| Army Basic Training is challenging for men and | | | | is awarded to those individuals who score 270 or |
| women alike. It is both mentally and physically | | | | higher on their PFT. Remedial training is available for |
| demanding. Candidates are trained in military drill, | | | | those unable to pass their initial PFT. |
| history, etiquette, weaponry, policy and uniform | | | | Test Requirements |
| presentation. Male and female candidates participate | | | | Requirements vary by age and gender and each |
| in this rigorous academic and practice program | | | | result is assigned a number score. The Army PFT |
| together. Regardless of gender, everyone is treated | | | | challenges candidates to complete as many push-ups |
| to the same intensive intellectual restructuring that | | | | within a 2 minute period as they can. The minimum |
| turns candidates into precise military professionals. | | | | number of push-ups for a passing score is 35 for a |
| Candidates must also meet minimum Army Physical | | | | 17-year old male, while a female of the same age is |
| Fitness Test (PFT) scores to graduate. While both | | | | only required to perform 13 push-ups. A 27-year old |
| men and women work on classroom learning and drill | | | | male must do at least 30 push-ups and a female |
| practice in the same ways, there are differences in | | | | candidate of that age must be able to do at least 10. |
| scoring the PFT for men and women, based on the | | | | After a brief rest, candidates are asked to complete |
| physiological differences between men and women. | | | | as many sit-ups as they can in 2 minutes. Both male |
| Candidates in different age brackets also face | | | | and female 17-year olds are required to perform at |
| different requirements in the PFT. | | | | least 47 sit-ups, whereas a 27-year old male must |
| Age Ain't Nothing But A Number... | | | | perform at least 67 and a 27-year old female is |
| Age may only be a number, especially in youth, but it | | | | required to do at least 36 sit-ups. Finally, candidates |
| has a major impact on physical capabilities, as does | | | | perform a timed 2 mile run. The 17-year old male is |
| gender. Men are, generally speaking, stronger than | | | | required to complete this 2 mile run in 16:36 minutes |
| women. In order to provide for all of the Army's | | | | or less, while the female runner must finish within |
| needs for skilled personnel, the physical requirements | | | | 19:42. A 27-year old male is given 17:54 and a female |
| are modified by age and gender, so as not to | | | | is given 25:12. Of course, higher reps and lower run |
| preclude skilled military personnel by unfair tests. At | | | | times mean better scores and a greater chance at |
| the same time, both men and women alike are | | | | promotion later on. |
| pushed beyond their self-imposed limits while | | | | Preparing for the Army Basic Training PFT requires a |
| attending Army Basic Training. | | | | consistent commitment of time and effort. Making |
| To graduate from Army Basic Training, candidates | | | | time each day to perform these skills before arriving |
| must pass the Physical Fitness test (PFT) with a | | | | at Army Basic Training will make passing the Army |
| minimum score of 50 points in each of three events: | | | | PFT that much easier. Regular exercise is good for |
| sit-ups, push-ups and running. These tests are used | | | | everyone. As a member of the United States Army, |
| to evaluate physical strength, stamina and | | | | it is a career investment. |
| cardiovascular fitness. A special Physical Fitness Badge | | | | |