When does the transition process begin after an APFT failure?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 14:31:06 -0400

I’ve always thought that the separation was initiated after the second consecutive APFT failure. A friend of mine had a record PT test about a month ago. All failures were counseled and flagged 2 days later. Sometime this week, my friend was told that she needed to begin setting up appointments with Soldier for Life, but she has been the only one that was told this. Is it mandatory for her to start now, even though this is her first failure?

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Sep 27 at 2018 5:38 PM

1SG Timothy Trewin — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 17:38:10 -0400

It’s not mandatory, but I have seen it used as a practice. Essentially when someone did something that could result in a chapter have then start the SFL-TAP process. If they overcome it (such as passing their second record APFT) then they no longer have to go but gain valuable knowledge. If they don’t overcome the issue then you have already started the process. This prevents SFL-TAP from being the one thing keeping a Soldier from being chaptered. Honestly your friend should focus more on passing their next APFT and then they have nothing to worry about.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 27 at 2018 11:14 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 23:14:50 -0400

1, Was it an order?, id so from who. 2. Only the Commander can start a chapter- has she been counseled on the chapter?. Is she doing anything to show that she is working on conforming to the standards (extra PT, asking for PT help, working on her time at the gym)? Maybe someone is trying to impress on her that she MUST meet the standards or be kicked out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2018 6:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 06:32:24 -0400

My previous Company used this practice just like 1SG Timothy Trewin has seen. I think it's fairly common. It makes the chapter process faster, and there's nothing lost if the Soldier does pass their APFT on the 2nd test.