What is the Army physical fittness test?

Answer 1

All soldiers in the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve must take the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) regardless of their age. The APFT is a three-event physical performance test used to assess muscular endurance and cardio respiratory (CR) fitness. It is a simple way to measure a soldier's ability to effectively move his body by using his major muscle groups and CR system. Performance on the APFT is strongly linked to the soldier's fitness level and his ability to do fitness-related tasks. An APFT with alternate test events is given to soldiers with permanent profiles and with temporary profiles greater than three months' duration. The APFT is a three event physical performance test used to assess endurance. The three events are: * Sit-ups * Push-ups * 2-mile run. It is a simple way to measure a soldier's ability to move his body by using a few major muscle groups and cardiorespiratory system. The intent of the APFT in the Physical Fitness Program is to provide a baseline assessment regardless of MOS or duty. Test Sequence

The test sequence is the push-up, sit-up, and 2-mile run (or alternate, aerobic event). The order of events cannot be changed. There are no exceptions to this sequence. Soldiers are allowed no less than 10 minutes, but ideally no more than 20 minutes, to recover between each event. Under no circumstances is the APFT valid if a soldier cannot begin and end all three events in two hours or less. PUSH-UPS (2 minutes)

Push-ups measure the endurance of the chest, shoulder, and triceps muscles. Click here for Push-up Standards.

SIT-UPS (2 minutes)

This event measures the endurance of the abdominal and hip-flexor muscles. Click here for Sit-up Standards.

TWO-MILE RUN

This event tests cardiorespiratory (aerobic) endurance and the endurance of the leg muscles. Click here for 2-mile Run Standards. Evaluation

To evaluate their physical fitness and the effectiveness of their physical fitness training programs, all military personnel are tested biannually using the APFT in accordance with AR 350-15. (Refer to Chapter 14.) However, soldiers may be evaluated more frequently than biannually. Test Results

The soldier's fitness performance for each APFT event is determined by converting the raw score for each event to a point score. Point scores can be found on the Standards page for each event (See Above).