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Originally Posted by FrankS
I am in shape to join at 200 pft for my age group , I am 2% over on the bf at 26% and 215 lbs for 72".
Why is it a pipe dream? I am not counting on anyone to get me into shape except me. Why would I not get into shape as an MP are they resatricted from PT? I am asking because I don't know, not to doubt what you are saying. I have been a donut eating beer drinking machine, I went from 1/4 mile and passing out to 5+ miles and 7:26 minute miles in 3 months in addition to situps and pushups. I know I can do this it's just everything in between I am unsure of.
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Because I saw every SFAS class for the past four years.
I do not know you, but I have seen a hundred like you.
People who are not really sure that they want it, but who show up thinking that they are in good shape for their age group. People too lazy to do the research, much less the prep required. People who sign any contract offered, thinking that the Army will give them what they need to get ready for SF. Consider this, available in USAREC Pam 601-25 and elsewhere on this very site. Note that there is no measurement for a 200 APFT score, even in the 17-21 y/o group, which will be your standard. You will need a lot more than 200 to stay for the rest of the course:
"The Army Research Institute (ARI) has been able to closely correlate performance on the APFT and a 4-mile rucksack march with success in the SFAS Course. ARI evaluated the cumulative APFT score (17 to 21 age group standard) with the percent of candidates who started the SFAS Course and who passed the course. The average PT score for the SFAS Course graduates is 250. The average APFT results are depicted below.
APFT Score Percent Passing Course
206-225 31
226-250 42
251-275 57
276 or higher 78
The higher the APFT score, the better the percent that passed the course. You need to be in top physical condition and you should do well in the SFAS Course.
ARI evaluated the ability of SFAS students to perform a 4-mile ruckmarch in BDU, boots, M-16, load bearing equipment, and a 45-pound rucksack. The overall average 4-mile ruckmarch time for graduates is 61 minutes. The average results are depicted below:
Ruckmarch Time (Minutes) Percent Passing Course
54 and less 81
55-64 63
65-74 34
75-84 10
The less time to complete a 4-mile ruckmarch, the better the percent who passed the course. The soldiers who prepare for SFAS through PT should succeed at the SFAS Course."
Here is a reality check, based on my experience after doing this SF job for 21 years. Take it for what you will.
MPs are busy people, not a lot of time for PT, unless you make the time on your off-duty time. People who are deployed don't have a lot of time for PT, they are busy trying to stay alive.
You are already at the upper end of the age range. You will not bounce back the next day like the kids will. You may have injuries already that will be aggrevated. You will be injured more easily, and recover more slowly.
You do not strike me as really knowing that SF is what you want, your burning desire, your raison d'etre, and that is what is really going to keep you from making it.
Frankly, you are pretty old, not in good shape, and not likely to get to SFAS with the desire to make it. You are looking for reassurance now on this site. No one from here will be out on the STAR helping you walk mile after mile but you. No one will be pushing you on the run to move out faster but you. No one can keep your feet moving when you are burned out but you. The instructors will not try. They are there to assess and select, not motivate. And you really want to be a CID agent, remember?
I went to Camp Mackall 21 years ago at age 26 with a PT score of 300 and four years as a Light Infantryman and it still kicked my ass. That was before SFAS, which IMHO, is much harder than it was in my day.
I am sure that you are a great person with good intentions. Unfortunately, I do not think that you have what we are looking for, and would be better off staying home. If you really want to try it, go for it. Just don't expect any artificial optimism and support from me. You wanted a qualified opinion, I just gave you mine, honestly, and upfront.
Good luck.
TR