Emergency PFT help

EagleScout95

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2014
Messages
18
Hello

I am taking the PFT in 9 days and cannot run 3 miles at all. What drastic steps can I take now to accomplish a 3 mile run? Push past pain?

I am applying to PLC Juniors.
 
Eagle: I am going to be honest. This is not a good spot to be in and I suspect it will not go well - particularly if this is part of your PLC Junior application process. You should have been prepared mentally and physically to run 3 miles in a good time.

Now for the facts: The PFT has three parts each of which can generate 100 points towards your overall score. There really is no rule that you have to run the distance - you just have to cover the distance anywhere between 18 minutes (max points) and 28 minutes (min points). I am going off memory so someone can check me on those times.

The first question I have is that with a combination of running and walking how fast can you finish the 3 mile event? If you can't do it within the maximum time allowed, then you better rethink your situation.

It is not going to go well for you if you can't run the full 3 miles - you will draw a lot of attention on yourself. But if you can somehow cover the distance in enough time to generate a total PFT score of 225 points through some miracle then you might be put through. Otherwise, I don't see Quantico in your immediate future.

I am not well-versed in the intricacies of the PLC program but I would suspect that you should focus on your fitness and set your sights on PLC Seniors.
 
Experience speaking here...

I busted it my freshman year of college (had a 4 year scholarship with Air Force and turned it down) to be able to pass the Marine Corps PFT. I made 1st class, but it was a low first class. OSO at the time said it was good enough, but bottom line is that I got injured during the junior course and was sent home. (Part of it was due to the old all leather boots that used to be issued that were oversized, but a good portion was my fault for not being more prepared.)

Officer Selection Officers are thankfully more focused on the physical aspect to prevent injuries. One other thing is that they are also more selective because slots are fewer and hard to come by.

The PLC program has a couple of options -- two 6 week summer courses (the first after freshman or sophomore year/the second after your junior year) or a 10 week course after your junior year if you weren't selected until later in college. I assume there is still the Officer Candidate Class for graduates -- although that was usually extremely selective when drawdowns occur.

I share the concern that you aren't in a good spot -- especially the current climate of draw down.

I know this doesn't really answer your question about a quick fix -- because frankly there isn't. It's really not something that can be mastered on short notice.

Having said that, is there any way you can look to next year with the options I mentioned? If the commission is something you really want, you'll need to be willing to look at all avenues.
 
Hi All,

I just finished my freshman year of college. I assume that candidates are being accepted to PLC all the way up until May. I am taking my very first PFT July 11th. I am also reapplying to USNA and applying as a college programmer for NROTC. Is there still hope for me being selected later on this year/early next year for the 2 session PLC program?
 
I don't know much about the PLC, but as a college programmer, they may be more accepting. They do not promise you any money up front and they have a year to help get you ready to try and qualify for a scholarship. If they see that you come in slow but put 100% effort into getting into shape and doing great on the PFT later in the year, they will be more inclined to recommend you for the scholarship. They are not easy to get, but it would be you the support and the time to improve. With PLC, I believe that you would not have the support and motivators behind you. If you do want to go the NROTC route, I hope you have gotten the ball rolling. Call someone ASAP at the school where you attend.
 
Hi All,

I just finished my freshman year of college. I assume that candidates are being accepted to PLC all the way up until May. I am taking my very first PFT July 11th. I am also reapplying to USNA and applying as a college programmer for NROTC. Is there still hope for me being selected later on this year/early next year for the 2 session PLC program?
How'd that PFT go?
 
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