When at basic training do we do our first APFT? Any tips for the 2 mile run? What would happen if I fail to meet the time for the run?

Michael Withem — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 04:25:56 -0500

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 4:29 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 04:29:42 -0500

You'll usually do an assessment at Reception, which is 1 minute push-ups and sit-ups and then a 1 mile run. Then at your company you'll do them every few weeks. For those they're scaled grading, meaning you won't have to get at least 60 points in each event, you could do less if you're struggling. You'll have to pass a normal graded APFT to graduate though.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 4:30 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 04:30:58 -0500

If you fail the run, you'll be continuously pushed to pass. If you keep failing the final APFT you'll probably be recycled to a different cycle. This is all assuming you're talking Army.

Response by SPC Cameron Hale made Mar 9 at 2017 5:13 AM

SPC Cameron Hale — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 05:13:03 -0500

My first APFT was the "1,1,1" assessment. It was my second morning of basic training. Had to do one mile one minute of push-ups and one minute of sit-ups. I failed it profusely. Tbh I failed all of my PT tests until the end. I haven't failed one since. Your actual APFT, "2,2,2" assessment is your second week of training, then you'll have two more as you transition through your different phases of training. Don't sweat it though, Benning does a fine job of turning you into something more than yourself. Haha Battle Hard, Panthers Never Quit.

Response by SGT David Ortiz-González made Mar 9 at 2017 5:46 AM

SGT David Ortiz-González — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 05:46:48 -0500

If you were to fail (and you should only be thinking about passing) Drill Sergeants are supposed to give you a counseling statement for failing the event. The counseling statement is just an agreement of what you are expected to do as a member of the Army. Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 9 at 2017 7:59 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 07:59:28 -0500

Well for starters, you shouldn't even be at basic training if you fail to meet the run time. That being said though, I don't know about Army, but the Marines do it a couple times to track your progression. We did one right before we got picked up by our platoons, we did another one midway through, and another one before we "graduated".

Typically if you failed in something, you just got dropped to the remedial platoon until you could pass it and then you'd get picked up by whatever platoon was beginning it's training cycle. But there's no way you should be failing towards the end of training.

But if running is what has you worried, then the best advice is to keep running. Don't just run to pass the minimum requirements. If the minimum is 2 miles, then go out and run 3 miles. Get your body used to running long distances so that 2 miles seems like a cakewalk. If you're worried about speed, incorporate some sprints in your running for those short bursts of speed.

Some people find it easier to run faster on a treadmill, but I can't do that. I need the scenery. Measure out a trail with a running app or smart watch or something and then find out what your pace is. I am a very slow runner, but I'm a pace runner so I know exactly how far I've run based on how long I've run because I keep my speed consistent. I also use sprinting exercises to work on that final burst of energy when I'm crossing the finish line. I know exactly how long I can physically sprint, so I know the exact distance I need to kick it into high gear and empty my tank.

Know your body and know your limitations and you should have no problem. Good luck and keep running.

Response by CPT Jeff Harrod made Mar 9 at 2017 8:13 AM

CPT Jeff Harrod — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 08:13:11 -0500

The absolute best way to do the 2 mile run is to break it down into 1/4 mile segments. If you want to do a 14 minute 2-mile, then you must have 1:45 splits on each 1/4 mile. Most if not all of the courses are marked at 1/4 mile points. This will ensure you do not start too slow and that you don't have to sprint at the end. Good luck!!

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 9 at 2017 8:46 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 08:46:02 -0500

If you fail the 1st APFT, the drill sergeants will zero in on you, but you won't be kicked out. Don't repeat the failure though.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 9:35 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 09:35:28 -0500

My first APFT was a couple days into OSUT. Drill sergeant let me get to 6 push-ups, then kept repeating 6, 6, go lower private, 6 go lower. I dropped down until my chest touched the ground. "Private, you have rested your body on the ground, and terminated the event." The first APFT was just another way to mess with our minds. Almost nobody in the company passed it. Most of basic training was focused on getting overweight recruits down to weight, so if running is your problem, I wouldn't worry much. If you're weak on push-ups and sit-ups, work on those in your personal time in the evening instead of goofing off with your buddies or writing letters, and you'll do just fine. I was skinny as a rail when I got to Leonard Wood, I might still be there if I hadn't worked on push-ups and sit-ups ony own time.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Mar 9 at 2017 9:40 AM

CW4 Angel C. — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 09:40:33 -0500

Here's what gets a lot of people to do poor on the 2-mile run: sit-ups right before. Makes your legs feel weak and heavy. My advise: don't just run before basic but give yourself a diagnostic/practice APFT (PU, SU, run) at least every couple weeks. Run 3-4 miles regularly as well as a fast 1 miler. It'll pay off for the APFT and company/battalion runs.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Mar 9 at 2017 9:56 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 09:56:52 -0500

If you haven't shipped to training yet, and you are concerned about the 2 mile run, my only tip would be get away from the computer screen and go run now. Seriously, the better shape you get into prior to training, the better off you will be.

Response by PFC Alexander Oliveira made Mar 9 at 2017 11:02 AM

PFC Alexander Oliveira — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 11:02:54 -0500

First APFT is one of the first days youre there. its a diagnostic one to see where you are physically. what they don't tell you before you ship out is you can fail every test including the last one, the one that matters, i did. because they will have a make up test, in order not to be sent back to 30th AG you need to at a bare minimum, pass the make up for the last one. if I remember there are 3 periodically throughout basic before the final one, or it includes the final. either way you take 3. my best advice? kill yourself while youre running and pick up the pieces of yourself afterwards. I used to dry heave but I passed. even in AIT.

Response by SPC Anthony Ingersoll made Mar 9 at 2017 11:58 AM

SPC Anthony Ingersoll — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 11:58:12 -0500

Just tell yourself not to quit and you will make it. Then even on your off time practice. You will be tried but if you believe in yourself you will get it and get better times. But you have to want it.

Response by SSG Dennis O'Connor made Mar 9 at 2017 12:34 PM

SSG Dennis O'Connor — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 12:34:27 -0500

1/1/1 assessment is done your second morning of basic then a full APFT every other week after. Was a DS 2010-2012

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Mar 9 at 2017 1:17 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 13:17:11 -0500

Michael Withem You will conduct a 1-1-1 assessment and will follow up with an APFT during BCT. You will also have another APFT during your AIT in Black Phase. For trainees in my unit at Ft Benning, they had to pass the first APFT in order to move out of Blue Phase. If they didn't they were given one more opportunity to pass. If they didn't pass the second time, they were sent to another unit a few weeks behind us for more additional PT needed in order to pass. At times they were also send to the FTU for extensive PT.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 9 at 2017 2:07 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 14:07:45 -0500

If you fail the first APFT they make a judgement call on how salvageable you are in PT. If you were close to passing they will allow you to continue and attempt to pass the APFT in the future. If you were way out of the ballpark on passing the APFT they will discharge you and ship you home.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 9 at 2017 4:26 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 16:26:24 -0500

Get in shape before you show up and then it is a non player. One less thing to worry with. Good luck.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 9 at 2017 5:33 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 17:33:39 -0500

You'll get to redo probably the whole APFT.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 5:34 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 17:34:46 -0500

We did a 1-1-1 (1 mile, 1 minute situp and 1 minute pushup). If you fail you will just get put into C group on runs... Aim for B and A

Response by SGT Felicia King made Mar 9 at 2017 8:23 PM

SGT Felicia King — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 20:23:52 -0500

Run and don't stop till you're done .... if you fail to meet the standards you will most likely get chaptered with a free ticket home.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 9:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 21:36:33 -0500

Life and running is all about heart. Give it everything you have and you will be ok.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 10:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 22:46:32 -0500

After the assessment in Reception, my basic training company conducted a diagnostic on our 3rd day after we were picked up by the Drill Sergeants. If you fail to meet the run time, you will be counselled. And then you will get more PT to help improve your run time.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Mar 10 at 2017 3:04 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 03:04:40 -0500

Don't plan on failing it.... Tips for running? Go out and run...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2017 11:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 11:33:43 -0500

You will run alot so your final apft should be a piece of cake.

Response by MSgt Chris Haggerty made Mar 10 at 2017 7:55 PM

MSgt Chris Haggerty — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 19:55:58 -0500

Don't aim for the point of failure - aim for the point of making a positive impression on your Drill Sergeants. In Marine Recruit Training, those who stand out as leaders by knowing basic military knowledge, excel at PT and are the fastest at specific tasks are those chosen to be squad leaders and the guide. If you show up and barely pass your first APFT, you will be on their radar for different reasons. As many others have stated already, get off the computer, lace up the "go fasters" and PT. Don't know how? Go for a run. Ask your recruiter. Go for a run. Go PT with him, meet up with the others in your area who are shipping to Basic soon. Go for a run. Join a gym and tell them what you are doing and your goals, take cross-fit classes. Go for a run. You get the picture. One other thing, don't get yourself accustomed to PT'ing with an iPod or whatever. You probably won't have it at Basic, and they are "frowned upon" at most bases for outdoor PT. Good Luck.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Mar 13 at 2017 12:20 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 12:20:08 -0400

I agree with Chief Angel C.'s comment below. As a former Drill Sergeant, I saw several soldiers who never fell out of a company or platoon run, but struggled with the 2-mile run due to the sit up event. So, with that in mind, always prep for the APFT by doing the exercises in the order the APFT is administered (Push up, Sit up, and run). Do as many push-ups and sit-ups as you can, but take no more than a 10 minute break between events. Same time break between the sit-ups and the run. Between all three events (including after the run) spend the time stretching. Flexibility is a key component of physical fitness before and after exercising. Google good stretching and flexibility techniques for the three main exercises.

Good luck and Go Army!!!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Mar 13 at 2017 12:46 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 12:46:47 -0400

I don't know for sure when you leave for your basic training but they are not kidding around and will ship you home if you fail the APFT. It might be in your best interest to start working out now and get into the shape that you need to be in order to pass your APFT. They may put you in a remedial PT Squad or Platoon if you fail it the first time but don't count on that. Put your best foot forward here! You already told your friends and family that you decided to enlist. Don't let them down or embarrass yourself by failing. The very best of luck to you young man!

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Mar 19 at 2017 8:56 AM

1SG Ernest Stull — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 08:56:33 -0400

Run everyday and do your sprints.

Response by SGT J M Porters made May 1 at 2017 11:31 PM

SGT J M Porters — Mon, 01 May 2017 23:31:15 -0400

Failure is not an option!! Get you a running buddy. Make it happen.