Fitness: The PFT

Today, was the PFT. Another acronym.  PFT stands for Physical Fitness Test.  The basics took their first one on Thursday. During the academic year cadets take physical fitness tests each semester to measure their overall strength and conditioning.  Proficiency is required in both the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and the Aerobic Fitness Test (AFT) in order to graduate.

Each fitness test is given to cadets once a semester. The PFT events are performed consecutively on three-minute intervals, with two minutes allowed per event and one minute to rest and transition to the next event.

The PFT and AFT are administered during the first week of BCT and then again during a second time during the BCT program. These results will categorize the cadet’s readiness status for meeting cadet wing fitness standards. For instance, earning average scores in all events listed in the table below would translate to the lowest possible “C” grade. The majority of cadets earn C+/B- grades on the PFT and AFT assessments.

Below is a table with the test elements along with the mean and maximum possible scores. 

Before he left, Graham was able to max out each element of the PFT save for the standing long jump. So, he should have performed just fine.

And another day in the books.

Graham at the pull-up bar. Getting a maximum of 21 within the allotted time would not have been a challenge. He was able to do as many as 27 at home.

Graham at the standing long-jump station. He would have been challenged here. He did not inherit my long jump legs.