Pass or Fail
So lets look at the CFA this way. Lets give a number scale of 1 thru 10, 10 being the best or max. All SA use the same CFA to quantify a candidate. We know the max score, but what we don’t know is the minimum score and each SA has their own minimum score. So we always get posts here asking how far can I push myself to trip over the minimum bar to pass the CFA. We just don’t know, but we do know is the maximum score. So why doesn’t a candidate prepare him or herself to max out their score, then they know they passed.
Now lets think about it this way. What kind of officer would you want to follow? The officer who wants to just do the bare minimum? Or do you think the Army is looking for an officer who prepares him or herself to reach the max?
The CFA only accounts for 10% of your WCS however it carries a lot of weight demonstrating who you are.
A time-honored tradition at West Point is March Back and everyone has to complete it. Carrying 45 lbs for 12 miles gives a soldier a lot of time to think. It’s more for building your “will and character.”
Yes everyone has to complete March Back. If you are injured before or during March Back, you must have medical attention. The Army wants you healthy and not make your injury worse. You will have an opportunity to complete March Back at a later time to receive credit.
So your goal must be to score a 9 or 10 and anything less is unacceptable.
Push Hard, Press Forward