hopkins2010
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2010
- Messages
- 15
Hey, I'm a member of the class of 2014 at USMA. I just wanted to share some info regarding physical preparation for the challenges of not just CBT but Plebe Year.
Probably the biggest piece of advice I'd like to give is to definitely keep up work on pullups past the CFA. Although pullups are not tested as part of the APFT, you will definitely see them again, especially in Plebe Gymnastics/Military Movement. You can survive without being good at them, but that upper body strength comes in handy with not only the actual pullup test in the class, but the numerous rope climbs. For those who struggle with some of the more gymnastic type events in the class (to include myself), good performance on this can mean the difference between passing and failing.
You don't need to go crazy with your physical prep, but anything that you can do helps. Try to make sure your 2 mile is below 15 minutes, and be prepared to run at least 3 miles. I don't recall actually running more than a 5k worth of distance in Beast, but then again, it differs based upon your run group. Also, make sure you can pass the West Point standards for the APFT, which is something like 59 pushups and 61 some situps, not just the minimum.
For those candidates who have been admitted, congratulations, and try to enjoy the next 6 months. If anybody has any questions about life at the academy, feel free to PM me or reply.
Probably the biggest piece of advice I'd like to give is to definitely keep up work on pullups past the CFA. Although pullups are not tested as part of the APFT, you will definitely see them again, especially in Plebe Gymnastics/Military Movement. You can survive without being good at them, but that upper body strength comes in handy with not only the actual pullup test in the class, but the numerous rope climbs. For those who struggle with some of the more gymnastic type events in the class (to include myself), good performance on this can mean the difference between passing and failing.
You don't need to go crazy with your physical prep, but anything that you can do helps. Try to make sure your 2 mile is below 15 minutes, and be prepared to run at least 3 miles. I don't recall actually running more than a 5k worth of distance in Beast, but then again, it differs based upon your run group. Also, make sure you can pass the West Point standards for the APFT, which is something like 59 pushups and 61 some situps, not just the minimum.
For those candidates who have been admitted, congratulations, and try to enjoy the next 6 months. If anybody has any questions about life at the academy, feel free to PM me or reply.