The Army Fitness Test: Rumors and Realities

There has been a recent stir on a semi-satirical/humorous, yet mostly serious Facebook page regarding a potential return to the old 3-event Army Physical Fitness Test. After investing a significant amount of money into a more rigorous 6-event test, the prospect of reverting to something similar is intriguing and somewhat comical. Let’s break down the current state of the fitness testing landscape and how these changes might impact the soldiers.

Recent Changes to the Army Physical Fitness Test

Most recently, there has been a shift in the Army Body Composition Program, which has eliminated all body measurements except for the abdomen. This change aims to streamline the process and reduce the risk of inaccuracies that could lead to automatic failures. For individuals with naturally large body types, such as a college fullback, such measurements require meticulous attention to ensure accuracy. I have observed that my neck measurements were incorrect as much as 30% of the time, and such inaccuracies could result in immediate disqualification.

Soldiers and Their Fitness

In the words of a seasoned veteran, 'Soldiers who care about their job or career will be fit, whether for combat or not, and the process will weed out those who are not.' This statement highlights the natural fitness level that soldiers tend to maintain due to the demand of their roles and career expectations.

Results of the New Army PT Test

Recently, the new Army Physical Fitness Test (PT) involved a rigorous six-event regimen. According to a report in the Army Times, less than a handful of soldiers managed to achieve a perfect score during the testing phase. One of those perfect scores was attributed to a reserve or Guard soldier, while another came from a member of Active Duty. This was reported just before the pandemic hit, making it challenging to draw long-term conclusions from the data.

Conclusion

The future of the Army Physical Fitness Test remains uncertain. While there is talk of a return to a simpler, more traditional 3-event format, the current streamlined approach offers a more accurate assessment of body composition. Regardless of the test format, the core message remains: maintaining physical fitness is crucial for the success and safety of our soldiers. The exact shape that fitness testing takes in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including budget, operational needs, and practical considerations.