View Full Version : New APFT in the future?
distance-runner
02-04-2011, 17:15
http://www.scribd.com/mobile/documents/32717729
I didn't find this in any searches, I apologize in advance if this link has already been posted. From the above link you can download the new PT manual TC 3-22.20 Army Physical Readiness Training.
It seems like the Army is getting away from long distance runs and wanting to emphasize events like 'shuttle sprints' and '30-60s' (30 seconds sprint, 60 seconds job/walk). Functional, combat related fitness seems to be the fixation. Who knows if this may bring about a new APFT, but I'd think the chances are good.
Hypothetically, and my opinion is that the distance run event should not be scrubbed for a sprint event. Distance running is a great aerobic indicator, sprinting primarily anaerobic. Maybe the Army should just add sprinting and pull ups to the APFT. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few years. I know some of the 173rd here in Vicenza is going to be piloting a new test based on events from this manual.
Any comments or concerns on the new PT manual and the "inadequacies" of the current APFT?
Appendix A is still the three event APFT we have come to know and enjoy, with alternative events possible (bike, swim).
Physical Readiness Training (PRT) prepares Soldiers and units for the physical challenges of fulfilling this mission in the face of a wide range of threats, in complex operational environments and with emerging technologies.
Part I, Philosophy, covers approach, system and leadership.
Part II, Strategy, covers types of programs, planning considerations and special conditioning programs.
Part III, Activities, covers execution of training, preparation and recovery, strength and mobility and endurance and mobility.
Appendix A is the Army Physical Fitness Test.
Appendix B discusses climbing bars.
Appendix C discusses posture and body mechanics.
Appendix D discusses environmental considerations.
Appendix E discusses obstacle negotiation..
I kinda like the three event APFT and am glad it will still be around. You're not overwhelmed with too many events, like when we had the horizontal ladder, the run-dodge-&-jump, inverted crawl, timed run in combat boots, ect...ect...
To enhance, not replace the APFT...:lifter
Surgicalcric
02-04-2011, 23:59
Hypothetically, and my opinion is that the distance run event should not be scrubbed for a sprint event. Distance running is a great aerobic indicator, sprinting primarily anaerobic. Maybe the Army should just add sprinting and pull ups to the APFT.
Might your opinion be a bit biased since you are a distance runner?
Personally I think the 2-miler should be removed and replaced by sprints in combat load. When was the last time someone ran 2 miles in combat to begin with...
Any comments or concerns on the... "inadequacies" of the current APFT?
The APFT as it stands measures 3 events (which are totally non-related to combat or being fit for such.) It was meant to be easy to administer, not measure combat fitness.
More time and effort should be placed on core and overall strength. Flat bench, deadlift, pullup with kit...
Crip
Eagle5US
02-05-2011, 00:11
When was the last time someone ran 2 miles in combat to begin with...
Somalia?
I'd like to see a 100 yard sprint followed by a 100 yard walk back to start (round trip, 600 ft.), repeated 10 times, (for 6,000 ft), in basic combat load, with a time threshold, percentage of current APFT standards, follwed by a 12 mile road march, then PU, SU and swim for time/distance.
But that would be an all day event rather than 1 hr for 1SG and crew to administer.
--------------- on a side note ------------
I like the sprint PT workout, its easier on my knees than runnning or jogging, and it can kick your ass. I want to get back to out right running for 1 mile before slowing.
Chances are, it ain't going to happen, because of all this damn snow.
Personally I think the 2-miler should be removed and replaced by sprints in combat load.
Crip
IMO, as a base level measurement tool, the 3 event APFT works. It’s not perfect but no program would be for every command or individual. For us, it won't measure other areas of concern such as an ability to hump a heavy ruck 20 miles as a timed event but, for events like that WE make our own standards because we have a higher standard than the rest of the Army.
Other training requirements such as swimming, weight training, or sprints in combat load should continue to be as directed from the individual Company or ODA PT programs, and or an individual’s personal program as needed.
:D....jd
greenberetTFS
02-05-2011, 07:21
What ever happen to "squat jumps"?........:confused: I hated them,I would redder do push ups than them,could never understand what benefit you get out of them!........:rolleyes:
Big Teddy :munchin
Surgicalcric
02-05-2011, 08:47
Somalia?
Good catch Sir. I had forgotten about the Mogadishu Mile.
IMO, as a base level measurement tool, the 3 event APFT works. It’s not perfect but no program would be for every command or individual. For us, it won't measure other areas of concern such as an ability to hump a heavy ruck 20 miles as a timed event but, for events like that WE make our own standards because we have a higher standard than the rest of the Army.
Other training requirements such as swimming, weight training, or sprints in combat load should continue to be as directed from the individual Company or ODA PT programs, and or an individual’s personal program as needed.
Base level of what, fitness? I hardly believe that to be the case. It simply measures 3 events which are unrelated to combat, strength, or endurance.
my .02...
There was a time, not too long ago, that I was not training with a combat oriented mindset. It has done a world of good to actually start training for the fight, rather than the test. It was thanks to sound advice found on this board that this change has happened.
What ever happen to "squat jumps"?
LOVE EM! :D Alternate with sand sprints... surf n turf...
Don't confuse the "testing" part with the "training" part.
Those with gray hair will remember the FIVE event PT tests of old, with (depending on the particular year):
- The one mile run (in boots and fatigues).
- The hand grenade throw.
- The fireman carry.
- The low crawl.
- The inverted crawl (crab walk).
- The horizonal ladder (monkey bars).
- The "Run, Dodge & Jump."
- The push up.
- The sit up.
- The two mile run.
There were a number of problems that developed with the older PT test categories:
- The test did not demonstrate physical fitness, even thought it was a combat
skill (i.e., the hand grenade throw, which was for distance and accuracy).
- The test demonstrated a combat skill, but was detrimental to the health of the solder being tested: the fireman's carry, the low crawl.
- The test measured physical fitness and/or a combat skill, but was too
dependant on the individual fort/post/school facility equipment design:
= the run, dodge and jump ... Look in some of the older references, sometimes the ditch was lined with sandbags, other times it was cast in concrete, the soil around the barriers ranged from soft sand, to packed earth (with grooves to help push off), to grass.
= the horizonal ladder (some had rotating bars, some had fixed bars; some had thin bars, some had thick bars). In the summer, the bars could get too hot to touch; in the winter, your skin could freeze to the bar.
So the Army came up with a simple three part test that could be given anywhere in the world, at any school (including ROTC), at a training facility, even in a combat zone. It required no specific equipment, no facilities, just flat ground.
It's not perfect, but it is a valid test of general physical fitness.
Of course Special Forces / Ranger / etc. have additional requirements (such as the swim tests, or rucksack marches) unique to the needs of combat arms. But the APFT is designed to be universal, a lowest common denominator for physical testing of boths genders, in all MOS's.
Base level of what, fitness? I hardly believe that to be the case. It simply measures 3 events which are unrelated to combat, strength, or endurance.
The APFT testing provides an Army wide standard for measuring fitness. This is not a substitute for higher goals or standards which a regular, balanced exercise program would provide, based upon the needs of the command.
It also provides a base level measurement tool which is a term I referred to it as. You have to start somewhere and build from there. For example, IET soldiers must meet the minimum is 50 points, for almost any other school its 60per event, for us its 80 per event. (or at least it used to be) Of course we add other requirements such as swimming, the nasty nick, the ability to endure selection and SFQC both physically and mentally so on and so on but, this goes well beyond a base level standard.
....jd
frostfire
02-11-2011, 10:43
I'd like to see a 100 yard sprint followed by a 100 yard walk back to start (round trip, 600 ft.), repeated 10 times, (for 6,000 ft), in basic combat load, with a time threshold, percentage of current APFT standards, follwed by a 12 mile road march, then PU, SU and swim for time/distance.
The legionnaires use the beep test or Test de Luc-Léger. Sure is a good one for sprinting
(copy and paste) topendsports.com/testing/tests/20mshuttle.htm
My feelings on the new pt is that is doing well with the people who have been in more then 15 years with the knee and joint injuries. We have seen a drop in 2mile run times. As for helping with pushups and situps just like everything else in life we still have to go out and do it on our own. It has changed things up and the lower enlisted seem to enjoy it more then running 6 miles but the
1SG still does have his own pt day and we usually run that far.
Source: Associated Press via Wall Street Journal
Army's New Fitness Tests Add Taste of Battlefield
FORT JACKSON, S.C. — Sit-ups don't make a soldier, the Army has decided. So its 30-year-old fitness requirements are getting a battlefield-inspired makeover.
Soon every soldier will have to run on a balance beam with two 30-pound canisters of ammunition, drag a sled weighted with 180 pounds of sandbags and vault over obstacles while carrying a rifle. Those were just some of the tests the Army unveiled Tuesday as it moves toward making its physical training look more like combat.
Wall Street Journal to read more. (http://online.wsj.com/article/APead87efe003549648255a8cdc3bedeab.html)
:lifter
ErikTheRed
03-04-2011, 03:33
I was looking at Yahoo.com yesterday and came across this:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110302/ap_on_re_us/us_army_new_fitness_test
:)
"... Soon every soldier will have to run on a balance beam with two 30-pound canisters of ammunition, drag a sled weighted with 180 pounds of sandbags and vault over obstacles while carrying a rifle. Those were just some of the tests the Army unveiled Tuesday as it moves toward making its physical training look more like combat.
Right now soldiers have to complete sit-ups, push-ups and a two-mile run twice a year within times that vary by age and gender. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, the general in charge of the Army's initial military training, said he has been working to change that test for years.
..."
Erik
The new test is supposedly gender-neutral with regards to scoring, at least. It will be intersting to see how that works out... IMO we're either going to see a huge drop in female PT scores or the guys will maxing theirs.
Turbored
05-07-2011, 10:27
On Monday my company will be the first on Ft Benning to take the new APRT,
From the quick demo they gave us yesterday it consists of,
Up to 60 Yard shuttle sprint, sprint to a block, pick it up, sprint back and place it flat behind the start line, sprint to next block, place it behind the start line, sprint to last block and sprint back to and past the starting line without having to set the block down,
The rower, just like in the preparation drill, start with arms fully extended hands touching the ground, feet together heels flat on the ground, come up arms to parallel with the ground, base of the neck past base of the spine, feet together and flat on the ground, max effort in 60 seconds, no authorized rest positions, if you stop longer than two seconds the event is terminated.
The broad jump, feet must stay flat on the ground until you jump or the jump does not count, whatever part lands nearest the jumping line counts as your distance, this means if you fall backwards after jumping or put your hand behind you after you land, that point would be taken as your jump distance, you are given two attempts, they record whatever your farthest jump was
The push up, conducted the same as the normal APFT except your index fingers must stay within your shoulders, if you move your hands or feet at all after beginning the event it is terminated, if you stop for longer than 2 seconds the event is terminated, if you sag in the middle or flex your back the event is terminated, max effort in 60 seconds,
1.5 mile run,
There is no rest between events with the exception of two minutes to report from the completed push ups to the start point of the run.
So far there are no standards, but they said it is average for someone to be able to jump their own height, and up to a foot beyond your own height is considered good. The age groups are also undefined.
I'm 22, 76in, and 220lbs, I usually score between 280 and 300 on the normal pt test, I have no clue how well I will do on the sprint or the jump but everything else should be decent. I'll post my own and some of my buddy's results afterward.
This should be interesting.
Sounds like a fun new test. Much less static and boring since there is no rest between exercises. Keep that heart rate up and faster run speeds to enjoy. Just an inquiry but is the test to be conducted in combat gear or just the standard PT dress?
Good luck with your trial.
R
I don't see what the rower and broad jump "Tests" do are really show as far as Combat testing. From whatI have read in Army Times and AKO that is.
Turbored - Please keep posting on the new test and how your Company handles the new testing. Thanks
Turbored
05-09-2011, 05:20
Good morning, just finished taking the army physical readiness test, APRT, with my company, here is some data on my last APFT and today's APRT
22 years old, 76 in, 220lbs,
Last APFT 20 APR 11 raw scores
PU: 82
SU: 87
2 mile run: 14:02
APRT Today
Shuttle Sprint : 15.01 seconds
Rower: 42
Broad Jump: 96in
PU: 41
1.5 mile run: 11:13
The test was done in the normal APFU.
The shuttle sprint: From the start line a square piece of 2x4 was placed at 5,10, and 15 yards away, you had to grab the blocks in that order and place them flat completely behind the starting line, if it wasn't placed right you had to go back and fix it while time was still running. This event really got some people, it was worth it to take the extra time to make sure you place the block right. We had 4 or 5 people not place the block completely past the line and have to go back to fix it, this usually made their time 3-4 seconds slower than what seemed normal. Some guys even dropped a block completely and had to go back, jacking up their times.
The Rower: It was conducted as I said in the previous post, they were extremely picky when it came to heels and then feet being together and flat on the ground, I had 7 reps not count due to this.
The Broad jump: I didn't have any problem with it, or notice anyone else having trouble with it, but at this point my heart rate was still up and I wasn't paying attention to anything but completely destroying the task at hand.
Push Ups: This was tricky, they considered "stopping for more than 2 seconds" if you were in the middle of a rep and sort of stuck half way up, I had a few friends get terminated for that, there was no "as long as you provide continuous effort" statement in the rules like in the APFT, I was terminated for not moving my body as a single unit, I could have knocked out 10-15 more reps but I rushed it, good form always wins, lesson learned.
1.5mile run: The only difficult part of this was trying to finish with nothing left, I kicked too late and my time reflects that.
Overall the test was interesting and fun, I like the fact there is no break between events.
Is it a good replacement for the old APFT? Thats above my pay grade to answer. But I could see it having benefits if used in conjunction with the normal pt test.
As soon as I get either the Company or Platoon scores I'll do a quick stats analysis and post it, or if they give us some scoring standards and any more info.
Good info...glad I don't have to do that crap anymore.. It's "kinda" like the old 5 event we had when I was in for my first few yrs..
Well, at least you said it was "fun"..:p
Thanks for the POST..
The shuttle sprint with the fact that you had to grab the blocks then place them flat completely behind the starting line FLAT puzzles me. Puzzles because of the WHY Factor with how it ties into anything I guess. I can guess but REALLY.
PU event sounds like it sucked.. Sounds also to be more subjective vs objective by the grader(s). One says you have stopped during movement but you and I are drinking bodies so you OKAY or your the Company Shit head or I just don't like you beause your going SF. Yeah OLD AFPT you can not cound PU just as easy.
glebo any word on SFAS and the new APRT??
Anyone jump on this??
Nice to know for everone coming to SFAS. I say to start getting ready for this new APRT to be your PT test coming VERY SOON. :lifter
The Reaper
05-09-2011, 10:11
Any female participants/scores?
TR
glebo any word on SFAS and the new APRT??
Anyone jump on this??
Nice to know for everone coming to SFAS. I say to start getting ready for this new APRT to be your PT test coming VERY SOON. :lifter
No, I'll check manana and see when they will implement it. Good point.
Folks been training for awhile, and to have a game changer....woohoo....let it roll
Or..could be like the Ranger Scholl APFT...25....25...30...30...30 no go...:p
But no...they don't do that.....honest..
Turbored
05-09-2011, 16:26
No females with us, or mention of previous female performances.
I did find some other stuff out today. The male average for the sprint is 15 seconds, the jump average is a few inches past your height, the average for both the rower and push ups is around 40. No word on 1.5 mile times, or if scoring will depend on height as well as age.
My lifting partner scored pretty similar even though he usually wrecks me on endurance and body weight exercises,
His info,
23 years old, 165lbs (less than 10% body fat) 69in tall
Sprint: 14.01 seconds
Rower: 43
Jump: 86in
PU: 44
1.5 mile: 10:14
He scored a 323 on his last APFT.
I wrote a newsletter article about the Army's new focus on PT, including the new manual and the new tests. Also, there are links to related sources. Some of these sources may have been mentioned already, but thought I'd post anyway.
Milon
glebo any word on SFAS and the new APRT??
Anyone jump on this??
Nice to know for everone coming to SFAS. I say to start getting ready for this new APRT to be your PT test coming VERY SOON. :lifter
SFAS hasn't incorporated the new PT test...yet. I believe when the transition date by big army nears, they most likely will. I myself, don't know what the date is though..
Calvengeance
05-10-2011, 20:43
Turbored, I had heard the rowers and push ups were done to a cadence.
Is there anything keeping you from doing as many as possible as fast as possible or are you limited at all?
Thanks.
We ran through the new APRT a while ago as a trial run. I thought the standards for the rower were a bit nit-picky and not clearly defined (varied greatly from scorer to scorer).
I liked the new push up standard; to me it was easier, but the 2 second rest period thing was a bit goofy. The scorer had to keep track of how many reps you did AND the amount of rest you were taking, and some folks had trouble keeping an accurate count. It was painfully obvious to see who has never worked their triceps...
I'm unsure about the sprint; it seemed like no matter how fast you went, your score totally hinged on how accurately you placed the block. Not exactly a fitness standard IMHO.
The jump was fun; mostly we laughed at the people who fell on their face slipping on the wet grass.
No issues with the run.
my $0.02, YMMV
I have always thought that the PT Test should include a Road March.
Our reserve unit was selected to administer and run a trial form of the APRT next month. I'm thoroughly excited to attempt different physical training tests but the "One-one thousand two-one thousand...terminated" seems a little strange. As to quote from an earlier post we were all trying to figure out how the "Check your block" was going to affect the critical .5seconds you may need on your shuttle. Have there been any other units that have standardized this new test within the past month?
distance-runner
06-28-2011, 15:59
http://www.army.mil/article/54721/New_PT_test_to_get_at_least_6_month_trial/
Looks like at least a 6 month trial before the APRT gets officially implemented.
Here's an interesting quote on how the 1 min. of push ups will go down:
"During the two minutes of push-ups of the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) we currently do, I do between 60 to 70. Today, (at the Pentagon demo) I did about 29 push-ups in one minute. It sounds like a big difference but for me, the biggest difference is the fact that I can't move my hands and use different muscle groups. Also, not being able to take a break, or sag or bow my back definitely makes a big difference."
Push ups will be very different with no rest or < 2 seconds as posted above, and mainly triceps targeted as hands are required to be in close and cannot move. Should be fun. Here's a video demonstration of all the APRT events:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf8wnbdCMd4&feature=related
Ran an APRT trial this weekend at drill, results listed.
Pushups - 39
V-ups/Situps - 45
Shuttle - 14.0sec
Standing Jump - 103in
1.5mi. Run - 9:04min