused absence for your medical appointment? That policy letter makes me think the unit has had a problem with people not showing up (without a valid reason) for the APFT.

I bet if you approach your leadership with your reasonable reason, you'll get what you're after. Let us know, will ya?

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Sep 18 at 2014 8:56 PM

2014-09-18T20:56:24-04:00

SGT Kristin Wiley, no policy ever is... not to make light of your situation but it is true. If you feel that this doesn't pertain to your personal situation you can take it up the chain.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 18 at 2014 9:01 PM

2014-09-18T21:01:30-04:00

The weekend drill with historically the lowest attendance is...

I think the command is trying to keep things in check. the threat of flagging for not showing up is a nice tool. (Damn, wish I had thought of that way back when) Yes an APFT can be administered at any time, but that takes folks away from their normal duties, if PVT Schmedlap decides not to show up for the scheduled event and needs to take it "whenever". If we had SMs going to schools we administered APFTs within 30 days of their ship date, because we had so many failing out of the school on day 1 because of the APFT. These were also scheduled in advance to get as many SMs done in one test as possible. Yes there are always be "real" medical reasons for skipping an APFT but they should be a very small minority not 1/3 of the unit.

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 18 at 2014 9:21 PM

2014-09-18T21:21:56-04:00

SGT Kristin Wiley, agree with CW5 Private RallyPoint Member - Talk to the leadership and let them know. Failing that, you are well within your rights to talk to the IG any time you want (I always provided the phone # and email to any soldier that told me they were going to contact them), but make sure you are on solid ground before you do that route (think of an IG as a flashlight ... all it's going to do is reveal something that's being kept in the dark).

Is there another (part of that) policy that goes along with that one. For instance, "APFTs will always be executed on the first Wednesday of the month, so no appointments should be scheduled on that day" or something like that?

If everything is as you describe, then communications is the only real thing to do. This goes for you as well. If you are scheduling medical appointments, then notify your first line leader of them as soon as they are made. Then if something comes up after the fact, at least you can have your first line leader talk to the unit and defend your position that appointment was scheduled before the APFT list was put out.

Additionally, if you're coming up on 6 months since your last record, you know you can expect your name to be on the list .. so don't be surprised when it is. Very likely what the personnel folks are doing is running the list of folks in the unit, find out who is due, and put their name on the list.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 10:31 PM

2014-09-18T22:31:47-04:00

Yes, there has to be some common sense applied to the administration of the test and the policy. There is no way that you can always guarantee not to have something happen other than what is listed. This is especially true if they changed the APFT date. If they try and flag you for something like that then talk to the IG. I know when I was a 1SG I always took into consideration what Soldiers had going on. The test can always be given again.