Fort Knox, Ky.,– Throughout the duration of Advanced Camp, Cadets are expected to qualify in several different tests throughout Cadet Summer training.
The first test Advanced Camp Cadets need to qualify with is the Army Physical Fitness Test. The APFT is comprised of three different timed components: push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. Cadets are expected to meet specific standards based on age and gender within specific time constraints in order to pass.
Cadets run to meet their time for the Army Physical Fitness Test at Fort Knox, Ky, on June 3. (Photo by Savoury Jacobson.)
Sgt. 1st Class Max Pumfrey, instructor at Arizona State University, native of Iowa City, Iowa, helped oversee the APFT for his 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, 4th Platoon, Charlie Company Cadets.
“The APFT tests the muscular endurance of the abdominals, the upper body, and the lower extremities,” said Pumfrey. “We test at the universities and now here at camp. This is the first time in several years that it has been done here. It’s just to solidify that the officers that we are grooming are physically fit enough to take care of soldiers and to perform the actions in which we require from leaders in the Army.”
“If a Cadet fails they will have an opportunity to retake the test on day twenty-eight of CST prior to graduation,” said Pumfrey. “So far the Cadets I have graded for the APFT have done pretty well.”
A Cadre member counts push-ups during the Army Physical Fitness Test at Fort Knox, Ky, on June 3. (Photo by Savoury Jacobson.)
Cadet Logan McNally, student at the University of Akron, native of Harrisburg Pennsylvania, was one of the Cadets working to qualify at the APFT.
“I’ve been training on my own as well as with my battalion back at my university,” said McNally. “Advanced Camp is a full physical and mental assessment of Cadets and future officers, knowing our attributes so we can lead from the front at the maximum standard.”
“I feel very confident. I’ve been preparing everyday, using my free time to go out and do pull-ups, push-ups, and running, even if everyone else is inside sleeping or eating,” said McNally.
This year also marks the return of the Recondo Badge. Cadets must score at least 90 points in each event for the APFT; score expert in Basic Rifle Marksmanship; receive a first-time “go” on first aid and call for fire; score a 90 or higher on the written land navigation test and find five out of six points on the land navigation course; complete the rappel tower, receive a first-time “go” on all of the obstacles on the
confidence course; and they must complete a 12-mile foot march in under three hours.
Cadet Jaylin Gomez, student at St. Mary’s University, native of San Antonio, Texas, is working toward earning the Recondo Badge.
“Some of us are going for the Recondo Badge, including myself. You need a score of 60 in each event to actually pass, but for the Recondo Badge you need to score a 90 in each,” said Gomez.
Gomez has been training for the APFT prior to the start of camp, and feels well prepared.
A Cadet successfully finishes out her required reps for the Army Physical Fitness Test at Fort Knox, Ky, on June 3. (Photo by Savoury Jacobson.)
“I feel like I’m going to do well, I’m not worried about not being able to pass, I really want the Recondo, so I’m trying to get a 90 in each event. I usually max my push-ups and my run, it’s just my sit-ups that are a little iffy. My last PT test scored at a 286, so I was off by four points and I’m a little stressed out about that,” said Gomez.
After completion of the APFT, Advanced Camp Cadets will continue working toward qualifying in the different standards, as well as seeking out the Recondo Badge.
Cadet Summer Training will bring 8,200 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp this summer on Fort Knox. These camps are designed to help challenge, grow and improve various skills and leadership qualities within the Cadets. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or if you are interested in a job after college click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
