What are some duty stations where your APFT run time increases significantly due to low oxygen levels because of high altitude?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 22:26:58 -0500

What are the duty stations where your apft run time increases significantly (1-1.5 minutes or more) due to low oxygen levels because of high altitude. How did you manage it?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 7 at 2019 10:50 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 22:50:04 -0500

The USMC uses 4500ft as the benchmark for High Altitude per MCO6100.13A (Chapter 9, p 2-7). This is slightly outdated with the newest PFT metrics, but the general concept holds true.

This is conjecture but our source document for that would be the DODI, which is likely the same as the Army's. (The army AR & FM would cite the same DODI).

The way "we" account for high altitude is by adding "approximately" 30 seconds per mile (18:00 / 3 miles "max" score becomes a 19:30 / 3 mile "max score"). This assumes proper acclimation time on station.

So, with a 2 mile run, from a physiological standpoint, you can expect your run-time to increase by approximately 1 minute (8~%) .

All that said, check the Army FM & AR. They "should" have an altitude adjustment scale and benchmark (above X ft).

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 7 at 2019 10:57 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 22:57:32 -0500

Ft Bliss

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 11:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 23:01:38 -0500

You acclimate after a few weeks, so it's a moot point.
This is why Olympic teams will train in Denver before competition. But after a few weeks, your body acclimates to the new air pressure and the effect diminishes.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 7 at 2019 11:20 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 23:20:16 -0500

Fort Carson. 6200 feet. You can feel the difference. Be in shape before you get there. Hydrate. Do PT. It takes a few weeks to have your red blood cells to catch up to what you need. There is no APfT or EIB/EFMB road March allowance. Good news, when you go TDY you can run like a champ.

Fort Irwin is at 3000 feet. Mild annoyance. Same Drill.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 7:16 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 07:16:10 -0500

When I transferred from ft Jackson to ft lee in va, my runtime increased by a whole 2 1/2 mins, I’d say that’s a good one

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 8 at 2019 4:15 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 16:15:24 -0500

USAFA - 7,258 feet campus area - It was a great advantage when playing a sea level team as Falcon Stadium is at 6,621 feet.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 6:04 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 18:04:59 -0500

The highest elevation base that I can think of is Fort Carson, in Colorado.

Fort Carson’s elevation is above 6,000 feet and some newcomers may experience slight fatigue at first. Because of the elevation, new personnel are allowed 30 days to adjust to the altitude and to reach Fort Carson fitness standards.

The commonly accepted scale is use defines "high altitude" at 8000 feet. Generally it takes 3-5 days to acclimatize enough to be comfortable with normal activities, and 7-10 days to handle increased physical activity. The Army gives you 30 days. You should pace yourself, stay extra hydrated, increase your carb intake a bit, and try to avoid excess caffeine, smoking, and alcohol during this period.

Ft Bliss is another one.

Response by SSG Michael Taylor made Feb 8 at 2019 6:53 PM

SSG Michael Taylor — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 18:53:53 -0500

FT Carson is one. It took several weeks and a LOT of outdoor cardio - including mountain climbing (Manitou Incline) in order to adjust. More water, less booze for 3-4 months might be a wonderful option.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 10:25 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 10:25:51 -0500

Fort WeGotcha I mean Huachucca!