US Army Physical Tests

[LoneRider]

Greetings:

I'm putting in an interservice request next month the US Navy to the Active Duty US Army. I'd always been one to mind my physical condition (I was a Marine Corps hopeful at my commissioning source).

I administered an Army PFT on myself today, and by the 17-21 standard and got the following scores:

Pushups: 71
Situps: 68
2 Mile Run: 14:04

I got a 279 according to the physical standards chart on the base gym. I know the PFT isn't the only test that a soldier is tested on.

Other than the APFT what other physical tests are soldiers subject to? (I know the USMC uses the Obstacle Course and Endurance course as well and I imagine similar tests are administered in the Army) I wish to know, for it is only logical that the officer be subject to the same if not more stringent tests.

I've also dusted off an old Alice Pack I've had for years to start ruck marching as well.

Regards,

LoneRider

[ahsan]

Not sure what requirements would be put upon you as a interservice transfer but for ROTC cadets commissioning straight into AD Army, there really isn't much besides LDAC (Advanced Camp) for purposes of evaluation and the regular APFT to determine fitness standard. As for the Ruck march, unless you're trying to get into a specific school AA, Ranger etc, not much to worry about. Your APFT scores are sufficient.

Just out of curiosity though, when you do an interservice transfer do you get to pick out a branch or submit a wish list? Or, its just where the receiving service wishes to place you?

[LoneRider]

For ISTs, as I understand, I put in up to three choices. In my case I intend to put in a request for Infantry, Field Artillery, or Military Police. Field Artillery is close to what my shipboard job is, and the instruction said I was to pick one MOS as close to my shipboard job as possible.

[ahsan]

Thanks, good luck with your response!

[LoneRider]

I'm actually gunning for the Infantry MOS, and hopefully going to Ranger training from there. That's why I asked about other physical tests. I'm currently using a workout written by Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL, who wrote a 6-week Green Beret/Ranger workout.

[LT_77]

If you want to go to Ranger school.... administer yourself this PT Test

2 mins pushups
2 mins situps

5 mile run in 40 mins or less through various elevation at about 90 to 100 degree temps. Immediately follow through with 6 pull-ups.

I haven't been, but am scheduled to attend. The info I have is from many who have been before.

[LoneRider]

LT 77

Is the five mile run in PT gear, boots and ACU, or full kit?

[LT_77]

PT Gear...

[Ranger 523]

And a 12 mile road march in 3hrs and 15 minutes. The time is more generous than EIB or AA, but it's a consolation after everything else you'll go through in the first three days, with a total of 6 hours of sleep.

And a little too soon to mention this but train outside as much as possible. If you're going in the winter, then train in the cold, in the summer, than in the heat. Do your push-ups slowly and exaggerate the down and up position.

[ahsan]

I'm actually gunning for the Infantry MOS, and hopefully going to Ranger training from there. That's why I asked about other physical tests. I'm currently using a workout written by Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL, who wrote a 6-week Green Beret/Ranger workout.

99.99% of Infantry Officers go to Ranger School...so that's not much of a concern! Good Luck though and hope you get Infantry!

[LoneRider]

ashan,

Question is, how hard is it to gain the Infantry MOS. I know for Marines only 17% of the Marine Corps are Infantry. (I was a USMC hopeful as a Midshipman, but I was turned down and sent to the surface fleet) but I'm not certain what percentage of the Army is Infantry.

I'd be happy with any Combat Arms MOS to be perfectly frank.

Ranger523,

Thanks for the advice, sir. In the case of Florida where I'm stationed, finding heat isn't a problem, especially in the summer. I did get some good cold weather training when I was in Newport, Rhode Island TAD earlier this month, though. While other officers PT'd indoors (using treadmills and the like) I ran outside often with minimal thermal protection. (I **** near literally froze my balls off last week).

I'm frankly worried about getting into the Army first, I hope that the Navy does release me sooner rather than later...

Regards,

LoneRider

[ahsan]

Lonerider, I couldn't give you the slightest idea. I'm ROTC and an infantry hopeful as well, but the way things work for us may not necessarily be the same for IST. For us a lot is based on grades just as much as APFT, but keeping your PT score up - you can never go wrong. I suggest while you're waiting on the Navy to release you, try to get in touch with the Officer Strength Manager for your state and get some input from him.

Here in cadetland, we can promise the army an extra 3 years to your 5 in order to guarantee our branch...they might have something similar for you, once again best bet to get in touch with the OSM.

- Ahsan

[Ranger 523]

Infantry is a very popular branch but even transfers can get it. I went through Ranger School with a guy who was some kind of missile defense lieutenant in the Air Force that transfered and got infantry. And some other Air Force guy in that class got Infantry as well.

[LoneRider]

Ranger523,

Understood, sir. I've also been informed Infantry's a field hurting for officers in both the Active and National Guard. I'm assuming that's the case. But I'd be happy as an artillery or military police officer.

As far as infantry fitness, a good friend of mine who's a US Marine 2nd Lieutenant, told me that being in good shape (which is what I am), is totally different from 'infantry shape' and what the latter revolves around is being able to carry a large amount of weight a long distance. I'm the active sort by nature, I enjoy running, swimming, surfing, rugby and the martial arts among my hobbies. Normally I run, swim (or combine running and swimming) and do a circuit workout designed by a former soldier of the UK's Parachute Regiment. I've actually dusted off an old ALICE pack I have lying around my house and a broken in pair of boots and started ruck marching as well. Any other recommendations for infantry fitness?

ashan,

Thanks for the advice bro. Hope to see you on the flip side.

LoneRider