Lowering of Physical Standards

Jcleppe said:
If this were true then the military would be at least 40% overweight, ....
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Can't speak for "the military" but take a walk around Naval Station Anywhere and you may not like what you see.

It always struck me as disingenuous to have only two PRTs per year and that they're announced well ahead of time. If physical fitness is a job requirement then all should be able to pass at all times. If it's not a job requirement then why have it at all?

To add fuel to the fire of different standards; why are there different standards for age?
 
NavyHoops said:
As cb stated, we don't need them to be (or I at least I think you said that).
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I was making a general point that a cyber warrior need not be a member of the uniformed military. If that is one's goal, then an inability to pass the physical test does not preclude one from pursuing a cyber warrior path, albeit without a uniform. However, if you want to do it as an AD cyber/signal 2LT, you better friggin' know how to carry a bunch of gear and keep up with the infantry personnel who don't care how smart you are.

As to whether or not the DoD should be protecting the computer system of a dam or power plant, when the DHS, FBI, NSA, CIA are already on the case, that is a different discussion.
 
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jl123 said:
When I hit fifty I started CrossFit to regain the physical fitness of my twenties. After completing physical therapy I went back to yoga.
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jl,

You aren't twentysomething and will never be that age again.

Don't give in to Yoga, unless directed by a medical professional.

Crossfit is nuts. Try HIIT or a boot camp or a muscle confusion regime with cardio.

Start slowly. Cheat a little. When the others rest 15 seconds, rest for 20. When they rest for 30, rest for 45. The fate of the republic is not depending on your ability to do 30 burpees in 90 seconds. besides, no one really cares.

Embrace your age. You will notice that it takes a twentysomething almost as long as you to get up to speed.

Whatever you do, don't embrace the suck. That's for the twentysomethings. We're too old that that nonesense
 
I like the way fitness levels are administered for wildland fire fighting. All wildland firefighters must meet minimum levels of fitness requirements for the type of duties they are assigned. The positions are broken down into arduous, moderate, and light. All firefighters, male or female, who want to be qualified for arduous positions out on the fire line , must pass the same fitness test. If they are going to be working in base camp, they don't need an "arduous" level of fitness.

Back in the 90s when I wanted to be on a Hotshot Crew, I had to work to meet the fitness standards, which were the same for men and women on our crew. The hardest part was working up to 7 pull-ups. I had never done a pull-up in my life before then, but with some work, I was able to knock out 10 when we were tested. I'm glad the standards were the same for men and women. If they weren't, I still would have felt I should work toward the standards for men.
 
cb7893 said:
jl,

Don't give in to Yoga, unless directed by a medical professional.
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My post was largely in jest. I did try CrossFit, but found it way too high impact and competitive for health maintenance of an aging body - even an ex Corps Squad athlete. :muscles2: Great for younger people, men and women. Some of the women were in incredible shape.

I have been practicing yoga for 25 years. It is by far the best, most comprehensive physical fitness/health activity in existence - numerous benefits beyond cardiovascular and muscular fitness, but can offer a challenge in those areas as well.

There are many, many styles of yoga that can accommodate the needs of young and old and can meet the needs of any level of fitness. I have done Ashtanga, Iyengar, and several other forms, adjusting the style to meet my needs. Currently I do Bikram Yoga - 90 minutes in a 105 degree room. Great for flexibility and muscle tone (with the added benefit of not having to pay additional for a sauna).
 
jl123 said:
My post was largely in jest.
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Mine was almost totally in jest.

I sit at a desk all day and my personality is such that I need a few sessions per week of non-contemplative, balls-to-the-walls activity.

You are absolutely correct about Yoga. Several years ago I did it regularly and now, particularly in the cold months, I do the Sunday afternoon "stretch and relax to the music from my favorite Indian restaurant" yoga, followed by a long sauna (included in the price of membership). Stretching is probably the least appreciated exercise and it gets more important as we age. The teacher is a delightful 80+ year old former Vegas showgirl.

I like to tease about yoga with friends who do it regularly, because at my club there is very strict adherence to the rules, traditions, and fashions of Yoga. Those rules are enforced by the devotees who believe that the fate of the republic does depend on knowing the difference between an upward facing dog and a cobra. I'm sure they relax after a couple of Chai lattes.
 
madhttr said:
Not sure this is the appropriate forum, but got to brag somewhere: DD maxed the APFT this morning--on her birthday!
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Cool! Wish she could give some of her ambition to my offspring...
 
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