[libs_kma]

I think all the services should institute a combat fitness test that needs to be passed twice a year in conjuction with the regular pt test.

And this is coming from someone who took full advantage of the Army body fat program. I never was built lean like a runner, and a few times I tipped the scales over the recommended US Army weight standards, but I always passed my pt tests, never I fell out of a run. After I weighed in over the recommended weight, I always passed the tape test.

While I wasn't huge like a professional weightlifter, I had the same body build. Even though I passed the tape test though, I still could have benefitted from a conditioning program designed to lower body fat. As it was, once I would pass the tape test they sent me on my way and said see you next weigh in.

[antiRepublicrat]

I fell out of runs twice. Once was a sprained ankle from running on a rocky dirt path in running shoes, the other was a "let's run until there's nobody left" run that only two natural-runner types survived.

I also lament that there was no real coordinated fitness program, just regular PT. There was nothing for you except your own knowledge and volition if you needed more (average going for better, or already great going for perfection). I guess that should be accomplished if a unit had a high-speed first sergeant and training NCO who worked to make sure every individual soldier was in top shape, but I was never in a unit like that.