CFA Info

Mindy G

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My son is redoing his CFA next week, scores the first time were only OK. Does anyone know what good benchmarks are? Is the scoring an aggregate of all events or is there a minimum for each. I have heard both as ways of evaluating. Any advice would be appreciated. He already has an LOA and nomination. I would hate to have this stand in the way. He is a runner and black belt, I think the pull-ups and BB throw are hurting him.

Thank you
Momm of 2013 hopeful
 
My son is redoing his CFA next week, scores the first time were only OK. Does anyone know what good benchmarks are? Is the scoring an aggregate of all events or is there a minimum for each. I have heard both as ways of evaluating. Any advice would be appreciated. He already has an LOA and nomination. I would hate to have this stand in the way. He is a runner and black belt, I think the pull-ups and BB throw are hurting him.

Thank you
Momm of 2013 hopeful

Was his LOA contingent on passing the CFA?

If not, why worry about it, as LOA + nom = appointment.
 
http://www.usmma.edu/admissions/facts/CFA.htm

Midshipmen take the Physical Readiness twice a year. This test consists of a 1.5 mile run, push-ups in two minutes, and sit-ups in two minutes. The following minimums may be used as a guide for prospective candidates.

1.5 mile run (max) 11:00
Push-ups (min in 2 mins) 51
Sit-ups (min in 2 mins) 62

Keep in mind that these are the bare minimums that he'll have to do twice a year in order not to get placed on a restriction. There isn't anything printed on the academy web site about the basket ball throw or pull ups that I've ever found. Perhaps have him seek some help on the strength training. Sometimes runners have a weakness in the upper body department. He'll need to work hard, let me repeat, hard on it if he is to be fully prepared for the struggles of INDOC. Good luck to him!
 
There is a minimum score required for each event. I know because they told my daughter which one she had failed so she could work on it. In the end, it was a measuring mistake from the coach administering the test - she ran a double length shuttle run, no wonder she was slow.

The basketball throw is a technique event and I'm sure there is good advice posted somewhere on how to practice for that. I've also seen folks recommend a pyramid approach to the pullups. And what jamzmom said about the need for upper body strength for indoc (and beyond) is on the money.

Whenever we had questions or problems, an email to D's admissions counsellor or the office provided quick answers. They were extremely supportive and helpful. I can't say enough about how wonderful everyone in admissions was as we struggled through the process last year.

Congrats on the LOA and the nomination! I'd be surprised if they didn't work with you under those circumstances to help him pass the CFA. And in our experience, they take scanned documents via email for an even faster response.
 
Yes the LOA is dependent on the CFA, they told him that the Basketball toss was where he failed, I thought all the scores were low. He takes it again on Thursday so hopfully he will really push himself.
Thank you for the reply. Have a great holiday.
 
I got this from Admissions in 2006

pullups
men.......min 5
women...min 20 sec flex arm hang

pushups
men.......min 25
women...min 10

BB throw
men.......min 50ft
women...min 30ft

300 yd shuttle run
men.......max 65 sec.
women...max 75 sec.

Standing long jump

men.......min 6ft 5in
women...min 5 ft 5in

The basketball throw is indeed mostly technique
remember, it is not a "shot put" kind of throw. You can use
both hands to bring it back and stabilize it. Try to engage your whole torso.
Also, try practicing with a 5 lb "medicine" ball. It is almost the exact same size but, heavier.
 
Thanks for taking the time to post that great information KPMarineopsdad. I (& others) had searched & searched for it with no success. We are making you "Honorable Member of the Week". Sorry no parking spot... Maybe a cookie though.... :thumb:
 
hey I had the same problem my pull ups where terrible originally I only got four. So I put up a pull up bar at my door and you find yourself doing them all day because you can't ignore it or forget it.
 
Thank you everyone for your support and advice. I guess everyone has their challenge. My son is now working very hard on this. I know he does not want a BB throw to keep him out. So close, but not there yet, it is a parental finger biter.
 
I got this from Admissions in 2006

pullups
men.......min 5
women...min 20 sec flex arm hang

pushups
men.......min 25
women...min 10

BB throw
men.......min 50ft
women...min 30ft

300 yd shuttle run
men.......max 65 sec.
women...max 75 sec.

Standing long jump

men.......min 6ft 5in
women...min 5 ft 5in

The basketball throw is indeed mostly technique
remember, it is not a "shot put" kind of throw. You can use
both hands to bring it back and stabilize it. Try to engage your whole torso.
Also, try practicing with a 5 lb "medicine" ball. It is almost the exact same size but, heavier.

The Current USMMA CFA is a bit different.

There is no longer a 300 yard shuttle run and no longer a standing long jump either.

The test my daughter is going to do is this:

Basketball Throw (3 scores)
Pull-ups (or Flexed Arm Hang for Women Only)
40 Yard (120ft) agility run (2 scores)
crunches (modified sit-ups)
push ups
1 mile run
 
I just checked the USMMA site for an UPDATE...

and it says

CFA PASS !!!!!!!!

WOO HOOO

maybe not the mail I am waiting for, but that is one less Hurdle!!!

:thumb::thumb:

NOW we just need that DODMERB waiver
 
some advice for the throw is to become flexible in your back. I would do hip rotations and backbends. The further you can bend backwards, the larger distance the ball moves and the more the ball can accelerate. I went from 65feet to 75 feet just by getting more movement and coordination. (was doing it for the AFA, but it is the same concept)

good luck
 
I just checked the USMMA site for an UPDATE...

and it says

CFA PASS !!!!!!!!

WOO HOOO

maybe not the mail I am waiting for, but that is one less Hurdle!!!

:thumb::thumb:

NOW we just need that DODMERB waiver
JCollins! Wahoo! That is great on the CFA, congratulations! DS status had changed to conditional with a pass on CFA and a pending medical waiver...found out a couple of days ago that waiver has been granted...now he waits on a nomination :) He is scheduled to visit KP on Jan 26 (we hope weather cooperates) he is very excited to find out as much as he can about the career opportunities for graduates. Have a Happy New Year!
 
I just checked the USMMA site for an UPDATE...

and it says

CFA PASS !!!!!!!!

WOO HOOO

maybe not the mail I am waiting for, but that is one less Hurdle!!!

:thumb::thumb:

NOW we just need that DODMERB waiver
BTW I was reading about the USMMA medical waiver process, their waiver authority is in Washington DC. DS request for waiver went automatically from USMMA admissions to DC. I am sure the waiver authority used the info. available at DODMerb because both the admissions officer and Mr. Mullen gave DS the good news at almost the same time. It was a very happy day for the boy.
 
YES what a great way to start the New Year. I am sure the visit to KP will be great. Aaron felt very comfortable there. Keep us posted
 
JCollins! Wahoo! That is great on the CFA, congratulations! DS status had changed to conditional with a pass on CFA and a pending medical waiver...found out a couple of days ago that waiver has been granted...now he waits on a nomination :) He is scheduled to visit KP on Jan 26 (we hope weather cooperates) he is very excited to find out as much as he can about the career opportunities for graduates. Have a Happy New Year!

That's AWESOME!!!!!! a BIG WOOO HOOOOO :)
 
CFA

I don't know what is a pass/not pass, but my son received a 'pass' for the CFA for USMMA with the following:

Basketball throw - 55ft
Pull ups - 9
40 yard agility run - 7 seconds
Crunches - 105
Push ups - 75
1 mile run - 6 minutes, 41 seconds

Good luck.
 
CFA

bb throw is PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE...a Black Belt shouldn't have too much of a problem...have him use "ki" its all about technique and upper body strength...what kind of a black belt can't do a decent basketball throw? knuckle push ups....all the "physical" stuffs that "black belts do" should keep him in decent shape ...how was his pull ups????
 
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