Nothing at NASS is required. One can choose to opt out of any activity they choose. (That said, swimming will be required should you receive an appointment,)
While this technically may be true (I have no idea), I would imagine “off the record” it would be required to at least try every element of NASS in order to score well and obtain a good right up from your detailer. Doing you best. Trying your hardest.
From DS and others on the forums, you aren’t expected to be the best one at everything. Rather a good performer who has the right attitude. And if you are exceptional, helping out a homie who is struggling shows you are a team player.
Challenge yourself. You can do more than you think.
This discussion has been very helpful to DS, who is in Session 2. Right now (even with a month of intense training coming off of a winter of wrestling) he can only do the CFA averages (as published by USMA) - but a faster mile and has been worried that he will embarrass himself (actually, his expression involved soiling his bedding). Thanks for the thread.
I’m a little stressed about NASS to say the least. I know it doesn’t impact the admissions process whatsoever so that doesn’t matter to me. What I’m worried about the most is that I’ll get there and not fit in. That I won’t be athletic enough, that I can’t do enough pull-ups, or worse that I don’t have the mental strength to be there. I don’t know maybe that’s even better that I’m doing NASS so I can see if this is truly something I want to pursue. I guess I’m just overthinking everything. Can anybody who attend NASS give me a little advice or encouragement? I’m looking forward to it a lot, but as I’ve been getting in these last few workouts and plateauing at only 10 pull-ups for two weeks it’s really messing with my head and confidence. I’m especially worried about the CFA. Thank you all!
Best advice is to just go and do your best, involve yourself in everything, drink in the experience, have FUN, and try not get yelled at too much ;-)
Okay. So DS just got home from NASS and he noted that they are very lenient on what is an acceptable push-up and pull up (he was slightly indignant about it since he’s been focusing on form). For example, several CFA takers were not lowering to a straight arm position on each pull up. DS said if he had known that he could have done 6 more. Wondering if this is why WP requires video. Same with pushups- they let a lot of less-than-good pushups count.
Also, because you are running the mile in a group, count on losing 10 seconds trying to get some clear room to get your stride.