Should you be able to wear Fitness trackers during the APFT?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:31:50 -0400

As I runner I track all my runs and analyze the data to see if I am improving. I look at everything from my cadence to my heart rate to my pace throughout a run. What are your thoughts about running a watch to collect the data while running the APFT? Wearing the device does not make me any faster or give me any more of an edge. Running a couple hundred miles a year does that. With more and more tracking devices coming on the market do you think this should be looked at?

According to FM 7-22 A-5. Any piece of clothing not prescribed as a component of the IPFU, ACU or commander authorized civilian attire is not permitted for wear during the APFT. Neither are devices or equipment that offer any potential for unfair advantage during testing. Unless prescribed as part of the Soldier’s medical profile, the wearing of the following items are not authorized: nasal strips, weight lifting gloves, back braces, elastic bandages, or braces. Electronic devices are also not authorized (MP3 players, radios, cell phones, and compact disc players). AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, specifies the components of the IPFU
ensemble.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 29 at 2015 11:35 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 11:35:14 -0400

The device itself doesn't give you an advantage. It doesn't allow you to do anything you weren't capable of doing prior to wearing it. All it allows you to do is track 'real time' information to make the best possible decision while running. That includes current pace, heart rate, distance ran, etc.

As SFC Jerry C. said, they are now allowed.

I personally run about 10~ halves, and 2 full marathons a year, and uncountable training runs in support of those. I wear a Garmin Forerunner 220 watch (GPS enabled, with footpod). I'm upgrading to the 225 soon (for the HR monitor). The real time tracking info is just valuable, especially as the run gets longer, and over multiple runs. It let's me know where and how I have and can improve.

We were able to identify my wife's "mental block" at mile 10 during half marathons using hers, because we could see the steep decline in performance compared to the previous miles. We've been able to shift training time around for things like hills to build up strength etc. And on races, we've been able to throttle back the first mile when the adrenaline has gotten to us. It's just a good tool.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 11:07 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:07:47 -0400

No one makes you take off a normal wristwatch during the APFT. Most fitness trackers also have a time and date display. Put that on, and tell them it's your watch. Problem solved.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 8:24 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 20:24:04 -0500

Can u wear a camel back during a p.t. test

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 2:12 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 14:12:21 -0500

Reference my earlier answer to this question, avoiding a potential conflict by using technology as it was intended is always better than trying to justify something to someone who is hell-bent on using their rank to inconvenience a soldier "just because".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2018 12:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 12:11:09 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I've always worn a watch to keep track of my time and help pace myself. What is the difference if yours is "special" and collects more data? Just my two cents.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2021 3:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 03:30:08 -0400

I’m not going to make you take it off. I don’t think I know a single NCO I respect who would.

Honestly, If someone told a Soldier to get rid of one, I’d suspect there was something deeper going on there than just a simple uniform violation.

Response by SSgt Michael Anderson made Aug 30 at 2021 11:34 PM

SSgt Michael Anderson — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 23:34:06 -0400

Why not?