Each branch of the military utilizes specific physical fitness training programs to gauge the fitness level of each participant. Being physically fit is essential in the armed forces, so these training programs are designed to increase cardiovascular health, endurance and strength. The most basic of training programs used by the military is what is called the Physical Fitness Test or PFT. Each branch of the military uses these physical fitness programs at least twice a year to ensure that every participant is in tip-top shape.
Army Physical Fitness Program
This exercise regimen is a mandatory program for members of the Army. It consists of three PFT events: push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run. Each participant performs as many push-ups as possible within a 2-minute time frame; the same rule applies to sit-ups. Next, recruits perform a timed two-mile run--and they're expected to run as fast as they can. Scores vary depending on gender and age. For example, male participants age 17 to 21 should be able to accomplish a minimum of 42 push-ups, 53 sit-ups and run two miles in under 15 minutes and 54 seconds. Females in the same age group are expected to complete 19 push-ups, 53 sit-ups and run two miles in under 18 minutes and 54 seconds.
Navy Physical Fitness Program
The Navy's physical fitness regimen focuses on improving endurance, flexibility and building strength. The primary fitness test taken by Navy recruits includes sit-ups, push-ups and a 1-1/2 mile run. As an alternative to the 1-1/2 mile run, a timed 500-meter swim may be implemented. Participants are graded according to their level of fitness, which is determined by an average of how well they perform all three exercises. Scores of 90 to 100 are considered "outstanding", 75 to 85 are "excellent", and a score between 60 and 70 is "good". Scores falling between 50 and 55 are "satisfactory".
The basic training minimum standard score is 60 points. Scores given for each exercise vary according to age and gender. For instance, a 25-year-old woman doing 91 sit-ups in two minutes, 26 push-ups in two minutes and who runs 1-1/2 miles in 15 minutes and 20 seconds will have a total score of 205. This score is then divided by three to get the average--here, the final score is 68, which is classified as "good".
Marines Physical Fitness Program
This semi-annual physical fitness test includes pull-ups for men and flexed-arm hang for women, abdominal crunches and a three-mile run. Men complete as many pull-ups as possible for this test while women hang from the bar as long as they can with their elbows slightly flexed. The abdominal crunch exercise is a timed two-minute test--the objective is to do as many crunches as possible. The timed three-mile run should be completed in 28 to 36 minutes depending on age and gender. Women should be able to complete the flexed-arm hang for at least 15 seconds while men are expected to finish at least three pull-ups. The minimum amount of crunches allowed in two minutes is between 40 and 50 depending on age and gender.
Air Force Fitness Program
The Air Force physical fitness training program focuses on aerobic conditioning, body composition, push-ups and crunches. Scores are awarded in each of these areas based on age, gender, body measurements and amount of repetitions completed. Scores 90 and above are considered "excellent". Aerobic activity is completed via a 1-1/2 mile timed run--a maximum of 50 points is earned for the fastest times based on gender and age. The push-up test measures how many push-ups are completed in one minute--10 points is the maximum score for this test. The crunch test measures the number of crunches completed in one minute--10 points is the maximum score. The final test is a body measurement test, and scores are awarded based on overall body composition. The four scores are added together to produce the final overall score.
This physical fitness program is conducted as many as four times a year in the Air Force.
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