AF COT

The Little Greek · Apr 15, 2010

I love commanders who are realists. :)

Amen to that!! I think personal fitness is very important and very individual. I also think it's an important part of our military lives, if for no other reason to keep us healthy and at work. Unfortunately my squadron has a HUGE fail rate on the PT test so we have weekly mandatory PT. At first I didn't think it was so bad, but when I found out that the same people are still failing, it just made me bitter. I don't enjoy going to PT on my day off to watch those who fail walk around the track instead of attempt to make an improvement.

My only plea to those who are coming in....please, make an effort to stay in shape. I don't mean diet until you are stick thin and eat only nuts and berries, just try to maintain a decent fitness level. It will make your life easier when it's time for PT tests and it might save your co-workers some grief.

Sorry to rant, it's become a pet-peeve of mine.

rghbsn, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2010

Not really a rant, Little Greek...Excellence in All We Do...even the PT test. People forget about it. I know that folks are "glad" there isn't usually mandated PT time as a unit, but I don't see a problem with it. And as far as people walking...the commander should be on them. Or someone should be. If they're not on a waiver, they should be putting out work. Just my $0.02...humble and accurate as it may be, lol.

And age shouldn't keep anyone from performing. If, at 36, I can go from not being able to pass the test 6 months ago to a 96... anyone can do it. Just start fitting the time into your schedule to work out. Do push ups and sit ups every day or every other day, run 4-5 times a week for 30 mins. It's not hard, just have to fit it in.

DrCOVID, DNP · Apr 16, 2010

Hey, Adam... don't be one of those 20 somethings laughing at me as you fly by!

I'll try not to laugh :clown:

I am just glad to see something that actually values my build instead of the BMI (underweight), or the average captain obvious statement "wow your thin..."

I am expecting 100 pts on any PT...

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2010

Not really a rant, Little Greek...Excellence in All We Do...even the PT test. People forget about it. I know that folks are "glad" there isn't usually mandated PT time as a unit, but I don't see a problem with it. And as far as people walking...the commander should be on them. Or someone should be. If they're not on a waiver, they should be putting out work. Just my $0.02...humble and accurate as it may be, lol.
And age shouldn't keep anyone from performing. If, at 36, I can go from not being able to pass the test 6 months ago to a 96... anyone can do it. Just start fitting the time into your schedule to work out. Do push ups and sit ups every day or every other day, run 4-5 times a week for 30 mins. It's not hard, just have to fit it in.

Here's the problem with mandatory PT time (which, BTW, I was all for as well until they actually made me do it - then, what a nightmare).

On a nursing unit it's almost impossible, it's always inconvenient, and it's annoying. I also don't want people telling me I have to spend forty-five minutes running (or whatever) - because that's what the PT leaders would start doing. Not my bag. I make my run time and that's it. I'd rather spend time improving strength, to be honest with you.

If you can't get your trash together and keep your fitness up on your own time, then you should be out on the street without your CAC as Joe Civilian. Simple. We didn't have mandated PT for most of the time I was an AF cop and I never had a fitness problem. It's part of your job description - maintaining your fitness level - and is as important as maintaining your uniforms. Part of the deal.

Having been abused by the line side of the Air Force, I can tell you being called in for mandatory PT on your one day off that week is garbage - especially for folks who work nights. If you worked the night before and you got a DUI at 0500 through the front gate, and you were Police 1, you might not have gotten off work until 0900. And then go to PT at 1400? Uh-uh. And it happened, to more than one person, until the commander and the Shirt finally got wind of it.

Mandated group PT is for babies who aren't responsible enough to maintain their fitness level. Giving people duty time to go to PT - THAT'S acceptable, but that group PT is garbage. I'd say that most people on here would give me credit and say I'm the first to back AF reg (that comes from my cop upbringing, LOL) and believe things should be done by the book and I'm an AF officer 24/7 - but I like my time to be my time as much as possible, and telling me we'll have unit PT on X day weekly is only going to make me resent the PT monitors and my commander. If I want unit PT, I'll go green.

And I truly don't care if people walk on the track. That's their problem (unless they work for me - and to be honest, as long as they pass I don't care, either). Flunk and get separated and you're one less person I am or my troops are having to take up the slack for. Seriously - that's exactly what I think. Pass on the day you're scheduled and keep yourself healthy the other 364 days. Act maturely and stay out of Mickey D's four days a week.

To be honest, I'm more p.o.'d about the AF members I see every day in Wilford Hall that I KNOW don't meet their weight and look like duffel bags in their uniforms - and they're NOT crusty old sergeants about to retire. Some of them are young SrAs and SSgts! THAT burns me up more than people who walk the track. Or the people you see on Mondays who need to hit the gym because their blues are OBVIOUSLY too small. Someone ought to have a word with them.

I tend to not judge people who are walking because I don't know their reasons. Perhaps they're on profile and can't run. Maybe their knees are hurting that day (I have one that does sometimes and there's nothing that can be done for it at this point other than Motrin). Maybe they're just tired but thought "I have GOT to move regardless today or I won't do anything". Maybe they're family members who aren't required to do what we are. I know there are arguments for every point here, but as I said, I don't care if they walk. Scream at someone for walking on a track and you'll have an airman who'll resent you even more. Most commanders are majorly concerned if you fail and are more concerned about you passing the thing. If you pass it, they can't hold your score against you. Sure, an outstanding PT score's an OPR/EPR bullet, but that doesn't mean I'd rather have a 95 working under me (or over me, for that matter) as opposed to an 80 - or even a 78. I'll be proud of friends and coworkers who earn that PT gear iron-on patch, because that's a great achievement - but I won't think any less of someone who doesn't.

Sorry - had to vent... :)

midinphx, BSN · Apr 17, 2010

Wow Pooh, tell us how you really feel! lol.

:jester:

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2010

That whole PT thing is a real kicker for me - sorry.... :)

HNELLA · May 1, 2010

I have a friend who is USN and I asked him how was it to be required to meet PT standards every six months. He laughed and told me he has not tested in over 10 years. He said he has buddies who just check him off and write numbers down. Trust me, he is very fit and would not have a problem - nit like so many navy people I saw on base who probably could not complete a single sit up.

In my opinion I have seen more out of shape people in the Navy than the AF or Army combined.

The Little Greek · May 2, 2010

Here's the problem with mandatory PT time (which, BTW, I was all for as well until they actually made me do it - then, what a nightmare).
On a nursing unit it's almost impossible, it's always inconvenient, and it's annoying. I also don't want people telling me I have to spend forty-five minutes running (or whatever) - because that's what the PT leaders would start doing. Not my bag. I make my run time and that's it. I'd rather spend time improving strength, to be honest with you.
If you can't get your trash together and keep your fitness up on your own time, then you should be out on the street without your CAC as Joe Civilian. Simple. We didn't have mandated PT for most of the time I was an AF cop and I never had a fitness problem. It's part of your job description - maintaining your fitness level - and is as important as maintaining your uniforms. Part of the deal.
Having been abused by the line side of the Air Force, I can tell you being called in for mandatory PT on your one day off that week is garbage - especially for folks who work nights. If you worked the night before and you got a DUI at 0500 through the front gate, and you were Police 1, you might not have gotten off work until 0900. And then go to PT at 1400? Uh-uh. And it happened, to more than one person, until the commander and the Shirt finally got wind of it.
Mandated group PT is for babies who aren't responsible enough to maintain their fitness level. Giving people duty time to go to PT - THAT'S acceptable, but that group PT is garbage. I'd say that most people on here would give me credit and say I'm the first to back AF reg (that comes from my cop upbringing, LOL) and believe things should be done by the book and I'm an AF officer 24/7 - but I like my time to be my time as much as possible, and telling me we'll have unit PT on X day weekly is only going to make me resent the PT monitors and my commander. If I want unit PT, I'll go green.
And I truly don't care if people walk on the track. That's their problem (unless they work for me - and to be honest, as long as they pass I don't care, either). Flunk and get separated and you're one less person I am or my troops are having to take up the slack for. Seriously - that's exactly what I think. Pass on the day you're scheduled and keep yourself healthy the other 364 days. Act maturely and stay out of Mickey D's four days a week.
To be honest, I'm more p.o.'d about the AF members I see every day in Wilford Hall that I KNOW don't meet their weight and look like duffel bags in their uniforms - and they're NOT crusty old sergeants about to retire. Some of them are young SrAs and SSgts! THAT burns me up more than people who walk the track. Or the people you see on Mondays who need to hit the gym because their blues are OBVIOUSLY too small. Someone ought to have a word with them.
I tend to not judge people who are walking because I don't know their reasons. Perhaps they're on profile and can't run. Maybe their knees are hurting that day (I have one that does sometimes and there's nothing that can be done for it at this point other than Motrin). Maybe they're just tired but thought "I have GOT to move regardless today or I won't do anything". Maybe they're family members who aren't required to do what we are. I know there are arguments for every point here, but as I said, I don't care if they walk. Scream at someone for walking on a track and you'll have an airman who'll resent you even more. Most commanders are majorly concerned if you fail and are more concerned about you passing the thing. If you pass it, they can't hold your score against you. Sure, an outstanding PT score's an OPR/EPR bullet, but that doesn't mean I'd rather have a 95 working under me (or over me, for that matter) as opposed to an 80 - or even a 78. I'll be proud of friends and coworkers who earn that PT gear iron-on patch, because that's a great achievement - but I won't think any less of someone who doesn't.
Sorry - had to vent... :)

I'll say this, we have mandatory PT that is held five times weekly so we have "no excuse" why we can't make it to one of the sessions. They PTLs are often uber fit cross-fit fanatics that make the group do a routine like this: 300 squats, 200 sit ups, and 100 push ups in the minutes, then run for 30 minutes. This is not acceptable to many of the members of my squadron including myself, and I'm in very god shape. My opinion is that we have novice PTLs who are certainly not exercise physiologists and they are actually causing people to become injured as a result. This is certainly NOT helping our gigantic fail rate.

I do agree with you that mandatory PT is a joke to shift workers, especially the night shift. Try working 13-14 hours then going to PT after your shift and trying to complete the aforementioned workout. Nothing good comes from that. It just hurts morale.

I do not agree with "flunk and get seperated". This is the whole problem in my squadron. People fail and fail again and are STILL IN THE AIR FORCE. Unacceptable. If we have testing to prove physical fitness but don't hold people to the standard, what's the point? I have a new LT on my unit who is constantly on quarters and has never taken a PT test--not at COT and not since getting to my unit a year ago. I don't know how this is allowed but as far as I'm concerned this is ridiculous. And those people that I mentioned that are walking, they are not on profiles and they are the people that fail over and over. I know this because I work with them--flat out they are lazy and don't try because there are no repercussions.

I guess by complaint is with people who don't even try. I just can't respect that be it on the track or at work or anywhere for that matter. I have zero tolerance for being lazy.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · May 4, 2010

I'll say this, we have mandatory PT that is held five times weekly so we have "no excuse" why we can't make it to one of the sessions. They PTLs are often uber fit cross-fit fanatics that make the group do a routine like this: 300 squats, 200 sit ups, and 100 push ups in the minutes, then run for 30 minutes. This is not acceptable to many of the members of my squadron including myself, and I'm in very god shape. My opinion is that we have novice PTLs who are certainly not exercise physiologists and they are actually causing people to become injured as a result. This is certainly NOT helping our gigantic fail rate.
I do agree with you that mandatory PT is a joke to shift workers, especially the night shift. Try working 13-14 hours then going to PT after your shift and trying to complete the aforementioned workout. Nothing good comes from that. It just hurts morale.
I do not agree with "flunk and get seperated". This is the whole problem in my squadron. People fail and fail again and are STILL IN THE AIR FORCE. Unacceptable. If we have testing to prove physical fitness but don't hold people to the standard, what's the point? I have a new LT on my unit who is constantly on quarters and has never taken a PT test--not at COT and not since getting to my unit a year ago. I don't know how this is allowed but as far as I'm concerned this is ridiculous. And those people that I mentioned that are walking, they are not on profiles and they are the people that fail over and over. I know this because I work with them--flat out they are lazy and don't try because there are no repercussions.
I guess by complaint is with people who don't even try. I just can't respect that be it on the track or at work or anywhere for that matter. I have zero tolerance for being lazy.

That's what I'm saying. If there's a standard - and there is, there's a whole reg and we both know it - then they should HOLD PEOPLE TO THE STANDARD. And they don't and you know they don't. And it's crap. On that we one hundred percent agree. And there shouldn't be a different standard for an E3 than there is for an O3 - and there is, and we both know it.

If they're walking because they're flat out lazy, and they're failing, boot them. They should go - but we both know I may as well preach to the wall.

Hold people accountable. And they're not.

It cheapens the whole "hard core" stance some folks at HQ want to attempt to portray. Garbage, the lot of it - words on paper with no meaning.

It cheapens the WHOLE THING. Grrr. Makes me crazy. The whole PT thing is nothing more than an exercise in futility and it grates right on my last bloody nerve.

:)

The Little Greek · May 4, 2010

That's what I'm saying. If there's a standard - and there is, there's a whole reg and we both know it - then they should HOLD PEOPLE TO THE STANDARD. And they don't and you know they don't. And it's crap. On that we one hundred percent agree. And there shouldn't be a different standard for an E3 than there is for an O3 - and there is, and we both know it.
If they're walking because they're flat out lazy, and they're failing, boot them. They should go - but we both know I may as well preach to the wall.
Hold people accountable. And they're not.
It cheapens the whole "hard core" stance some folks at HQ want to attempt to portray. Garbage, the lot of it - words on paper with no meaning.
It cheapens the WHOLE THING. Grrr. Makes me crazy. The whole PT thing is nothing more than an exercise in futility and it grates right on my last bloody nerve.
:)

AMEN SISTER!!!!!! I'm on a mission to single-handedly take out lazy. I know it's a losing battle, but maybe I'll convert a few people :) And when I say that I don't mean that I'm the most fit person in the world, I just mean I'm taking on lazy in every form--on the track and at work. All I ask is that people TRY.

midinphx, BSN · May 5, 2010

Ok, ok.....

I'll go for my run before work! sheesh.

(thanks for the extra push! :)

HNELLA · May 5, 2010

I would love to see civilian professions requiring physical fitness. Obesity is a huge problem in this country and no one is held accountable. I just saw the tape of the fat cop in Philly who tasered that kid for running on the field. Had the cop been in any kind of shape would he have reached for the taser so quickly?

Nurses are no better. So many here smoke and are is horrid shape. How can a health professional promote healthy lifestyles when they represent the exact opposite? Ever glance at the food nurses eat or what is stacked in the break room? It is sickening to walk into a break room and see boxes of cookies, cakes and fatty foods.