2/C struggling to pass the 1.5 mile PRT

T

takedown1978

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Mar 20, 2020
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My 2/C has struggled ro pass the running portion of the PRT for the last 3 years. His best time is barely passing at 10 min, 29 seconds. Last year he failed twice, only a few seconds short each time. His efforts to pass have been exemplary. He joined the remedial running group and runs with them 3-4 times a week, met with trainers, works out daily, and still struggles to pass. At the end of youngster year, he was scheduled to meet with the "board" for review. Without actually going in front of them, they reviewed his file. Because he's a good student and had great remarks from his XO's and CO's they decided on allowing him to continue his service. Fast forward to 2/C year, he passed the PRT in the fall and now once again failed the PRT this spring. He was 3 seconds short. We're afraid that this time he will have to face consequences. Our hearts are broken. We are hoping for the best, but preparing ourselves for the worst. In the event they let him go, is there a path to continue his education? He still wants to be an officer no matter what. We're really lost and confused on how this will end. He's already 22 years old and 4 years in (he went to NAPS). Are there any schools that will accept him and transfer credits? If he decides to go into ROTC, will he have to start from the beginning? Not really sure what to do at this point. Any advice or knowledge of this matter is greatly appreciated.
 
takedown1978 said:
My 2/C has struggled ro pass the running portion of the PRT for the last 3 years. His best time is barely passing at 10 min, 29 seconds. Last year he failed twice, only a few seconds short each time. His efforts to pass have been exemplary. He joined the remedial running group and runs with them 3-4 times a week, met with trainers, works out daily, and still struggles to pass. At the end of youngster year, he was scheduled to meet with the "board" for review. Without actually going in front of them, they reviewed his file. Because he's a good student and had great remarks from his XO's and CO's they decided on allowing him to continue his service. Fast forward to 2/C year, he passed the PRT in the fall and now once again failed the PRT this spring. He was 3 seconds short. We're afraid that this time he will have to face consequences. Our hearts are broken. We are hoping for the best, but preparing ourselves for the worst. In the event they let him go, is there a path to continue his education? He still wants to be an officer no matter what. We're really lost and confused on how this will end. He's already 22 years old and 4 years in (he went to NAPS). Are there any schools that will accept him and transfer credits? If he decides to go into ROTC, will he have to start from the beginning? Not really sure what to do at this point. Any advice or knowledge of this matter is greatly appreciated.
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I read your worry in your post. It’s probably fresh as the PRT just occurred.

Here my advice: don’t worry. He knows what he has to do. He knows where the support is. I have no clue what will become of this, but it sounds like he is a good student, seeking available options, which is the right thing to do, beyond physically training.

I think you are premature in looking for his options. Have faith he will get through this. BTW, he will also have the same requirements for PRT in ROTC (I believe, not positive). Should separation occur, it’ll be up to individual colleges as to what they accept. Some are probably better than others. But don’t go there, mentally, if/until it’s a reality. It’s not a quick process…so you (you son) is a ways off from this even being a reality.

Don’t worry. He will figure it out.
 
If all else fails he could probably go to OCS later on. But it’s not over yet. Here’s a couple more ideas:

There is a sports psychologist at the counseling center he might consider meeting with. The physical training is one piece but there’s a huge mental component to any physical test too, and for some people that’s what challenges them. Worth a try.

There’s also sports physiologists at the human performance lab who might be able to help—They usually work with the varsity sports teams but could also work with him and make an assessment, like if his VO2 max or body composition are holding him back.

This is a time to pursue all potential solutions. Don’t give up the ship!
 
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From what I see … your son’s 1.5 mile PRT results thus far are within a few seconds each time since remedial … which is a Good pattern (close to the Mean) … and he has only failed by a few seconds, again, each time he has taken the test …

If he had large outliers in any of his results, I think the board would be more concerned …

But since his results are Consistent and Close to the limit … I think the Board has decided that he is doing what he needs to do … and they want him to continue on this path

Be your son’s cheerleader, but let him handle this … he will be fine …
.
 
justdoit19 said:
I read your worry in your post. It’s probably fresh as the PRT just occurred.

Here my advice: don’t worry. He knows what he has to do. He knows where the support is. I have no clue what will become of this, but it sounds like he is a good student, seeking available options, which is the right thing to do, beyond physically training.

I think you are premature in looking for his options. Have faith he will get through this. BTW, he will also have the same requirements for PRT in ROTC (I believe, not positive). Should separation occur, it’ll be up to individual colleges as to what they accept. Some are probably better than others. But don’t go there, mentally, if/until it’s a reality. It’s not a quick process…so you (you son) is a ways off from this even being a reality.

Don’t worry. He will figure it out.
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This is good advice. NROTC requirements for PRT are Good-Low for your age group. Not sure what the academy’s are but my USNA alum friends down here always talk about how the academy’s PRTs are harder than NROTC ones…

I think the biggest hurdle would be getting NROTC to accept them as a midshipman in their program as they might ask about past history with Navy commissioning programs, and why one didn’t complete the one they were in originally.
 
If you were my best friend and called me/ said what you said in your original post, I would give it you straight, and offer the following:

Overall, there is some hope he isn't out yet but read the policy- it presents that this now having multiple failures and after his prior mulligan, he very well likely will face a board. reality: He may or may not get another chance to pass the PRT. In the meantime he should do everything he can to maximize the opportunity should he get one to retake the PRT (again). Balanced rest (to the extent possible in Bancroft), Nutrition, Stretching, remedial running club, Stan Smith's video's on how to improve your times, and IMO above all - unwaveringly consistent effort.

A friend of my DS in NROTC failed the PRT at least once a semester (most but not all failures in mock PRT events) but amazingly managed to squeak through and commission. A classic what do you call the person who graduates last from med school scenario (Doctor!) He finally after the 7th or so time got disgusted with himself, stopped the bouts of extreme or no exercise and terrible dieting) and now fitness is part of his daily life.
1. Whether or not your DS will have the option to continue to commission in another path, NROTC/ OCS etc. largely will depend on how he is coded out in his military discharge paperwork (DD214). He if that is necessary should discuss his desires.
2. He will have a transcript with each of his course completed from USNA. He should use the TCE transfer credit evaluation tool at each college he is interested in to get a very specific understanding of what will transfer there, and how those transfer credits will either satisfy specific or general education requirements toward a degree. It's free, just have to have a transcript and some course description documentation. That would help him know his options. He can also apply - many colleges still accept applications here in Feb and you can look up options, details. But I would direct energies to fixing the problem and staying for now, until he has more information.
3. See what veteran benefits he would be entitled to if separated. veteran benefits? Yes, he will get some - confirm which education benefits might be available (I have no idea).
4. Man in the mirror time - what is the malfunction and what can he do to fix it. He can't mentally muster a hustle to erase a 3 second deficit? Is he exercising consistently, overeating, is this a mental block? Does he want to commission and serve, still? is his heart in it, all-in? Or does he want out and this is his path. My DS would state those this close, it's perhaps a mental thing mixed with a lack of preparation/ consistency thing... or is it something else? find out, fix it. Your DS is training to be a leader and set an example - he needs to be above the minimum as an officer and these tests need to be a non-stress event. Why is he keeping himself near the lowest bar possible? Maybe an officer career isn't in the cards, or maybe like the example above he'll turn it around.
Recoupment: Find out if he will owe any moneys for the education received if he is separated, if he cannot make it to commission and serve. I have no data on this - go to the source.


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Good luck. As a fellow parent I have empathy for what your son and family are facing. If it would help you/ him to line up plans B, C, D and an improvement plan on the PRT readiness issue, I see no downside of doing so.
 
I agree it is a bit premature to start worrying about options after separation if it occurs. The above recommendations about continuing to work to stay at the USNA is the best move right now. He needs to determine what is causing him to not be above the standard and make a plan to fix this problem. It will come up at the board.
 
Kierkegaard said:
If all else fails he could probably go to OCS later on. But it’s not over yet. Here’s a couple more ideas:

There is a sports psychologist at the counseling center he might consider meeting with. The physical training is one piece but there’s a huge mental component to any physical test too, and for some people that’s what challenges them. Worth a try.

There’s also sports physiologists at the human performance lab who might be able to help—They usually work with the varsity sports teams but could also work with him and make an assessment, like if his VO2 max or body composition are holding him back.

This is a time to pursue all potential solutions. Don’t give up the ship!
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Thank you! I will let him know that!
 
Show up sign in and participate in all BTT. Keep everything else clean. No honor offenses! Get fitted for the the best shoes for his type. Charm City Shoes is a good place. Pay the money! 150 dollars for good shoes. Find a hypnotist.

These are all things that my mid did to pass the prt.

If seperated take the appeal process seriously. Find someone who has gone through it and won the appeal. Have a plan to pass it on paper and follow it. Perhaps pay an outside coach to get him over the hump.

These are all things that my mid has done in the past 12 months to stay at the school after a failed prt as a 2/C.
 
MrRev said:
Show up sign in and participate in all BTT. Keep everything else clean. No honor offenses! Get fitted for the the best shoes for his type. Charm City Shoes is a good place. Pay the money! 150 dollars for good shoes. Find a hypnotist.

These are all things that my mid did to pass the prt.

If seperated take the appeal process seriously. Find someone who has gone through it and won the appeal. Have a plan to pass it on paper and follow it. Perhaps pay an outside coach to get him over the hump.

These are all things that my mid has done in the past 12 months to stay at the school after a failed prt as a 2/C.
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Feel to to personally message me. If I can put your mid with mine. If they have not already gotten together.
 
There was another poster that posted their mid struggled, had a blood panel drawn and turns out they were anemic. Nit saying it’s a medical cause, but can he check it out from that angle? Idk. Nit sure his size/weight or if a body builder with muscle mass but changing up his physical body (in a healthy way…see a nutritionist) could also benefit him.

Good luck. Lots of ideas. Send him this thread link. We are routing for him!!
 
Herman_Snerd said:
If you were my best friend and called me/ said what you said in your original post, I would give it you straight, and offer the following:

Overall, there is some hope he isn't out yet but read the policy- it presents that this now having multiple failures and after his prior mulligan, he very well likely will face a board. reality: He may or may not get another chance to pass the PRT. In the meantime he should do everything he can to maximize the opportunity should he get one to retake the PRT (again). Balanced rest (to the extent possible in Bancroft), Nutrition, Stretching, remedial running club, Stan Smith's video's on how to improve your times, and IMO above all - unwaveringly consistent effort.

A friend of my DS in NROTC failed the PRT at least once a semester (most but not all failures in mock PRT events) but amazingly managed to squeak through and commission. A classic what do you call the person who graduates last from med school scenario (Doctor!) He finally after the 7th or so time got disgusted with himself, stopped the bouts of extreme or no exercise and terrible dieting) and now fitness is part of his daily life.
1. Whether or not your DS will have the option to continue to commission in another path, NROTC/ OCS etc. largely will depend on how he is coded out in his military discharge paperwork (DD214). He if that is necessary should discuss his desires.
2. He will have a transcript with each of his course completed from USNA. He should use the TCE transfer credit evaluation tool at each college he is interested in to get a very specific understanding of what will transfer there, and how those transfer credits will either satisfy specific or general education requirements toward a degree. It's free, just have to have a transcript and some course description documentation. That would help him know his options. He can also apply - many colleges still accept applications here in Feb and you can look up options, details. But I would direct energies to fixing the problem and staying for now, until he has more information.
3. See what veteran benefits he would be entitled to if separated. veteran benefits? Yes, he will get some - confirm which education benefits might be available (I have no idea).
4. Man in the mirror time - what is the malfunction and what can he do to fix it. He can't mentally muster a hustle to erase a 3 second deficit? Is he exercising consistently, overeating, is this a mental block? Does he want to commission and serve, still? is his heart in it, all-in? Or does he want out and this is his path. My DS would state those this close, it's perhaps a mental thing mixed with a lack of preparation/ consistency thing... or is it something else? find out, fix it. Your DS is training to be a leader and set an example - he needs to be above the minimum as an officer and these tests need to be a non-stress event. Why is he keeping himself near the lowest bar possible? Maybe an officer career isn't in the cards, or maybe like the example above he'll turn it around.
Recoupment: Find out if he will owe any moneys for the education received if he is separated, if he cannot make it to commission and serve. I have no data on this - go to the source.


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Good luck. As a fellow parent I have empathy for what your son and family are facing. If it would help you/ him to line up plans B, C, D and an improvement plan on the PRT readiness issue, I see no downside of doing so.
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Thank you for all the honesty. At this point in time he's done almost everything to help his time. He's seen coaches and psychologists,. He's in the best shape of his life. He is a smaller guy. 5'6 145 pounds. His body just can't run any faster. We dont know why. So now we wait and see what they say.
 
You have gotten a ton of great advice. Note that I am tot a doctor nor do I play one on TV.

DS took the PRT on Saturday and said while he passed and beat his personal expectations he actually felt like he could have done better on the run---that he still had gas left in tank. Part of it was how he approached the run and who he was pacing with at the time. Second, he attributed to OTC pain meds. DS does not take OTC pain killers (I can't even get to take vitamins or supplements on regular basis) ever, except on PRT day. He popped two ibuprofen before hand and he said he felt super human :rofl:.His words not mine.
 
takedown1978 said:
My 2/C has struggled ro pass the running portion of the PRT for the last 3 years. His best time is barely passing at 10 min, 29 seconds. Last year he failed twice, only a few seconds short each time. His efforts to pass have been exemplary. He joined the remedial running group and runs with them 3-4 times a week, met with trainers, works out daily, and still struggles to pass. At the end of youngster year, he was scheduled to meet with the "board" for review. Without actually going in front of them, they reviewed his file. Because he's a good student and had great remarks from his XO's and CO's they decided on allowing him to continue his service. Fast forward to 2/C year, he passed the PRT in the fall and now once again failed the PRT this spring. He was 3 seconds short. We're afraid that this time he will have to face consequences. Our hearts are broken. We are hoping for the best, but preparing ourselves for the worst. In the event they let him go, is there a path to continue his education? He still wants to be an officer no matter what. We're really lost and confused on how this will end. He's already 22 years old and 4 years in (he went to NAPS). Are there any schools that will accept him and transfer credits? If he decides to go into ROTC, will he have to start from the beginning? Not really sure what to do at this point. Any advice or knowledge of this matter is greatly appreciated.
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takedown1978 said:
Thank you I appreciate it!
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revwrf@yahoo.com
 
I am sure your DS has already considered this, but my DD also struggles with the run, and one of her classmates paced her during the PRT and brought her in with 20sec to spare Saturday. The classmate had already taken the PRT so did not harm her score at all. Having a pace person made all the difference to DD.
 
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