“Don’t train for the test” CAN be decent advice for some warfighters some of the time but I’m more often in favor of training for the test, especially when it’s a decent test - Not to be confused with training WITH the test. This episode builds a case in favor of training to improve at the Army Combat Fitness Test. 

Former Army Ranger and Special Operations Human Performance Coach, Nate Palin, offers a reality based approach to coaching the warfighter on how to shoot, move, and communicate more effectively on the front lines and the home front. I reconcile high performance ideals with an often volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous reality faced by the warfighter - so you can focus your effort where it matters most.  

Episode Topics

Job Simulation Test vs Fitness Test

• Ranger Physical Assessment Test
• Army Combat Fitness Test 
• Face validity vs twice removed from the job

APFT vs ACFT

• Events - Pushup, Situp, 2-Mile Run, Deadlift, Standing Power Throw, Hand Release Pushup, Leg Tuck, Plank, Sprint Drag Carry 
• Components of Fitness Tested - Narrow vs well-rounded 

A Case for Training WITH the Test

• Familiarization
• Confidence
• Short window for improvement 

A Case for Training FOR the Test

1. When you need something to train for - provides purpose: Inspiration, motivation, gauge of progress
2. When your programming knowledge is low - provides structure (ideal vs enough to move the needle)
3. When the assessed qualities align with physical job demands - enhancing assessed qualities = improving at the job 

Assessed Qualities by Event 

• Deadlift - Grip, Lower Body Strength
• Standing Power Throw - Total Body Power (Force and Velocity)
• Hand Release Push-Up - Upper Body Pushing Endurance 
• Spring Drag Carry - Output & Capacity, Multidirectional Movement, Load Carriage, Change of Direction, Deceleration, Acceleration, etc. 
• Leg Tuck - Upper Body Pulling Strength, Core Strength
• 2-Mile Run - Capacity

More important than HOW you train is THAT you train.

Resources

ACFT Landing Page

Unofficial RPAT Description

ACFT Preparation Book

Visit the Any Given Day website HERE.

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