73
73
0
I always asked myself why does the army always run all the time. we run almost 3 times a week on top on a pt test for 2 miles. To me it's pointless to ever run that far. Can name one time you ran 2 miles on your life to for a reason besides the military that mattered.
PRT (Army)
Fitness
Military Family
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 51
3
3
0
Maybe because we have had folks who ran/walked for days escaping the enemy. Because its the standard, since Christ was a CPL. Because it forces you to tax your body. Because you were damn well told to?
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
Because it’s an easy to standardize, generally ‘one size fits all’, inexpensive test.
Additionally, as you note, running often is a part of Army life. The 2mile run (and entire APFT) is the easiest test the Army administers. With even a small amount of honest, sustained effort, it’s just about impossible to fail.
(*note, the military often gives tests that don’t really test real world, ‘you’ll use this skill on the job’ skills. Sometimes, and the run is a good example, a test will measure one’s ability to not quit, in addition to gauging practical physical skills).
Additionally, as you note, running often is a part of Army life. The 2mile run (and entire APFT) is the easiest test the Army administers. With even a small amount of honest, sustained effort, it’s just about impossible to fail.
(*note, the military often gives tests that don’t really test real world, ‘you’ll use this skill on the job’ skills. Sometimes, and the run is a good example, a test will measure one’s ability to not quit, in addition to gauging practical physical skills).
(3)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
your first sentence says it all. A 6 mile ruck would be a much better test of endurance but that would mean you couldn't finish an APFT within 90 minutes.
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
I ran 6 miles a day as a cw2 at fort ord. 1978. To be sure I was ready for combat.
(2)
(0)
CW3 (Join to see)
It's very simple. Running distances lead to 'wind'. When you are in a fight, your adrenaline levels spike and if you are out of shape, you will not have the 'wind' to do anything. Running two miles is not really enough to prepare for moving under fire with a combat load. In order to get a good time on any run, you always practice by running further than the test. There is no secret here.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
I once was chased through the woods by a rather large animal. I don't know how far I ran but the time was a good 15 minutes before I no long could. I'm grateful for being in great shape at the time.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
SPC Matrone Plight, I'm glad you stated, "To me it's pointless to ever run that far, (2miles). To me the running of 2 miles is not the point, it's the understanding and encouragement that it can be done by the individual.
A story in the desert, we were on a hill and tanks were assaulting, the FNG asked me how do you out run a tank. Then after running down the hill, up another, and down that one, and then up another hill, he was out of breath, as well as others. I approached him and asked, " Do you know how to out run tanks now?" He replied, "YES", and whole ordeal wasn't about out running a tank, it was about saving your own life, no matter what it took.
A story in the desert, we were on a hill and tanks were assaulting, the FNG asked me how do you out run a tank. Then after running down the hill, up another, and down that one, and then up another hill, he was out of breath, as well as others. I approached him and asked, " Do you know how to out run tanks now?" He replied, "YES", and whole ordeal wasn't about out running a tank, it was about saving your own life, no matter what it took.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Maybe, because in the 82nd at Bragg, we always ran 5 miles everyday, and they wanted to give us a break during the PT test. If you failed the PT test twice, then that wasn't a problem, you were sent to the Fat Man unit for extra PT, until you passed the PT testing.
In the 82nd, we always tried to take care of the other troops, so those that didn't pass the PT testing, we would encourage them by taking them out for more PT during the day, to get them in shape for PT testing.
Most did pass the next time they had to take the PT test, we never tried to kick them out of the unit, we just got them in shape, due to we were a team, and cared for each other.
"All the Way, and Then Some"!
In the 82nd, we always tried to take care of the other troops, so those that didn't pass the PT testing, we would encourage them by taking them out for more PT during the day, to get them in shape for PT testing.
Most did pass the next time they had to take the PT test, we never tried to kick them out of the unit, we just got them in shape, due to we were a team, and cared for each other.
"All the Way, and Then Some"!
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Better to sweat in training than bleed in combat,I know, old timer saying,but in our profession (mine was quite awhile ago) the difference between catching the 8:15 train from the parking lot as a civilian and the ability to move rapidly in a combat situation is why you run,or as my old Platoon Sergeant used to say “goddamn it move people!”
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Yes I had to run with a pack to make the times for the 12 miler on the EIB test. Tried walking it but apparently my pace was too slow and I had to speed up a bit. As for running miles as a civilian. Ever ride Amtrak long distance? Some of those passenger trains are freaking long and you have to board at your specific car and yes if your late you have to run your azz down a long platform next to the train to get to the car you have to board......can be 3/4 mile to a full mile depending on where the train is lined up on the platform relative to your platform access. Longest Amtrak train that regularly runs is Auto-Train from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL. 22-25 cars long roughly a little over half a mile in length from locomotive to end of last car.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Really...?
What level of cardio vascular fitness do you think is the minimal acceptable standard?
How would you assess that level of cardio vascular fitness?
How would you maintain that level of cardio vascular fitness?
What level of cardio vascular fitness do you think is the minimal acceptable standard?
How would you assess that level of cardio vascular fitness?
How would you maintain that level of cardio vascular fitness?
(2)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
walking/rucking. much better and more realistic. But it takes longer than 12-18 minutes to assess it so the Army uses the 2 mile run instead of a 3-6 mile walk/ruck.
I've been a P2 no run profile for nearly 14 years but I can still ruck circles around guys that are half my age.
I've been a P2 no run profile for nearly 14 years but I can still ruck circles around guys that are half my age.
(1)
(0)
Maj John Bell
LTC (Join to see) - I agree completely that force marching is a much better evaluation. However, a 25 mile force march burns an entire training day. There will never be enough time for safe driver training, liberty safety briefs, suicide prevention classes, voter registration, personal hygiene classes, foot locker inspections, sexually transmitted disease prevention classes, racial sensitivity classes, personal/household financial management classes, etc. etc. etc.
There was never a Marine officer who believed unit PT was going to be adequate to maintain a combat fitness level. However the Marine PFT was a good diagnostic tool, with a high correlation between 2nd and 3rd class scores and unsatisfactory performance in physical performance during training exercises and deployment.
http://ultrarunninghistory.com/marches/
There was never a Marine officer who believed unit PT was going to be adequate to maintain a combat fitness level. However the Marine PFT was a good diagnostic tool, with a high correlation between 2nd and 3rd class scores and unsatisfactory performance in physical performance during training exercises and deployment.
http://ultrarunninghistory.com/marches/
10: The Ultradistance Marches (1941-45) | Ultrarunning History
Ultrarunning races ceased during World War II, but during wartime some impressive "forced marches" were achieved by men in the military both on bases and in battle.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
-
Ask questionGet expert advice and
tips for your questions. -
Post updatePost pictures, personal updates, plans, or anything you like!
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google 
