Were military physical fitness activities and physical ability tests challenging?

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on March 30, 2025, 09:56:57 PMWere military physical fitness activities and physical ability tests challenging?

@ChrissyRyan
Dear Chrissy:
Yes indeed, very challenging... especially raw recruits in boot camp were definitely
challenged to push beyond themselves, not just physically, but also mentally.

If a soldier successfully made it through boot camp they were then a better man or woman
and could then be a successful contributing member of their team.

You will find it difficult to find a "post boot camp soldier" that complains about the
fitness training that has made them a better person and a better soldier.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
              USAF Veteran   

So true.

By pushing your limits physically, you learn what you are truly capable of. That trains you to not give up when faced with a very tough situation. You learned to rely on your training and the expertise of your leaders.

I absolutely hated the old 5 event PT test with the Inverted Crawl and the Horizontal Bars - otherwise known as the Perverted Crawl and The Horizontal Hand Destroyer. That test was just weird and hard for me. I did really enjoy morning formation runs. With a strong cadence caller it felt like we could run forever.

At 17, the physically challenges were daunting but not overwhelming. At 17, the emotional and social challenges were so overwhelming I used one of the few recourses available: Chaplain's Mast. My DI was not happy and the CO offered to transfer me into the Navy where I could train as a corpsman (Marine Corps version of a medic). One of my greatest regrets is not accepting their offer but it would have required extending my enlistment. I adapted. Near the end of boot camp, my favorite (if there is such a thing) drill instructor said he was not only amazed I didn't washout, but that I had somehow managed to become a 'darn tight turd.' High praise indeed.