The physical requirements and routine of the Army are strict, but keep soldiers healthy and in peak condition. The Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT, consists of a timed two-mile run, two minutes of sit-ups, two minutes of push-ups and a weigh-in. You must receive 180 points total and receive a score of at least 60 points in each event. Additionally, scores break down by age and gender.
Training Regimen
Army PT or physical training typically utilizes calisthenics, or exercises that use no equipment, only your body weight. "Many situations arise and access to a gym is not possible. Another reason soldiers focus on a different approach is because the army always moves in large volumes; this would over crowd a fitness facility," according to the Ask The Trainer website.
Daily Army workouts usually include calisthenics and finish up with a run. Some standard upper body and abdominal calisthenics exercises include pull-ups, dips, rope climbing and various push-ups. Lower body and abdominal calisthenics include sit-ups, flutter kicks, jumping jacks, lunges and mountain climbers.
Male Standards
The minimum requirements for those 17 to 21 years old are 20 percent body fat, 42 push-ups, 53 sit-ups and a run time of 15:54. For ages 22 to 26, body fat is 22 percent, 40 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, and a 16:36 two mile run time. To receive the maximum score in the 17 to 21 year old group, you need 71 push-ups, 78 sit-ups, and a time of 13 on the run. Ages 22 to 26 need to get 75 push-ups, 80 sit-ups and a 13 minute run time.
Female Standards
Female standards in the age group of 17 to 21 year olds require a body fat percentage of 30, 19 push-ups, 53 sit-ups, and a run time of 18:54. The 22 to 26 year old age group needs a body fat percentage of 32 percent, 17 push-ups, 50 sit-ups and a two-mile run time of 19:36. The maximum score would require 42 push-ups, 78 sit-ups, and a two-mile run of 15:36 for ages 17 to 21. For ages 22 to 26 at least 46 push-ups, 80 sit-ups, and a run time of 15:36 would be necessary.
You can find a complete chart of the Army Physical Fitness Test scores at its website (see Resources).
Repercussions
The Army requires a complete fitness test twice a year. Eligibility for promotion, transfers and special schools are dependent on meeting minimum physical fitness requirements. The APFT is a critical rating scale but necessary to assess the soldier's readiness. Various jobs require different APFT scores. For example, Special Forces, Rangers and Airborne soldiers are required to score 210 not 180 to pass their physical requirements, however ALL soldiers must understand the importance of being physically fit in the military.
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