Should the Army Change it's physical fitness test to better reflect combat readiness, rather than 'fitness'?

2016-05-16T12:40:11-04:00

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 16 at 2016 12:45 PM

2016-05-16T12:45:15-04:00

No.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made May 16 at 2016 12:47 PM

2016-05-16T12:47:29-04:00

Both to me go hand in hand. Although some MOS/AOC's might not require as much "fitness" per say and I am guessing this is were the question you ask is being focused on right?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 12:47 PM

2016-05-16T12:47:48-04:00

I feel it should reflect both combat readiness and fitness.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 12:53 PM

2016-05-16T12:53:13-04:00

Would it make sense to have additional tests, to ensure ability to conduct certain tasks associated with their MOS sure, why not. However I think the APT does a fine job at measuring what it is intended to measure. It is designed to "...give you and your commanders an indication of your state of fitness and will act as a guide in determining your physical training needs..." It is not the end all be all of physical fitness.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-05-16T13:00:15-04:00

I have thought about this as well. The Marines have tried to meld the two by having 2 fitness tests. I am old and have crap ankles and knees but workout everyday. Should I be thrown out if I cant run very far but can lift a truck and have a six pack? Right now, yes. The standard is the standard but it does make me wonder.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-05-16T13:12:00-04:00

I feel like it should reflect both combat readiness and fitness of the individual.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 16 at 2016 1:47 PM

2016-05-16T13:47:57-04:00

Sounds Logical, Makes Sense but not really sure what the difference is.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 2:14 PM

2016-05-16T14:14:14-04:00

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/does-every-mos-rate-need-the-same-level-of-fitness-what-about-an-mos-rate-specific-pt-test-or-events

Does every MOS/Rate need the same level of fitness? What about an MOS/Rate specific PT test or...

I really hope this happens. Not all MOS require the same level of Fitness. I wouldn't use it for an promotion packet against all MOSs as it wouldn't be the same for everyone but I would like to see additional events that address some of the specific tasks that are measures of fitness for some MOSs. For infantry I would add pull ups or even a ruck. If you were a mechanics you might have to be able to hand carry a certain weight over a short...

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 16 at 2016 3:06 PM

2016-05-16T15:06:15-04:00

The short answer is no, but that is not saying that changes should not be made to ALSO reflect readiness.

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made May 16 at 2016 3:15 PM

2016-05-16T15:15:09-04:00

In my usually worthles opinion. There should be a total of 5 events. The basic 3 so schools won't get confused, and 2 go/no go that are MOS related. Some MOS's I don't know whaytthey would be, but I'm sure the thinkers in DC would come up with something. For example: infantry, a timed 6 mile ruck march toting the combat load of a 240 and bound and overwatch, a timed team event.
Mechanics cash do the starter hold. Lay on your back and hold a Hummer starter for 2 minutes, and the LMTV wheel lift 6 times 6 inches off the ground, a team event. Health Care Specialists 6 mile ruck with full load of gear. 300 meter litter carry 2 person with 250 lb dead weight.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-05-16T15:22:25-04:00

i dont know if it has changed but there was an apft designed just for this, never saw it , what happened to, it was supposed to replace the old apft

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 4:13 PM

2016-05-16T16:13:04-04:00

I think it should. I know the Army has looked at this several times since they started testing this metric. From what I have read and heard, the basic problem with implementing this kind of test is developing a portable test. The current one can be done anywhere, without extra equipment, and still provides some measure of a soldier's level of fitness and translation into combat fitness.

Do I think it is the best option, no. but that is my opinion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 6:12 PM

2016-05-16T18:12:54-04:00

If you read the past couple editions of Army Times or have kept up with current events within the Army, you'll see that they'll be inducing a new OPFT (occupational physical fitness test) with new recruits at MEPS. There'll be a series of events that they'll do along the lines of a medicine ball hurl, standing long jump, as a couple of others. Each MOS will have a certain set of scores that a soldier will need to meet in order to ship to training. Disregarding the points system and inducing a GO/NO GO system. But that's at MEPS only for now.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-05-16T18:43:31-04:00

I have no issue with the current standards. But that does not mean you don't train for combat

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-05-16T19:38:02-04:00

This is THE question. THE answer is yes. Absolutely. Without a doubt. Yes.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 16 at 2016 7:56 PM

2016-05-16T19:56:35-04:00

What do we do for the females?

Response by COL Jeff Williams made May 17 at 2016 1:58 PM

2016-05-17T13:58:42-04:00

It should stay the same. That is the true measure of a Soldier. More times than I can count in combat that my ability to do sit-ups saved my life and those of my Soldiers

Response by TSgt Jennifer Disch made May 17 at 2016 2:12 PM

2016-05-17T14:12:45-04:00

Yes. Some people look good in uniform and run but ask them to lift a ruck. I am strong and can perform under stress yet I didn't look good in uniform and lost my E-7 stripe.

Response by LTC Dallas Powell made May 17 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-05-17T14:36:31-04:00

It's an age-old question that has seen several valiant attempts at answers over the last 25 years. The current APFT has changed little since I enlisted in 1989, and probably never will be replaced by something we can all agree is more functional. It is perfect? NO -- but it is "a" measure of fitness, and it is "the" standard.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 8:40 PM

2016-05-17T20:40:21-04:00

Yes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 9:09 AM

2016-05-18T09:09:57-04:00

I think so, when are you going to do push ups and sit ups in combat? Are you gonna strip to your skivvies and run 2 miles with your tennis shoes that you conveniently tucked in your ruck, drop your rifle/ruck all your t 80 gear and run 2 miles behind your own lines? I don't think so...let the army physical fitness test 'be more like' what one may experience in battle...