PT Tests

C077/K051 Feb 21 – Apr 25, 1990

Not only does the Navy want you to be smart, but it wants you in shape. Besides our daily PT, we also have three separate PT tests along the way.

Each of these was important because if you did not pass, you did not move ahead. And the last test, if you did not pass, you did not go home.

We did each of our tests in the field house. We also did them in the preens of our sister company. There were several inspectors there to watch over us all. They made sure each recruit was doing the proper push-up and sit-up. They also watch us as we dod our 1 ½ in company formation.

Each test we had to do more push-ups and sit-ups. We also had to run faster. I would have never had an issue with the run, except I had to run a short choppy step so we could keep a company pace. That was an issue. Then you had the guy behind you kicking you.

Doing the test indoors was far better than outside on the grinder. Push-ups and sit-ups on the grinder could hurt a little. You could get that one rick that hit you most painfully.

The first test was probably during our first week of training, if not the first official day or training. We lost a guy yo that test if I recall. His brother was in the company too. The older brother went home shortly after the first test.

For me, I have always had a hard time doing push-ups. My long thin arms were just not really set up for it. But, I think all the extras our CCs had us do, helped out. Sit-ups were never going to be an issue. When we had to do them on the grinder, it was difficult on the asphalt, but we must have developed a callous on our tail bones.

I was a runner in high school, so there again, no issue. Had we been allowed to run by ourselves, I would have smoked it.

We had one guy who kept getting a no PT chit. I have no idea how he was able to eventually pass the test. I think he failed the last test and had to go back the final day to retake the test.

The actual days of training fro our specific tests I have forgotten. But, I do recall our final test was the day before we actually left to go home on leave. I might be off, but that is my memory. We had a typical morning, get up, march off the breakfast, march back, change into PT gear, then off to the field house.

Both our sister company and we were there. The mood was best described as excited.

We were told what was going to happen. Everyone would be watched as they progressed through the PT test. If at any time you were told to stand up, it is because you were failing to follow proper procedures. You failed the whole test and had to report back the next day to retake the test.  

Sit-ups were pretty easy, nobody failed that. Push-ups were a little different. Several members of both companies failed.

While we were doing push-ups, I was going through the reps pretty easily.

One of the inspections looks in my direction, “Go down more recruit.”

So, I go down more. Thinking I am already kissing the deck.
“Go down more!”
WTF, I think. I am like really kissing the deck.
“DAMNIT! Stand up, Stand UP!”
Screw up, you are making me stand up.
He starts to stomp toward me, pointing.
I was like, oh hell, I am screwed.
It was the guy behind me who failed. My heart was pounding because I thought I was the one who failed.

The company run went off without a hitch. A big majority of us in both companies were for sure 100% going home!!!

The following morning while a vast majority of us were packing for home, our few guys had early appointments at the field house. Good news, all of those passed as well.

Now, having been an athlete in high school, I knew what it was like to be in shape. I was 5 years removed from high school and had not made it a routine to stay in shape afterward. I did play basketball over those years a good many times. When I left boot camp I was in pretty good shape again. I’d say maybe an 8 out of 10.

PT was overall the one part of boot camp that we all had to take part in. Some eras of boto camp it was harder on the recruits, some of those they relaxed the qualifications. I know some groups had to wear boondockers, others, like me, were allowed to wear tennis shoes.