PRT versus FM 21-20... The Good, the bad, and the ugly. Which is better?

2015-05-05T23:43:58-04:00

Let the mayhem ensue!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 1:49 AM

2015-05-06T01:49:38-04:00

Once again, FM 7-22 is doctrine not regulation. PRT is a guideline for leaders to follow for physical training. Personally, I am not a big fan of PRT, some of it is good, some of it not so good. PRT is the Army's physical fitness program so, you should be conducting it daily, you should be teaching your Soldiers and junior leaders how to instruct and execute PRT. You will be tested on your proficiency during NCOES.

With that being said, if PRT is all your unit is doing there is a command issue. Your unit's P.T. should increase the Soldiers proficiency, stamina, and strength to accomplish their wartime tasks. You should incorporate cross functional training, foot marches, battle focused training, and much more.

It's the one uninterrupted hour of the day that you have positive control of your Soldiers. Don't waste their time.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 6 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-05-06T09:55:20-04:00

I personally like them both. When I was in SLC, formerly ANCOC, we were taught PRT and I had the pleasure of teaching kettle bell pt, great session I incorporate it in my training to this day. I also have been a PLDC instructor who agreed with and followed FM 21-20 to the letter. In both scenario’s I found that I need additional training to be able to maintain and be mentally tough.

We all know physical training has a purpose and we have guidelines. Is there a set program for all to achieve a 300 on their APFT no?

Individuals who are training or conducting training will adhere to the prescribed regulation, FM 7-22, Army Physical Readiness Training. Having seen both each of these documents mentioned have personally assisted me in developing a training program to pursue my individual goal. “I lift heavy things and put them down.”

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-05-06T17:42:56-04:00

I don't like PRT because most of my Soldiers don't get a good enough workout or stretching from it. My unit tries to push you to do whatever is on the PRT quick card and nothing else. Most of the time I go through some older stretches from FM 21-20 right after the PRT warm-up to help with stretching. I also try to incorporate some exercises from FM 21-20 in order to add some variety. But even then it seems like we waste more time on the PRT warm-up and cool down then on actual exercises.