Your PT belt falls off during your PT test. What do you do?

2017-06-19T17:13:37-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 5:15 PM

2017-06-19T17:15:22-04:00

Anything else could cause you to fail the test

Response by CPT David Gowel made Jun 19 at 2017 5:19 PM

2017-06-19T17:19:32-04:00

Drop with it.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 19 at 2017 5:43 PM

2017-06-19T17:43:52-04:00

Acquiring one by assaulting someone else depends on finding a victim who you can surprise. AWOL is
is the best answer.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 5:45 PM

2017-06-19T17:45:17-04:00

Obviously never get into that horrid situation in the first place by having another one under the first. I can't believe those fools who only wear one and have their lives hang on a single buckle.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 5:45 PM

2017-06-19T17:45:18-04:00

Will the CSM detect it that I'm missing the PT belt?

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jun 19 at 2017 6:01 PM

2017-06-19T18:01:12-04:00

Probably would have forgotten it in the first place....

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 19 at 2017 6:04 PM

2017-06-19T18:04:09-04:00

Because you said it was a test, not just a workout, I recommend leaving the belt where it is and pressing on. After you finish the test, notify your supervisor and retrieve the belt as soon as possible. At any other time, I would advise picking it up as soon as it is safe to do so. There may be lots of rules about running in formation that I'm not familiar with. Just something we didn't do in the AF when I was on Active Duty. Watched the Army folks do it a lot when I was an Army Civilian. Looks like ever so much fun!

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jun 19 at 2017 6:41 PM

2017-06-19T18:41:55-04:00

You only really need the pt belt when moving from point A to point B.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 19 at 2017 6:44 PM

2017-06-19T18:44:37-04:00

I'm guessing you mean during the run. You leave it. Simple as that. I'm not sacrificing my run time for that stupid thing.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jun 19 at 2017 6:57 PM

2017-06-19T18:57:20-04:00

Complete the mission... i believe the purpose of the mission is a PT Test NOT carrying a stupid belt...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 19 at 2017 7:25 PM

2017-06-19T19:25:51-04:00

The purpose of a PT belt is for (VISUAL) SAFETY. A PT course is an ESTABLISHED SAFE COURSE. Therefore, the belt is not "required" on the course laid out, but may be required from a order/regulatory standpoint.

This is the equivalent of wearing a belt when already wearing suspenders even though the regulation (USMC) says "a belt will be worn when belt loops are present." The suspenders cover the intended purpose even if they do not cover the stated purpose.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 7:42 PM

2017-06-19T19:42:28-04:00

Leave it and continue with the run. Simple.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 8:02 PM

2017-06-19T20:02:17-04:00

I would start praying because without that belt I'm as good as dead.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 8:34 PM

2017-06-19T20:34:07-04:00

When I served, we did not have PT belts, and our biggest danger was being ate or trampled by a dinosaur.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 9:10 PM

2017-06-19T21:10:06-04:00

finish your pt test.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 10:42 PM

2017-06-19T22:42:21-04:00

Problem solved! Who says LTs don't have good ideas?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 10:42 PM

2017-06-19T22:42:27-04:00

It really doesn't matter what you do; you're already dead.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jun 19 at 2017 10:59 PM

2017-06-19T22:59:36-04:00

Well... hopefully there's a shovel handy.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 11:00 PM

2017-06-19T23:00:16-04:00

I would try and catch a faster runner and expand his belt in order to fit around both of us, then allow him to carry me to a better run time and still adhere to safety

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2017 11:31 PM

2017-06-19T23:31:10-04:00

I would take the safety strap out of the nearest 5 ton and use that instead because I know every first sergeant and sergeant major on post is going to defecate when that is missing because that is more important then the top-heavy 5-ton safety issue but it's a placebo if you have your safety strap connected at the back LOL..

https://youtu.be/8Y3TU6T0n34

It Ain't Half Hot Mum best bits

Windsor Davies gunner Graham impressions on It Ain't Half Hot Mum. lol :D

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 8:57 AM

2017-06-20T08:57:15-04:00

A properly maintained and PM'd PT belt will not fall off. If a PT belt falls off during the course of PT it shows a lack of institutional control from the squad leader all the way up to the commander.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 20 at 2017 9:10 AM

2017-06-20T09:10:16-04:00

Run forrest run! Probably gain three seconds from loosing the excess wind drag created by the stupid thing.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 20 at 2017 9:32 AM

2017-06-20T09:32:40-04:00

Well, the loss of the PT belt does certainly open oneself up to all kinds of mortal dangers: Getting shot, being hit by a meteor, stomped on by dinosaurs, spontaneous combustion; but I'd risk it all so as not to waste time and energy retrieving it.

If I didn't make it, my epitaph would read : "Risked it all and died within sight of a 300! May you all live so fully and die so well!"

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 9:42 AM

2017-06-20T09:42:38-04:00

Same thing I'd do if my pants fell off. Bend over and pick it up, put it on, and move out smartly.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 9:43 AM

2017-06-20T09:43:40-04:00

Go AWOL is clearly the only appropriate answer.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 10:06 AM

2017-06-20T10:06:04-04:00

If it falls off during the pushup event, leave it where it is and finish the event, then put it back on. If it falls off during the situp event, leave it where it is and put it back on after you finish the event.

If it falls off during the run, leave it and finish the run, and tell anyone screaming at you otherwise to go f*** themselves. Sorry for the profanity, but this is one of my pet peeves. If you're running in the APFT, barring absolute emergencies, NOTHING takes priority over that. If a female's ponytail comes undone, let it come undone and make her fix it AFTER she crosses the finish line. If you're not willing to do that, you're showing that you don't care whether the soldier passes the test.

Response by SGT Robert Kromminga made Jun 20 at 2017 11:11 AM

2017-06-20T11:11:02-04:00

it depends - if you pass the PT test you will be informed that you were not in the proper uniform and performed in a unsafe manner which results in a failure for which you will be relieved of your duty position and placed on remedial PT for the remaining of your career (as short as it will now be) and be required to perform a second PT test in 30 minutes as "that's what the commander wants"; but if you failed the PT test you will be counseled on the reason of your failure and your inability to maintain accountability of your equipment and performed your duties in a unsafe manner for which you will be relieved of your duty position and placed on remedial PT and required to report to the master fitness trainer (who they have not yet appointed), you will then be required to take a second PT test in 30 minutes. But if you file a complaint stating that the instructor never informed you of the "Dangers and hazards of losing your PT belt" then you will be given 6 months before a retake, promoted and transferred to another unit.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2017 1:29 PM

2017-06-20T13:29:04-04:00

What the heck is a pt belt and why does the military wear them?

Response by 1SG John Hoffman made Jun 20 at 2017 4:12 PM

2017-06-20T16:12:24-04:00

Why are you wearing that stupid thing during a Apft?

Response by 1SG John Hoffman made Jun 20 at 2017 4:13 PM

2017-06-20T16:13:04-04:00

Keep running who cares about that stupid belt

Response by SPC Jeffrey Reese made Jun 20 at 2017 5:33 PM

2017-06-20T17:33:56-04:00

Have you all heard of suspenders if you are that scared of your safety belt go to the store and buy some suspenders and relax on your run. If the buckle comes undone so be it the belt will still be there. Just re buckle it and drive on. Gee where has the ingenuity of today's ARMY gone.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jun 20 at 2017 7:10 PM

2017-06-20T19:10:16-04:00

Since in the AF we usually do our PT test on the track or the flightline as a base we don't use reflective belts for the tests. We do wear them in war zones though because nothing is safer than telling the enemy "hey I'm right here".

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Jun 20 at 2017 7:25 PM

2017-06-20T19:25:14-04:00

is this anything like dropping and picking up the dingle dangle??

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 20 at 2017 8:52 PM

2017-06-20T20:52:44-04:00

It won't happen. I can only be cut off with the magic sword called "DD214".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 1:35 AM

2017-06-21T01:35:07-04:00

You have to start over. It's in the rule book.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 5:34 AM

2017-06-21T05:34:27-04:00

Continue Mission and then directly after speak to our Safety Officer about how I can be safer next pt test hahaha

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 21 at 2017 8:46 AM

2017-06-21T08:46:36-04:00

Seems the only option here is to disappear without a trace.

Response by SGT Jason Ellenburg made Jun 21 at 2017 10:36 AM

2017-06-21T10:36:52-04:00

If you believe the Sergeant Majors of the world, you immediately get his by a car and die. It doesn't matter if you are in the gym or running on the road, car and death.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 6:02 PM

2017-06-21T18:02:39-04:00

Peterson was running well, slightly ahead of his goal pace of 6:20 per mile. He didn't dare contemplate breaking thirteen minutes for the two mile run, knowing that he had to stay focused on his breathing if he was going to finally max his APFT. Well ahead of him and steadily pulling away, Jones and Kakume were racing to determine once again who the fastest runner in the company was. Hanson was slightly behind him, and the sound of his labored breathing told Peterson that Hanson would not be passing him today. Peterson risked a glance back and saw Hanson, his slim features contorted with effort. His face was red, and sweat ran freely down his face and neck, blossoming in a sweat stain across the front of his PT shirt that nearly consumed the whole garment.
It was hot today. Whoever picked today for a PT test must not have checked the weather. Or perhaps it was their compassion that they failed to check. Peterson felt himself gripped with sudden doubt. He wondered if the heat would soon affect him. Would he start cramping, or would he get overheated and bonk, or even worse, pass out? He shook off the thought, physically shaking his head in denial, sending droplets of sweat out in arcs of exertion, testaments to his effort that spattered on the pavement. Would they still be there when he passed this spot again after the turn-around, or would they evaporate quickly on the already sizzling asphalt?
At this thought, Peterson looked ahead and spotted Witkowski, standing at the street intersection in his duty uniform with a clipboard in one hand, and a gas station coffee cup in the other. Maybe it was the heat distortion coming off the road ahead, but ‘Ski was looking especially fat today. Peterson shook his head in disgust. More sweat fell to the pavement. As he neared the intersection, ‘Ski looked at his wristwatch and started calling off the elapsed time. He seemed agitated and as Peterson planted his foot and pivoted back to the start point, he saw why. ‘Ski was sweating buckets. His t-shirt was drenched beneath his top, and he was redder in the face than Hanson had been. Sucks to suck, chuckled Peterson to himself, but his mirth was short lived. The numbers that Witkowski was calling out were all wrong.
“…six forty-five, six forty-six, six forty-seven…”
Panic began to set in as Peterson realized that he was off pace by fifteen seconds. Fifteen! Everything started to turn upside down. His legs, previously strong and energetic, now felt leaden and weak. Breathing in the muggy air became a struggle, Peterson felt like he was choking, in more ways than one. Shouting broke through his fog like a hammer blow. Ahead he saw Staff Sergeant Minks, almost to the turn-around point himself. They made eye contact as Minks hollered at him to pick up the pace.
“Don’t quit now Peterson! You’re half-way there! Keep it up!”
Staff Sergeant Minks held up his hand and Peterson returned the high-five as they passed. Peterson knew from past experience that Minks would finish much faster than he started, preferring negative splits to steady effort. He said he was like a steam engine that took a while to get going, but couldn’t be stopped once he did. Peterson wondered if he could stay ahead of Minks. If he could, he just might be able to make up those fifteen seconds. Jolted out of his funk, he steadied his breathing and picked up his pace.
The next couple of minutes were a surreal mixture of anxiety and exhilaration. Everyone he passed was giving him strange looks. At first he chalked it up to his unusual position near the front of the pack. He had been training mostly on his off duty time to improve his run. This gain in speed was not anticipated. Slowly, as he passed more runners, he began to realize that there was something else causing their looks, some unsaid thing that caused him some discomfort as he began to contemplate all the reasons that he might be gaining this newfound attention. Calling attention to oneself was not a good idea in the Army most days. He didn’t need to wonder very long. The distinctly piercing nasal voice of the company First Sergeant cut through him like a knife.
“Where’s you’re daggone PT belt hero!?!”
Peterson looked down, grasping uselessly at his waist with both hands. He looked back up to see the First Sergeant shrugging his shoulders and holding his hands out in wordless query. The First Sergeant’s eyes bored into Peterson’s soul, and the expression on his face clearly conveyed that his days on this Earth were numbered. Just when it became too much to bear, the First Sergeant had passed, moving inexorably toward the turn-around point as Peterson continued on to the finish line. Peterson looked back furtively, hoping it would be there, just on the ground within reach, but it wasn’t. As quickly as the opposite running pack had come, they were gone, and Peterson felt a sinking loneliness centered on his naked and unprotected waist.
How could he lose his PT belt? Wars could be won or lost and their significance would pale in comparison to the dire consequences of conducting PT without the sure and steady glow of a yellow reflective belt. To step out into the world without its cocoon of protection was to invite disaster…and the wrath of every senior NCO within a ten mile radius. Peterson felt himself faltering. Fifteen seconds were the least of his worries now. Lurid visions of himself doing front-back-gos for the next hour caused a stutter in his step. “Breathe” he told himself. “Breathe.”
For the next minute or so, Peterson struggled to maintain his pace, listening to the sound of his feet slapping the pavement, and his own ragged breaths growing louder and more labored. He ran then, on the tipping point of disaster, flirting with the idea of quitting and walking, when he was startled near to death by a slap on his shoulder.
“Let’s go warrior, pick it up!” It was Staff Sergeant Minks.
“Hooah, Sergeant.” Peterson gasped out.
“Missing something?” Minks asked.
Peterson looked down, and there in Staff Sergeant Minks’ hand was his PT belt. Minks thrust it at him and Peterson grasped it like it were a life vest. As he took the ends and wrapped it around his waist, a vast weight eased off of him, as though some existential burden were now lifted. Peterson laughed out loud. “Thanks Sergeant” he shouted, and began his kick into the last quarter mile. Peterson knew he was going to break thirteen today.

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Jun 21 at 2017 6:07 PM

2017-06-21T18:07:22-04:00

I'll just submit my retirement packet, because that's when I truly know that it's time to go.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 9:24 PM

2017-06-21T21:24:15-04:00

I'm assuming you're talking about during the run? In that case, run mother trucker, run. 21-20 doesn't require it for the test to be valid. Pick it up next time around or after crossing the finish line. However, if stopping momentarily to snag it would cause you to fail the APFT, you're not doing PT right.

Response by SSG Howard Dennard made Jun 22 at 2017 12:43 AM

2017-06-22T00:43:54-04:00

What the hell is a P.T belt? During my 20 years we took P.T in combat boots, and fatigues minus shirt and cap.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 11:51 AM

2017-06-22T11:51:16-04:00

Seeing as I am old, broken soldier and do the 2.5 mile walk nowadays I could spare a few seconds to stop and pick up my belt and continue with my walk.

Response by LTC John Dundas made Jun 22 at 2017 1:25 PM

2017-06-22T13:25:28-04:00

What is a PT Belt?

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 5 at 2021 10:33 PM

2021-08-05T22:33:11-04:00

Thanks for sharing