Army PT Training
In the Army, PT stands for physical training. Soldiers are responsible for maintaining a high level of physical fitness, and are required to do PT with their unit five days a week. If a soldier cannot pass an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), he may be required to do two sessions of PT per day during the week. PT is often rigorous and challenging, and is outlined in Army Field Manual 21-20: Physical Fitness Training.
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Function
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The function of PT is to create battle-ready soldiers. The 25th Infantry Division states: "Physical fitness is the cornerstone of combat readiness," and the Army's aim is to ensure all soldiers--both male and female--are fit enough to survive the rigors of the battlefield. PT also encourages teamwork, self-discipline and the desire to excel at physical activity.
Types
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Army PT includes running (generally from two to eight miles) three times a week and muscle strength and endurance (MSE) exercises twice a week. At the discretion of the installation commander, organized sports like football and Frisbee football may be authorized as PT once a week. Ruck marching (walking several miles at a brisk pace with a 35-45 pound pack on a soldier's back) is generally conducted on Thursdays in place of MSE as part of Sergeant's Time Training.
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Exceptions
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A physical profile grants soldiers an exception from participating in PT. A soldier who has a physical profile may be exempt from some types of PT. A profile is a form signed by a military doctor with the soldier's limitations checked. For example, a soldier with a sprained ankle will not be required to run, march or jump, and a soldier with a shoulder injury will not be allowed to climb ropes, do push-ups or participate in other upper-body exercises. The profile will clearly define the date the soldier can return to participating fully in PT. Soldiers must carry a copy of their profile on their person at all times and present it to senior leaders when requested.
Locations
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Running generally takes place on surface streets of military installations. Most bases close off at least two major roads from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. so units may use them safely. Nearly all bases have one or more running tracks that units are free to use at their discretion.
MSE usually takes place on each battalion's parade field; if a battalion doesn't have their own they frequently use those of their neighboring battalions. Most parade fields are equipped with pull-up bars, sit-up benches and ample grassy space where units can perform other exercises.
Time Frame
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PT is conducted immediately after reveille in the mornings and usually begins around 6:35 a.m. Joint rotations and muscle stretches are performed first. If a unit is running, additional stretching will be permitted for two to three minutes. MSE begins right after stretching. Morning PT sessions may last as long as a unit commander deems necessary, but generally do not last more than one hour. After running or MSE is completed, soldiers again stretch and are released to conduct personal hygiene and report for work at 9 a.m.
Little-Known Fact
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Soldiers who present excessive physical profiles without legitimate reasons (to get out of doing PT) can be punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for "malingering." For example, if a soldier claims nausea every time there is an 8-mile battalion run, his platoon sergeant may question his integrity.
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References
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