Is PRT being conducted across the Army?

MSG Martin C. — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:29:07 -0400

Is PRT being conducted across the Army? Or has it become irrelevant?
The more installations I visit the more I notice how little to none PRT is being enforced. I became very proficient during my time in TRADOC however outside of it I hardly ever see anyone do it and when I do I notice all kinds of deficiencies.
Do you think the Army did not think this all the way? Many installations lack the kettle bells and Pull up bars.
I have talk to several NCOs that simply do not understand the concept.
Is your unit conducting PRT?
What are you doing to enforce the standard?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 3:34 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:34:28 -0400

SFC,
In my small ROTC program we used to do crossfit-esque and station workouts but recently moved to PRT. I think a combination of different work outs is best. I think being familiar with PRT is good.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 4:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 16:22:22 -0400

I have never done PRT. Couldn't tell you what it is and my last duty station was FT Campbell.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 4:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 16:39:58 -0400

We do PRT a few times a month, generally to help out a NCO on the way to NCOES. Other than that we run or play a sport. I Personally don't care for PRT I miss old school muscle failure. But it is what it is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 7:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 19:31:14 -0400

I continued to do PRT for several months when I got out of Tradoc and no one else was doing it in my BN. I eventually started doing Crossfit WOD's and Military athlete workouts with better results and the Soldiers like it more.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 9:48 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 21:48:08 -0400

SFC Cardenas, as a WLC instructor I have seen many Soldiers who are extremely unfamiliar with the Army's Standard for PRT. This has been a direct result of poor Company level leadership. When PRT was changed in 2010 it did cause some confusion but four years has left leadership with no excuse.

PRT may not be a perfect program, but what is? When PRT is correctly performed it will lead to excellent results.

With that being said, I enjoy teaching junior leaders about PRT. However, it is a shame that senior E4's and E5's are not well versed or completely in the dark.

I actually would be interested in who uses Soldiers and NCOs who return from NCOES to teach? If you are not then the cycle will continue...

Response by SFC David Cook made Jan 19 at 2015 1:34 AM

SFC David Cook — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 01:34:27 -0500

Since the implementation of PRT I have never seen an NCO above SFC or an Officer above 1LT actually do it. I actually have heard many higher ups totally dismiss PRT in front of Junior NCOs and Enlisted. In my experience it works when done properly. PRT is mostly done improperly by unprepared instructors, they often drag it out by stumbling through it while constantly referring back to the card. When PRT is done improperly it only confirms to the junior NCOs and Enlisted what the higher ups are saying.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2015 3:08 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 03:08:38 -0500

To quote many internet memes "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, no." Both at my prior unit and at my current unit, PRT is not conducted. And honestly I don't believe it should be. The army is good at a lot of "big picture things" however the "rubber meets the road" level it isn't particularly good at. No matter who you are, doing PRT will not get you into the shape you need to be to pass a PT/Tape test. Ultimately it comes down to how much work you are willing to put in to your own physical fitness. Just because one does PRT does not mean that they will be a physically fit person. One can half-ass it through every single PT session and still be a "fat boy, slow-ass, can't-hack-it piece of shit" (pardon my French). Either one cares about staying fit or one doesn't. Regardless of the Army's PT plan around 80% of one's fitness depends on diet, and good luck on trying to prevent people from eating whatever they want to.
#apologiesforbluntness
#fatpeoplegonnabefat

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2015 2:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 14:40:14 -0500

We are starting to implement it a little here in my unit. I recently attended the Master Fitness Trainer course and I have to say, it really changed my mind about the whole program. The idea behind the program is to be able to perform warrior tasks and battle drills, not to just pass the APFT. It's about proper body mechanics to help reduce injuries as well as help folks that are injured get back to health. There is a lot of science behind the program. If anyone ever has the opportunity to attend MFT, I would strongly recommend it. Go there with an open mind and lots of questions.