Physical Readiness Test
Encyclopedia
Regular Testing
A Physical Readiness Test, also known as a Physical Fitness Assessment, or PFA, is conducted by the United States NavyUnited States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
to determine the physical fitness
Physical fitness
Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
of their sailors.
The PFA includes a 1.5-mile run (or alternate cardio options of a 12-minute stationary bike ride, 12-minute elliptical, or a 500 yd or 450 m swim), pushups, a sit and reach, and situps.
PFA scores from lowest to highest are as follows: probationary, satisfactory, good, excellent, and outstanding with low, medium and high in each category.
Scores for the run, the pushups, and the situps are determined by age, sex, and time. The sit and reach merely needs to be completed but is not an event which could fail a member.
Other branches of the DoD have similar standards.
Elite Units
Most branches of the US military use modified, enhanced tests of the regular tests of physical stamina and performance as minimum requirements for applicants to special or elite programs. Some of these programs are SEALSeal
Seal commonly refers to:* Pinniped, a diverse group of semi-aquatic marine mammals many of which are commonly called seals* Seal , a device which helps prevent leakage, contain pressure, or exclude contamination where two systems join...
, SWCC
SWCC
SWCC can mean: -* Second World Climate Conference* Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen...
, Navy Diver
United States Navy Diver
A Navy Diver refers to a member of the community of Unrestricted Line Officer Officers, Medical Corps Officers and enlisted personnel in the United States Navy who are qualified in underwater open/closed circuit breathing apparatus, deep sea type diving apparatus and saturation diving. Personnel...
, EOD
EOD
EOD may refer to:* Explosive Ordnance Disposal, the disposal of bombs* End Of Day, a financial markets term* Evolve Or Die, A Political Party, started in Montana, with the beliefs that humanity must move forward or die out...
, and other Special Operations Forces
Special operations
Special operations are military operations that are considered "special" .Special operations are typically performed independently or in conjunction with conventional military operations. The primary goal is to achieve a political or military objective where a conventional force requirement does...
. Beyond this, the Army requires additional indoctrination programs such as RIP
Ranger Indoctrination Program
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program is an 8 week course held at Fort Benning, Georgia. RASP is required for all ranks. As of 2010, RASP replaced both the RIP for enlisted Soldiers and ROP for Officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned. and below to be assigned to the U.S...
of its applicants. These tests usually include extra components so that running, swimming, and pullups are all assessed in addition to situps, pushups, and the usual fare. In some cases pushups techniques and swim strokes may be particular to a certain group, including "diver (triceps) pushups", "combat sidestroke" swim strokes done in full uniform with boots by SEAL and SWCC applicants, and strictly monitored pullup technique.
Within these communities enhanced tests may be given in place of the regular tests, deriving and reporting the data needed for the minimum requirements of the service and maintaining additional data such as swim and pullup data to meet the requirements of their special program.