Technically yes, this is within regulation. While I would consider administering the test quarterly to be a little excessive, the regulation gives each commander the ability to administer the APFT as often as he or she wishes to do so. If only two tests are taken a year, they must be separated by at least four months. This requirement does not apply when the test is administered four times a year.
AR 350-1:
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.
Comments
SFC T
CSM great info
Can you shed any light on when a command uses this to harass a particular Soldier especially after the Soldier has passed their APFT and the unit is preventing the Soldier from transferring out to another unit
manny mayweather
Good piece – I was enlightened by the information – Does anyone know where I can get a sample DA 638 document to edit ?
Mark Gerecht
Manny,
Check the Army Publishing Directorate Website under forms. Our you can check out AWARD QUICK. It is a program that helps you write awards. There is also a book called the writer that can help with the process. You can find these products on our sister site: Mentormilitary.com
Part-Time-Commander
I don’t see the value in doing this many “record” APFTs in one training year. Giving a diagnostic APFT might be a wiser decision. But each commander has the authority to do make their own judgement call.