Evaluation of Two Army Fitness Programs: The TRADOC Standardized Physical Training Program for Basic Combat Training and the Fitness Assessment Program

Abstract

LTG Dennis Cavin, Commander of Accessions Command, tasked the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School (USAPFS) and the Center for Accession Research (CAR) to develop and test the ability of a standardized physical training (PT) program to improve fitness and reduce injuries and attrition during BCT. The program developed by the USAPFS followed the principles in Army Field manual 21-20 plus incorporated injury reduction principles involving reduced running mileage and a greater variety of exercises. LTG Cavin also wanted to determine if the new fitness program coupled with an administrative change might eliminate the necessity for the Fitness Assessment Program (FAP) or reduce the number of trainees who enter the FAP. New recruits who fail a basic fitness test at the Reception Station enter the FAP and train until they can pass the test and enter BCT. The proposed administrative change was to conduct the basic fitness test at Week 2 of BCT rather than in the Reception Station. This report examines attrition, fitness and injuries 1) during implementation of the standardized physical training program, and 2) among low-fit trainees who did and did not enter the FAP prior to BCT.