JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. (Army News Service, Oct. 10, 2014) -- Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the Soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), are already hard at work preparing the caisson horses for the day's solemn duties.
US Military Careers. U.S. Army soldiers are required to take a physical fitness test at least once each calendar year that measures their muscle strength, cardiovascular strength, and endurance. The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) test uses three events to measure physical fitness: push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed two-mile run. Soldiers must score a minimum of 60 points on each event.
The goal of the Army's physical fitness program is to improve each soldier's physical ability so he can survive and win on the battlefield. Physical fitness includes all aspects of physical performance, not just performance on the APFT.