Push-ups are a multipurpose exercise used extensively by the Army to build strength in the upper body, back, and arms. The Army uses this exercise as a measure of overall physical fitness, to which all soldiers are held to certain standards. For these reasons, it is important for soldiers to be able to perform push-ups effectively. Preparing for the exercise before entering the Army will make performing push-ups much easier than without prior physical training.
Army Basic Training PFT
The Army requires that all candidates for basic training are physically able to perform to standards. Men 21 years of age and younger seeking to enlist in the Army must be able to perform at least 35 consecutive push-ups, and men males 22 years of age or older are required to perform a minimum of 31 push-ups. Women are required 13 push-ups if 21 years or younger, and 11 push-ups if 22 years or older.
Army Physical Fitness Test
After graduation from boot camp, all soldiers will be held accountable to minimum scores for their gender and age groups in all categories of the physical fitness test, including the push-up event. The test includes push-ups, sit-ups and a 2-mile run. Soldiers must score 180 points out of 300 possible to make minimum standards. Additionally, soldiers must score at least 60 points in each event.
APFT Minimum Standards
To make the 60-point minimum requirement for the push-up event, soldiers must perform a set amount of push-ups defined by their gender and age group. Male soldiers between the ages of 17 and 21 years must perform 42 push-ups, and men between 22 and 26 years must perform 40 push-ups. Female soldiers between the ages of 17 and 21 years must perform 19 push-ups, and women between the ages of 22 and 26 years are required to perform 17 push-ups to meet the minimum.
Army Ranger Physical Fitness Test
Army Rangers are elite special operations light infantry warriors. Because Rangers are frequently engaged in combat and need to stay in fighting shape, they hold their fitness level to a high standard. To attend Ranger School and become Ranger qualified, soldiers must be able to perform a minimum of 49 push-ups. Because of the competitive nature of Ranger School, successful applicants will want to be able to do at least 80 push-ups to excel. Ranger School is only open to male soldiers.
Member Comments