UPDATED: 14 April 2018
The Commander can direct a record or diagnostic APFT whenever they deem it appropriate.
There is no requirement to provide notification for an APFT test however FM 7-22 Appendix A states:
A-8. The commander should ensure that testing is consistent with regard to events, scoring, clothing, equipment and facilities. Testing should be planned to permit each Soldier to perform at his maximal level, and should ensure the following:
- Soldiers are not tested when fatigued or ill.
- Soldiers do not participate in tiring duties before taking an APFT.
- Weather and environmental conditions do not inhibit physical performance.
- Risk analysis is conducted.
This implies the command should provide adequate notice to ensure the best possible performance.
With regard to how often the test can be administered see AR 350-1 which states:
Commanders may administer the APFT as often as they wish; however, they must specify beforehand when the results are for record. AA and AGR Soldiers will take the APFT twice each calendar year. A minimum of 4 months will separate record tests if only 2 test are given in a year.
SPECIAL THANKS: To Shawn for point out this post required updating.
Comments
Weekend Warrior
Ok, as a reservist, we have TPU soldiers joining our ranks with Annual APFTs due at different times of the year. Our battalion drills together, so we rotate companys to administer APFTs for each BA (A Co, Jan, B co Feb, HHD Mar and so forth). Companys would just send soldiers that are due APFTS that month to the APFT formation on Saturdays. My Commander wants to sync all soldiers to conduct Company APFT in APR. My question is, If a TPU soldier is due his/her annual APFT MARCH, is the commander ok to mandate the Company APFT that we had on our training schedule since last OCT?
Mark Gerecht
You answer can be found in the following post: http://asktop.net/q-and-a/can-my-commander-administer-an-unannounced-record-apft-3-months-after-our-previous-test/?all=1
The bottom line is the Commander can conduct the APFT whenever they deem it appropriate with or without notice. Now keeping your rotation standard would probably be a great idea for make up testing.
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Shawn
Lots of confusion and misquoting here. The Commander can give an APFT when ever he wants. He has to announce if it is record prior to. A Soldier can not take a record within 4 months of his last record, as per AR350-1. Here is the correct quote; “Commanders may administer the APFT as often as they wish; however, they must specify beforehand when the
results are for record. AA and AGR Soldiers will take the APFT twice each calendar year. A minimum of 4 months
will separate record tests.” There are different types of APFTs, right? Diagnostic and for record. The Commander can give as many diagnostics as he wishes whenever he wishes but he can not make it a for record within 4 months as per AR. The Soldier would not be held liable if he/she failed that APFT. As in there would be no bars or flags on the Soldier. I have seen this exact account via S1 shop for flagging a Soldier who didn’t deserve it. Please refer to AR 350-1 dated 19 AUG 2014.
Mark Gerecht
Shawn thanks for the feedback! Greatly appreciate it
Jason Robinson
I think everyone is either leaving out some of the regulation or referring to an outdated regulation. The correct quote is, “(2) Commanders may administer the APFT as often as they wish; however, they must specify beforehand when the results are for record. The AA and Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) Soldiers will take the APFT at least twice each calendar year. A minimum of 4 months will separate record tests if only two record tests are given. The intent is for the Active Army and the AGR Soldiers to take a record APFT every 6 months. Mission requirements often prevent the even spacing of record tests. Therefore, commanders are encouraged to test Soldiers for record as close to the record test window as possible.” So, there only needs to be 4 months in between record APFTs if only 2 will be given. That applies mainly to locations with extreme weather. This prevents those units from conducting both record APFTs in the summertime to avoid extreme weather conditions. The Army is basically saying they have to space it out, but the Commander can give as many record APFTs as he/she wants.
Mark Gerecht
All good points and well taken. In fact I really like some of the points and perspectives you brought up as I have never thought about them this way. Now we have to assume the Commander is not abusing this issue and conducting APFT’s frequently and inappropriately injuring Soldiers or subjecting them to inappropriate repetitive exercises that damage the body. Now I am willing to say 99.9% of Commanders would not do this. Unfortunately I happened to serve under one that their sole purpose for frequent testing was to get their numbers up for the Training Briefs. Again Thank you and I plan to rewrite this post using your input.
Respectfully
TOP
RETIRED
Hello, interesting question and comments. I just left a unit that was conducting APFTs for record every 8 weeks. According to AR 350-1, the commander can give you a APFT at anytime, but, must tell you if the test is for record. The commander can only give you a record APFT if there is a minimum of 4 months between. With this in mind it is possible to do 3 APFTs a calendar year. A minimum of 4 months between. According to IG, not my own interpretation. So once IG got involved, the 8 week APFTs stopped. Period. Soldiers had 4 or more record APFTs on their 705s and within 11 months of being in ROK. Just adding my thoughts, as an acting 1SG before, IG was in my pocket at all times.
Edward
If a soldier took an apft January 21 2017 is he required to take another February 11 2017?
Eck
Commander can give a for-record APFT anytime he/she desires as long as it is announced as a for-record APFT during the instructions.
roscoeroscoe
maybe there’s a different way of looking at it–
an APFT should be on the training calendar, planned six weeks out, participants notified in a timely manner.
I mean, that’s the right way to do it. For special situations, the command team can set an individual or small scale test. like for WLC candidates, etc.
Mark Gerecht
Roscoe,
I would absolutely agree with your assessment. It is a fair and reasonable solution set. However the Army provides Commanders with vast flexibility within there units. This flexibility to command should be used wisely and appropriately. IAW AR 350-1 the commander has the ability to adjust his/her for records assessments of the APFT as he/she deems appropriate within the constraints laid out in the regulation. I believe most unit and/or individuals do not have these types of issues. To those who much is given….much is expect!
Thanks for stopping by and contributing. Look forward to you posting again in the future.
Respectfully,
TOP
luke
I am confused. It says if there are only two record pt tests a year then 4 months must seperate them. But…I have not found any guidelines in 350-1 that state the minimum seperation time for record apft if the commander wishes to test more than twice a year. Does this mean my commander can record pt test me as ofter as he wants as long as they give me a couple weeks notice?
Mark Gerecht
Luke,
If the Commander requires more than two APFT test a year there is no separation requirement. The purpose of the 4 month separation clause is to prevent Soldiers from taking advantage of the system and lets say a Soldier takes 2 Record APFTs in 3 months then the Soldier does not have to take a PT for at least another 10 months. Basically the separation clause is designed to ensure that Soldiers remain physically fit during the entire year.
With regard to the notification for an APFT. There is nothing that requires the Commander to provide advanced notification for an APFT test. Let’s say you took a FOR RECORD APFT 2 months ago, and the Commander decides to conduct another FOR RECORD APFT test in 2 weeks. Let’s look at the following Scenario
Does this mean my Commander can give me a FOR RECORD APFT test as often as he wants as long as he gives me a couple of weeks notice? The Commander is under no obligation to give you any notice. You could show up for PT tomorrow and be required to take a FOR RECORD TEST and that’s the end of the discussion, at least as far as the regulation is concerned.
Leadership Scenario.
For the purpose of this scenario today is Wednesday.
Sergeant Jones is a high speed NCO in the unit that is totally squared away. He is a role model to several Soldiers and NCOs within the unit. SGT Jones has scored 300 on the last 10 FOR RECORD APFT tests. On the extended scale he has scored as high as 425. One of his NCOER physical fitness goals is to be the battalion PT STUD by winning the Battalion Iron Man Competition that will be held in the next 30 days.
On Tuesday evening SGT Jones completed an incredibly intense and aggressive free weight workout. His workout was designed to maximize his upper body strength and tear down his muscle tissue so he could build more muscle. It is Wednesday morning at 0625 right before PT formation. The Soldier is sharing comments about last nights “KILLER” workout session. He is also complaining that while it was a great workout he is incredibly sore and he hopes the 1SG will be conduct some type of Cardio session for today’s PT session so he can take it easy on his upper body.
The 1SG calls the unit to attention and announces that today for Physical Training the unit will undergo a FOR RECORD APFT! There is an audible groan through out the ranks. You can hear one Soldier say: Come on TOP! We just took a FOR RECORD APFT 2 months ago. The 1SG responds in a professional manner “and we will take another one today.” The unit then prepares for movement to the APFT testing location.
While SGT Jones is waiting for the APFT test to begin he approaches his platoon sergeant and explains his concerns because of last nights’ workout session. He tells the platoon sergeant he is sore and worried he will not be able to score a 300 on the APFT and that it is not smart for him to take the APFT today as he could possibly hurt himself after last nights’ workout. The platoon sergeant concurs and escorts SGT Jones over to see the 1SG. While discussing the issue with the 1SG Conrad, the Commander (CPT Short) comes by and says Good Morning Gentlemen! What’s going on? The 1SG says. “Sir, SGT Jones has just explained that he had an incredibly brutal upper body exercise session last night and he is concerned he will not be able to score a 300 on today’s APFT but more importantly he is concerned that pushing himself on the PT test might actually cause him some harm because he really pushed himself hard last night. He has already volunteered to take the FOR RECORD APFT on Friday which is our make up day for the test anyway. So I think it would be wise if we make him a grader for today and allow him to make up the test on Friday. This allows his body time to adequately recover, puts him in the best position to score a 300 on the APFT, and also allows him to compete in the Battalion Iron Man Competition next month. If he does not score a 300 today, he cannot compete in the Iron Man competition because only individuals scoring a 300 on their most recent FOR RECORD APFT can participate.
The Commander thinks for a moment and then replies: “SGT Jones, you are a PT Stud and I fully understand where you are coming from but I am confident based on your past performance you will do incredibly well on the APFT test.” SGT Jones, then states: “Sir, I am hurting pretty bad and if I don’t score a 300 on this test I can’t compete in the IRON MAN competition. Sir, you know I don’t whine about being in pain or try to dodge my responsibilities. I could really use your help and support on this one!
Captain Short, stares off into space for a second or two and then replies “Look SGT Jones, I understand I really do but if I make an exception for you then I have to make exceptions for others. Now get out there and score another 300. I have faith in you and I know you can do it!” In a disappointed voice SGT Jones states: “Roger, Sir”
Ten seconds in to the push up event, SGT Jones is knocking out pushups just as smoothly as he always does but you can see the pain in his face. As he starts down for his next pushup, SGT Jones lets out a BIG GROAN, and collapses to the ground. He rolls over grabbing his right arm. As he rolls over it appears his arm is just dangling from the elbow down. It is extremely disfigured, swollen, and bruised. He is evaluated by the medic at the test site and is rushed to the emergency room.
strong> 0830 hours- Unit Orderly room– The Commander returns to the unit and says “Hey 1SG any word on SGT Jones?”
Yes Sir, we received notification that he has a torn bicep and that he will have to undergo emergency surgery to repair the damage. The Doctor also stated that there is a strong possibility that they may not be able to totally repair the damage and that he may not regain full use of his arm.
The Commander says “Wow that’s pretty bad. I really feel for the guy.” The 1SG response with “Yes Sir it is, but it gets even worse.” How so says the Commander?
Well SFC Goodness, his platoon sergeant was with SGT Jones in the ER. When the Doctor came into examine SGT Jones, he said the injury was incredibly bad, perhaps the worst he has ever seen in his 12 years of practicing medicine. He then asked how it happened? SGT Jones, replied that it occurred while doing Push UPs for a Physical Fitness Test. The Doctor looked puzzled and said, “A PT Test? this should not have occurred from a simple PT Test.” He then asked SGT Jones if he had been doing anything of a significant nature in the past 24-72 hours preceding the APFT that required heavy or intense lifting? SGT Jones, said yes he had conducted an intense upper body workout the night prior. So then the Doctor looked at SGT Jones and said “So let me get this straight, you knowingly you did an intense workout that you admit was a “Killer workout”, the night before a FOR RECORD APFT TEST, that is flat our insane Soldier, don’t you know better.” SGT Jones, then says “Sir, that’s just it, I did not know about the APFT until this morning. Our Commander believes in no notice FOR RECORD APFT test, if I would have known about the APFT test I would not have done the training. The Doctor Replied “So why didn’t you inform the Commander or 1SG so they could excuse you from the APFT test?” SGT Jones replies “I did Sir, but the Commander stated if he made an exception for me, he would have to make exceptions for other people. He then told me to get out there and score a 300 on my APFT. The Doctor then looked at SFC Goodness and said “Sergeant did it happen this way?” and SFC Goodness replied that it did happen as SGT Jones explained.
SFC Goodness, said at this point the Doctor became furious. He then called the Hospital Commander, JAG, and the IG. He asked JAG to investigate the matter fully. He requested a formal 15-6 investigation be started against the unit Commander for abuse of subordinates and knowingly placing a subordinate’s health and livelihood in jeopardy. He requested JAG oversee the a formal line of duty investigation into SGT Jones’ injury because the injury was so severe it could result in SGT Jones being medically separated from the service.
CPT Short swallows hard and says “Holy Crap, I had no idea he could be injured like that by doing a PT test. I guess I better go pass this information on to the Battalion Commander.”
The 1SG replies with “Hey Sir, there is more to the story.” The Battalion Commander was notified by the Hospital Commander about SGT Jones, and he also got a phone call from the JAG. The Battalion Commander wants to see you immediately and he has temporarily placed the XO in charge of the company.” Are you telling me the Battalion Commander has relieved me of Command? No Sir, I am simply relaying the message the Battalion Commander personally gave me about 10 minutes ago when he stopped by to see if you were back from PT yet.
This is a hard lesson learned. Bottom line treat your Soldiers the way you want to be treated. Use some common sense. It goes a long way in reducing risks and helping leaders make the right decision.
As the scenario above illustrates it is important that leaders fully understand the unintended consequences of their actions. The Commander had no intention of causing injury to SGT Jones. He incorrectly assumed the risk of injury was low. The Commanders poor risk assessment and failure to use common resulted in the following:
1. SGT Jones did not achieve his goal of 11 successive perfect scores on the APFT.
2. SGT Jones could not compete in the BN IRON MAN Competition.
3. SGT Jones was severely injured and his future in the Army is at risk.
4. The unit Commanders career has been placed in jeopardy as a result of his poor decision making process.
5. It is highly probable the unit Commander will not receive a top block on his OER. He will be fortunate to receive a good Command OER.
6. The unit Commander gained a lot of attention from the BN and BDE Commander. Given the nature of this incident and the fact that the Doctor called the Hospital Commander, JAG, and IG it is safe to assume the Division Commander was notified as well.
7. It is safe to assume that the unit will most likely receive a lot more attention from the BN CDR and his BN Staff.
8. I imagine the company policy of unannounced FOR RECORD APFT’s will be reevaluated and discontinued as it has no measurable value.
Reasons a Commander Should Avoid Using an Unannounced FOR RECORD APFT Testing Protocol.
These reasons include but are not limited to:
1. Low morale
2. Soldiers who have aggressive after duty hours physical training programs cannot train properly with an unannounced FOR RECORD APFT policy without risking injury to themselves or at a minimum risking a lower score on the APFT because they potentially overtrain the night before a FOR RECORD APFT Test.
3. The unit will typically have lower APFT scores across the board. The Commander reports these numbers in their Quarterly Training Briefing. So the Commander looks bad because his unit has low PT scores and a low overall average.
4. Typically units with unannounced APFTs have an increased injury rate
5. Typically these units also experience longer recovery times
6. Retention rates may also be lower as Soldiers do not believe their leaders care about them or their safety.
It is my opinion that unannounced FOR RECORD APFTS have more risks than benefits associated with them.
Related References
AR 350-1 paragraph 1-24e(2) states:
AR 350-1 paragraph 1-24e(5) states:
FM 7-22
FM 7-22 paragraph 1-12.
Notice I placed the “Realistic” in bold as I do not believe an unannounced “FOR RECORD APFT” testing policy is realistic.
FM 7-22 paragraph 5-20
Notice I bolded the entire statement above as it reinforces my point about advance notification and the employment of common sense. However this is only a guideline.
FM 7-22 paragraph 5-28
FM 7-22 paragraph 5-42
FM 7-22 paragraph A-8.
Summary and Alternative Solutions For APFT Testing
Based on my experience I can see no benefit to conducting an unannounced “FOR RECORD APFT”. On the contrary I can see nothing but adverse consequences for such a testing program.
There are several ways to manage a unit APFT testing schedule that do not require more than 3-4 FOR RECORD APFTs per year. These include:
1. Scheduling FOR RECORD APFTs in March and September each year. These months tend to have weather that is best suited for taking an APFT. Then schedule 2 make up tests for each FOR RECORD TEST.
2. Quarterly scheduling of FOR RECORD APFTS: This allows the unit and Soldiers assigned to the unit a degree of flexibility. It allows for leaves, profiles, TDY, and other issues that get in the way of a rigid testing protocol.
Questions Concerning Soldiers that fail to take their APFT and Integration of New Arrivals into the FOR RECORD APFT testing cycle.
1. How do I handle Soldiers who fail to take their APFT as scheduled?
If an individual did not show up for the 1st make up test they were flagged and considered for a bar to reenlistment. If they did not show up for the second make up test they were considered for action under the UCMJ and potentially separation from service.
2. How do I manage FOR RECORD APFTs for new arrivals to the unit?
When a new Soldier arrived their DA FORM 705 was evaluated. If they had a recent APFT with a passing score, that score was used. Then we looked at when the next UNIT FOR RECORD APFT would be administered. If possible we waited until the next quarterly test. Otherwise the Soldier was given 45 days to prepare for the FOR RECORD APFT.
3. How do I keep a unit on a successful FOR RECORD APFT testing cycle?trong>
When the unit tested as a group new arrivals would then test with the unit to get them on the same schedule.
Did you find this information useful? I appreciate your feedback!
TOP
George Picard
Good afternoon. while on the subject I cannot find anything in 350-1 od FM 7-22 stating a minimum rank requirement for graders on the APFT. Am I looking in the wrong place or what?
CPT N
It is my understanding, and that of a number of individuals I just completed a school with, that there is a 24 hour notification for a Record APFT. in the lesser strict term, you can’t be told at the end of the duty day that you are to conduct a record APFT the next morning. This is a wide spread belief through the school I just completed, but now, upon reading this, I wonder if we are wrong. Is there a rule as such? or is there just an interpretation of the above that has developed into a ‘rule of thumb’? Would it make a difference if it was a Record or a Diagnostic?
Thanks
CPT N
Mark Gerecht
CPT N,
Great Question! I have reviewed FM 7-22 and AR 350-1. Neither specify or indicate a 24 hour notice is required. So the hard answer is no there is no need for a 24 hour notice. Now from a purely reasonable and rationale point of view I believe Leaders should provide Soldiers as much notification as possible for several reasons. If you fail to provide notification the Soldier could inadvertently fatigue themselves through physical activity, be ill, overly tired from duty, or simply not be in the best possible shape for an APFT. CDRS/1SG should want to provide reasonable notice because that allows the Soldier the best opportunity to prepare for an APFT. The APFT Scores of a unit are direct reflection on the physical fitness program that the Commander and 1SG implement. As a leader if you do not provide a Soldier reasonable time to prepare for the test, you could be viewed as trying to set the Soldier up to fail. You must ensure you treat all your Soldiers the same with regard to testing standards and notification. AR 350-1 states you can administer an APFT as often as you like as a commander, however you must specific before hand if it is for Record or Diagnostic. I would argue there is no need for a notification on a diagnostic as you are just getting a feel for the Soldiers capabilities. However if that Soldier is ill, overly tired, or has another reason they should be excused from the Diagnostic test.
AR 350-1, 1-24e(2) Commanders may administer the APFT as often as they wish; however, they must specify beforehand when the results are for record….
Hopes this helps
TOP
Part-Time-Commander
Thanks for sharing what the regulations say, Mark. Personally, I believe leaders should do the right thing and give their Soldiers as much notice as possible before giving an APFT. What benefit do you get by surprising Soldiers with an unannounced APFT?
As a former commander myself, I’d rather create an environment where people can win. You want your Soldiers to pass the APFT and you want them to get the highest score possible. That helps the unit and the individual Soldier.
Just my two cents.
Chuck
Mark Gerecht
I have to agree. As leaders we need to set our Soldiers up for success. There’s is no room for got ya, type leadership! Treat people the way you want to be treated. As leaders we need to Hog the BLAME and Share the GLORY!
holtorf
top this ha sbeen a very informational piece thank you for taking the time
Gabriel
What are the rank requirements to administer or be a scorer on the APFT? Does the scorer need a passing APFT to be a scorer?
SGT NICK
Depends on the 1SG or Commander. Policy says that there has to be an NCOIC or OIC, but you can see where there can be a conflict of interest. I once graded my platoon sergeant, did you think I was going to count his poor push ups? Absolutely! It wasnt my fault I was put in a position to grade a SFC. I have also seen my fair share of Fat NCO’s grading soldiers and it sometimes can lead to poor morale because these same individuals are “tough” graders. Some units any nco others only SFC and above and in the extremely distrustful units MSG and above. I have seen it all my friend.
Part-Time-Commander
Good point SGT Nick!
The right thing to do is have the grader outrank the person taking the APFT, or at least have a senior ranking person present at the APFT in case there is an issue. Having a junior soldier grade a senior ranking person is a bad leadership move. I wouldn’t let a slug be the grader either. Save that task for one of your APFT studs!
Just my two cents.
Chuck