Army PFT

just_cause, BSN, RN · May 13, 2010

The PFT is typically done outdoors - there is no reason it couldn't be done indoors except there's generally not indoor tracks available, especially for large groups. Sometimes the situps/pushups might be done inside.. but usually everything is done outside just like almost all PT is done outside. It's usually conducted every 6 months or so and thus in a larger group format, so you have a few people who will test the remainder of the platoon/company/etc.

So depending on the size of the unit and the number of testers will change the exact speed of the test... as you rotate through and do pushups first, then after everyone is done you do situps and then everyone does the run. So if you are training for it and want a good idea I'd personally recommend taking 2-5 min break after pushup before situps and same from situps to run. There is a certain amount of flexibility that could go in exactly how test is conducted, but it should deviate from the above to much... but everything will be taking place during a single testing opportunity not over the course of a few days

My 2 cents.

Also remember you won't have headphones on... so its good to practice for time w/o headphones so you can focus on time/breathing.

Jams95 · May 13, 2010

Exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you very much. You're a BIG help :)

just_cause, BSN, RN · May 13, 2010

No problem.

You'll find in the 'school' environment that the test is done like a company level... I would prepare to do it early in the morning prior to breakfast as that is how PT is 'typically' conducted. By doing that you'll prepare yourself to have that energy available early on in the morning rather then letting it be a shock to you. Also you can practice doing situps in the grass and most people find that its easier that way vs a 'floor'.

v/r

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · May 13, 2010

The Army can't wear iPods for their PT test (I mean outside of a training environment)? That SUCKS.

olderthandirt2 · May 15, 2010

The Army can't wear iPods for their PT test (I mean outside of a training environment)? That SUCKS.

Nope, no music.

olderthandirt2 · May 15, 2010

No problem.
You'll find in the 'school' environment that the test is done like a company level... I would prepare to do it early in the morning prior to breakfast as that is how PT is 'typically' conducted. By doing that you'll prepare yourself to have that energy available early on in the morning rather then letting it be a shock to you. Also you can practice doing situps in the grass and most people find that its easier that way vs a 'floor'.
v/r

Very true......the ground can be hard, especially at FT SAM. And if you are doing your PT at OBLC / FT SAM, be prepared for HEAT. And more HEAT. It even feels hot and humid at 0500 when you'll be doing the test......in the dark. You run in the dark. We are lucky and can test on the road and not the track. (I hate track running). But it is tricky in the dark, the road is uneven.

My suggestion:

When you are close to your goal of running 2miles, with no real problem.....start working on your speed, 1x week (sprints). Then incorporate running in the heat of the day, 1x week. Obivously, don't harm yourself, shorten your distance and go slow....but use the heat to train. BUT BE VERY CAREFUL, stop when you get too hot!! So when you get to FT SAM or whereever you do your PT at 0500, with the temp difference you will run really, really fast.

good luck,

c.

midinphx, BSN · May 15, 2010

I challenged my 14 year old son to a pushup contest.... I won. :)

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · May 15, 2010

Mid's my hero! :bowingpur:yelclap::rckn:

GreyWolf · May 16, 2010

The Army APFT: You do a warm up, than 2 minutes of push-ups, minimum 10 min. rest no more than 20, usually, 10-15, than you do sit ups for 2 minutes, remember this is sit ups with fingertips touching behind the head, not on top, not in front and not on the neck, behind the head, also push ups require that the elbows break 90 degrees and are locked out during each repetition, a head bob or bounce will not count. After another 10 - 20 minute break you do your 2 mile run, that varies at each and every company, at FT Sam it is four laps around a half mile track at aproximately 0430. You wear your Army APFT uniform designated for the weather, you cannot wear you jacket for the push-ups no matter how cold it is outside for that is agains regulations. If you have any questions on the standards just google Army APFT and the FM and standards will come up. Grading is not standard-it should be but it is not, you should train by the book so you will have no problems.

olderthandirt2 · May 16, 2010

The Army APFT: You do a warm up, than 2 minutes of push-ups, minimum 10 min. rest no more than 20, usually, 10-15, than you do sit ups for 2 minutes, remember this is sit ups with fingertips touching behind the head, not on top, not in front and not on the neck, behind the head, also push ups require that the elbows break 90 degrees and are locked out during each repetition, a head bob or bounce will not count. After another 10 - 20 minute break you do your 2 mile run, that varies at each and every company, at FT Sam it is four laps around a half mile track at aproximately 0430. You wear your Army APFT uniform designated for the weather, you cannot wear you jacket for the push-ups no matter how cold it is outside for that is agains regulations. If you have any questions on the standards just google Army APFT and the FM and standards will come up. Grading is not standard-it should be but it is not, you should train by the book so you will have no problems.

At FT SAM, not everyone does the "run" portion on a track.....Oblc does. My company doesnot. We run from the "kwanza hut" to the library (1 mile up, 1 mile back)......3x times in the last year!

Jams95 · May 16, 2010

Thank you. That is great info. Question about the sit-ups? I googled the sit-ups and push-ups to see how they were done - on Youtube. The sit-ups were shown with the arms crossed in front of the chest, not the hands behind the head....... So I'm wondering....