Hi, I am new here and this is my first post. Usually I just prowl around and read the posts and for the most part learn a lot.
Recently I have been thinking more and more about joining the army nursing corps and have been reading about others experiences in OBLC. There seems to be a lot of concern with the physical requirements (PT Test). For those who are looking at going to OBLC and are not prior service I just wanted to add this little bit of info that as far as I can tell no one else has brought up: If you are concerned with the physical training and/or testing required by OBLC please dont think you will be free once you pass the test at OBLC. The APFT will be a twice a year deal for the rest of you army career. Some units test more depending on the commander.
I bring this up because I am a 14 year veteran of the army and have enjoyed every minute of my time in the service as an enlisted soldier except for the PT. I have always done fine with the push-ups and sit-ups but the 2 mile run kicks my but :) and I struggled for 14 years to stay under the allotted time limit. I never failed the test but come close to it in the run.
I know dozens who have failed the PT test and it wrecks havoc on your military career (at least for enlisted). None promotable being the biggest issue. I don't know about the Commissioned officer side of things but I would imagine it is the same if not more stringent.
anyway, if you plan on joining the army I hope you enjoy staying in shape!
S, officer personnel files do not list a specific PT score. Evaluations typically do not either. While it is not prohibited to mention APFT score in an officer eval, it is considered unnecessary. Officers should be doing well above passing, but they are spared from any mention of specifics, just in case. Presumably, this is because PT is not one of the main thrusts of officer leadership. Decision making ability, initiative, follow through, standing up for what is right, creating tough and realistic training for your unit, taking care of Soldiers, etc. are the thrusts of officer leadership.
It is much the same as the fact that officers do not wear marksmanship badges on their uniforms. To do so would be considered crass amongst officers and just ridiculous to the enlisted Soldiers.
I don't say this to imply that it's okay to shoot for the minimum, but if a person really wants to serve and PT is a struggle, they can still be great officers, leaders, and nurses (as the case is with people here) even if they have to kill themselves to pass their PT test. In some places, and a hospital would be one of the more typical places for it to be true, you actually gain a lot of respect for going out there day after day and struggling and then coming across the finish line with just barely the minimum, like Rudy in his one game. People respect that you are working your butt off so that you can do what you do for the Army. I'd hate to scare away good nurses and good leaders because they aren't GI Joe fit right now.
Thank you for the clarification on the PT issues, I am sorry if I misspoke (It has been many a year since I was in the Army, and I admit my Knowledge is limited in the Officer ranks)
You make very good points, and as you said, I would not want to keep anyone from trying their hand at the Military. It was not my intention to intimidate anyone so much as to encourage everyone to not put off their training. There is a great since of pride and accomplishment that comes from attaining a goal such as personal physical conditioning. And I know from personal experience what it is like to dread the PT in the Army because It was a struggle for me.
I guess I just wanted people to know that it does not always have to be something to dread. If you make the effort to condition beyond the minimums, then it is easier on you in the future. Now that I know I can run 5 miles (never could when in the Army) I do not "fear" the PT test. I may not get incredible scores, but I have no doubts of passing... one less thing I will have to worry about when my time comes.
You are also correct in that PT scores do not a good Officer make. I hope that my comments did not offend anyone, or give anyone cause for second thoughts. I am looking forward to a career as an Army Nurse Corps Officer, and anyone else considering this career should be equally excited! Good luck to everyone!
all the sites list the hight weight and body fat requirements as prior and non prior. does prior mean already in, or does it mean if you have ever been in, because the standards are different. if you are off by a little bit on the tape, will they tape you again before you leave?
Just FYI, at least the OPR's(officer performance reports) in the Air Force done yearly and sent to the promotion boards very much count what your PT score is.There is a lovely little box that gets checked if you are unfortunate enough to have failed to meet the minimum on a crucial occasion. This is called a "referral" OPR and is also called a "career killer".
The AF is not the old bike test anymore---they are trying very hard to burnish the image of the old 'chair force' and this is one way they are taking it verrrryyy seriously.
I'm not sure if officer pt scores are in there packets or not, but as a prior service member and future member of the Army Nurse Corps I can tell you that you should take it seriously. Your command will know how you did on any given APFT. People will tell you that it won't follow you from assignment to assignment, well they are wrong. Officer's are to set the example for the enlisted soldiers and as an officer, no matter what their specific job is, is to set a standard for PT.
Yes, PT might not be the most important thing for medical officers, but it is part of the Army life, and everyone (officers) are expected to do well!
I'm not sure if officer pt scores are in there packets or not, but as a prior service member and future member of the Army Nurse Corps I can tell you that you should take it seriously. Your command will know how you did on any given APFT. People will tell you that it won't follow you from assignment to assignment, well they are wrong. Officer's are to set the example for the enlisted soldiers and as an officer, no matter what their specific job is, is to set a standard for PT.
Yes, PT might not be the most important thing for medical officers, but it is part of the Army life, and everyone (officers) are expected to do well!
I'm willing to lay money you were in division
As he said, the importance of doing well on the PT test can not be over stated. When all officers are A type personalities to begin with, you don't want to be the guy who barely passed; especially on active duty.
Oh yeah, there is no such thing as a "diagnostic" PT test; if you fail, the ramifications are still the same if it was for record.
"I bring this up because I am a 14 year veteran of the army and have enjoyed every minute of my time in the service as an enlisted soldier except for the PT. I have always done fine with the push-ups and sit-ups but the 2 mile run kicks my but and I struggled for 14 years to stay under the allotted time limit. I never failed the test but come close to it in the run."
"anyway, if you plan on joining the army I hope you enjoy staying in shape!"
Hi,
Thanks for the post, being a runner--I know how much of a grunt it can be. My concern is primarily finding the correct information on "minimums". Each website ".mil" gives slightly different data.
For you it is running, for me it is the push ups--
In terms of fitness, I know it is a 6 year commitment for me--which is part of the "allure", knowing I have to keep my core strength at a certain level... because at 46 ---I would rather sit and eat--than run for an hour :) !!
Thanks for your reminder,
cb
Thanks for the info... I am new to this site, new to the Army Nurse Corps, and like you, am older than dirt, and would prefer being a couch potato.
My OBLC date is July, and have started my training... I want to pass the PT the first time. I just started curves and running the days off (well, slow jogging)...
I don't have any comments about curves, but I hear it can be intense and motivating as you spend about a minute on each machine and can vary each so that a level of resistance can be achieved. I go to the gym myself, but use freeweights and also try to get outdoors to run as much as I can. As someone who used to be overweight I know that lifestyle changes are gradual and take a bit of self discipline and "can do it" attitude. Some days will be better than others.
I would focus a bit on chest and upper back for the push ups and abdominal, abductor/adductors for the sit-ups. Core work such as planks and even bosu balance work would be great as well and would help improve running/jogging time. (just suggestions).
LLLovely, BSN, RN
102 Posts
S, officer personnel files do not list a specific PT score. Evaluations typically do not either. While it is not prohibited to mention APFT score in an officer eval, it is considered unnecessary. Officers should be doing well above passing, but they are spared from any mention of specifics, just in case. Presumably, this is because PT is not one of the main thrusts of officer leadership. Decision making ability, initiative, follow through, standing up for what is right, creating tough and realistic training for your unit, taking care of Soldiers, etc. are the thrusts of officer leadership.
It is much the same as the fact that officers do not wear marksmanship badges on their uniforms. To do so would be considered crass amongst officers and just ridiculous to the enlisted Soldiers.
I don't say this to imply that it's okay to shoot for the minimum, but if a person really wants to serve and PT is a struggle, they can still be great officers, leaders, and nurses (as the case is with people here) even if they have to kill themselves to pass their PT test. In some places, and a hospital would be one of the more typical places for it to be true, you actually gain a lot of respect for going out there day after day and struggling and then coming across the finish line with just barely the minimum, like Rudy in his one game. People respect that you are working your butt off so that you can do what you do for the Army. I'd hate to scare away good nurses and good leaders because they aren't GI Joe fit right now.