A strong physique is not what defines military service fitness. But, physical fitness is critical for one’s success in the field. Your physical training test score will count as one-third of your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Yet there’s more to it than plainly passing a PT test.
Military skills require strength and endurance. Whether you’re using heavy weapons or climbing high walls, you must be fit. In addition, there are combat situations themselves where soldiers must carry wounded comrades. Sometimes, having their gear across the terrain is one thing they need strength to do it.
Military Service Fitness Standards: The Basics
Each branch of the U.S. military has its physical fitness standards. To be fit for military service, you can use the criteria listed here to see where you fit. It will also show you what kind of training program might be beneficial for you.
But, of course, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.
Military Physical Fitness Standards
The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is the physical requirement the Army necessitates. It consists of three events: two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a timed 2-mile run.
For females who take the test, the number of push-ups is less than males. It is because they generally have less upper body strength than men. If you are over age 45 when taking the APFT, you may also skip the two-mile run.
If you are healthy and committed to passing the Army’s physical fitness training, there are several ways to do it. One is to enter into an Army program called Advanced Warrior Training (AWT). This is for soldiers who have not met the APFT score requirements.
Moreover, it will give them extra time to meet their physical fitness goals before beginning initial job training (IET). Soldiers who live on post or in housing near an installation can also enroll. There are no-cost sessions at a base gym, which is the Physical Fitness Center. This is where they can work out with personal trainers or attend group classes like aerobics or yoga. Even those who live far can find it helpful to join local fitness centers, athletic clubs, or health spas.
Military Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
The APFT is a three-event physical performance test used to assess endurance. It is an essential part of the combat readiness process. This shows if you have the stamina to carry heavy weapons, ammunition, and equipment over long distances while under enemy fire. The events are two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a timed 2-mile run.
Gender and age groups are the basis for each event’s score (the scoring method modified in 2005). The score requirement for Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) varies by military occupational specialty (MOS). But, it generally ranges from 50 percent to 75 percent or better to pass the test. Soldiers must score at least 60 points in each event to pass the test.
Military Service Physical Fitness Test Points Chart
Age group and gender also determine the scaled scores. Each has a maximum score of 100 points. For example, males receive one point for each second over two minutes in the push-up event. On the other hand, females receive one point for each second under two minutes.
Deduction of one point from the run time for every five seconds happens as well (e.g., 13:45 = 90 points). If you fail an event, it must be retaken once all other events you passed to achieve a total score.
Military Physical Readiness Training (PRT)
The Army’s PRT program consists of three types of training. Each level provides soldiers a high level of physical strength, stamina, and endurance. Such activity involves muscular strength, cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, and flexibility. It will also develop skills to avert injuries that may hinder performing obliging tasks needed on the battleground.
Each soldier should prepare to handle any task that the task demands. To complete these tasks, soldiers need a strong foundation in physical fitness training.
What are the levels in PRT?
There are three levels of PRT: the Basic program for recruits; the Enhanced for soldiers who are High Risk or Low APFT performers by their physicians and placed into the Army’s Physical Fitness Enhancement Program (PFE); and Advanced programs designed for soldiers with MOS-specific requirements.
The mission of each level is to improve combat readiness; each builds upon the previous one. Canadian army soldiers can receive guidance from their unit leaders on how to train well. One can do so by being physically fit at work, home and play.
This is essential because a fit soldier is more robust and faster. It is also a person who can also handle better physical rigors of intensive training.
Being physically fit gives a soldier more confidence in themselves as well as their unit. Army PRT plans allow you to train on your own without supervision. Still, it provides direction for soldiers who need extra help in their fitness goals.
The program offers many resources. This includes manuals, videos, CDs, wall charts, and brochures. All of these show you how to become physically fit through exercise. It also shows how to become fit without going to an expensive gym (only three hours per week).
You can schedule a time into your workout for a weight loss plan by setting realistic goals for other soldiers to do too! This is the best military service fitness idea you can use to pass tests.
Military Physical Readiness Training
Soldiers need to have a strong foundation in physical fitness training to pass. There are three levels of PRT:
Basic Program
The Basic program consists of a series of 12 exercises. Soldiers should perform one of two different Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) formats. This includes the 2-event Army APFT or the 3-event Army APFT, as outlined in this manual.
The purpose of the Basic program is to prepare you for the Enhanced. It also prepares you for more demanding Advanced PRT levels. It may be all they ever need for some soldiers, especially if they have adopted a physically active lifestyle through sports.
But for others, it will only make them aware of their physical weaknesses. Thus, they need further improvement.
Enhanced Program
The Enhanced program provides soldiers an extra physical training guide. This will help those who are:
- High Risk or Low APFT performers
- Those who are in the Army’s Physical Fitness Enhancement/Rehabilitation (PFE) program
This program consists of a series of 13 exercises. This includes one of two different Army APFT formats, as outlined in this manual.
The purpose is to prepare you for the Advanced PRT level and return to an operational unit following rehabilitation from injury or surgery. Through this, a report will show you how you can improve your fitness levels.
You may do so by adding variety to your military exercise routine – making it fun and challenging! It also provides extra strength and flexibility to help you cope with the physical demands of an operational unit.
Advanced Program
The Advanced program consists of a series of 18 exercises. Each performs two different Army APFT formats, as outlined in this manual. In addition, it provides extra military training guidance for soldiers who have attained the highest level (Level IV) on their unit’s Unit Fitness Assessment (UFA).
The purpose is to give them a dedicated physical training guide that will help improve their current fitness levels. It also helps prepare them for upcoming pilot training or deployment operations. Some also go through this test for rehabilitation purposes.
Regardless, one must pass this test before returning to their units. Soldiers who complete this program will be able to handle any task required in combat in no time.