Military physical fitness tests are required for soldiers to graduate from basic training and maintain their fitness levels. The tests vary by age, gender, specialization, and service branch, and failing can limit opportunities for advancement. Aspiring soldiers are encouraged to work on their fitness before reporting to basic training.
A military physical fitness test is an evaluation of a soldier’s ability to perform strenuous tasks. In the United States Army, a soldier must pass a physical training (PT) test to graduate from basic training and then take the test twice a year to ensure he maintains his fitness levels. Failing the physical fitness test can limit a soldier’s opportunities for advancement. The United States Army encourages soldiers to perform a PT regimen during their time in the service. Soldiers must also meet Body Mass Index (BMI) standards in addition to the aptitude test.
Physical standards for US soldiers have evolved over time and vary by age, gender, specialization, and service branch. Special Forces members and other elite soldiers must maintain higher levels of fitness. An excellent score on a military fitness test can improve a soldier’s chances for promotion and admission to military schools.
As of 2011, the US Army Physical Fitness Test consists of three items: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. An 18-year-old male soldier must be able to perform at least 42 push-ups and 53 sit-ups to qualify for active duty. He must also complete a 2 mile run in 15:54 minutes.
The US Marine Corps Fitness Test is made up of three parts: pull-ups for men or a flexed arm for women, sit-ups, and a 3-mile run. An 18-year-old Marine must finish at least three pull-ups and 50 sit-ups. An 18-year-old female Marine must be able to hang from a bar for at least 15 seconds. In addition to its regular military physical fitness test, the Marine Corps has also adopted a combat fitness test designed to assess a Marine’s endurance under battlefield conditions.
The US Navy’s Physical Readiness Test is similar to the Army’s, except with a shorter execution element. Navy SEALs must maintain a much higher level of physical fitness. The SEAL test adds 500-meter swim and pull-up requirements to the standard push-up, sit-up, and running tests.
The United States Air Force physical test has four parts: push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and push-ups. A male airman must complete 45 push-ups and 50 sit-ups, and the run must be completed in 11:57 minutes or less to pass basic military training. Pull-ups are not required to pass the fitness test, but are necessary to achieve higher fitness standards.
Aspiring soldiers are encouraged to work on their fitness before reporting to basic training. Training is generally easier for soldiers who can already pass the military physical fitness test. If the test fails, a soldier is generally placed in remedial physical training until he can meet the minimum standards for his branch of service.
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