My friend has been in for 8 years and just resigned. he is the one that told me the requirements. if you dont do it you can still pass,....but you will not advance in rank as fast. I also have an older cousin that is a lifer and been in for 19 years. I just want to be the best i can be and more. like i said i am 31 and dont care to have an 18yr old Squad Leader. if it works that way so be it, but i want the position, so i need to prepare for and earn it!! i am doing 2 miles in 17:30 now so I guess I have some work to do. need 50 push-ups and sit-ups minimum in 2 minute drills as well. this should be easily attainable as i am at 47/45. but the best score possible is 77/83 in 2 minutes. that is my ideal, long term target goal. i have 70-90 days....on the delayed entry. I appreciate the fast responses and all the help. I would like to know more about PH and a good COMPLETE and HEALTHY program to follow. I run everyday(usually take sundays off, but not always) pushing 100x10 then x8 then 110x5 after perfect push-up routine of 20-12-8reps in regular-wide-close position. i do sit ups in the same reps and push to get it done in 2 mins but still slacking.
thanks again,
J Headley
Are you sure all the people you are talking about are Army and not another branch like Navy, Airforce, or Marines? The Army encompasses the Army, Army Reserves, and National Guard. The National Guard answers to the state in which it's located, but ultimately, all three are under the general command of the Department of The Army. They are governed by the exact same rules (with additional ones for National Guard because they answer to the State as well). All three have the exact same rank sytem, exact same training, exact same structure at all unit levels, have exact same specialties, and have the exact same ways and standards of testing people on all things, including physical fitness. The standard test for the army is two minutes of pushups, 2 minutes of sit-ups, and a 2 mile run. No other form of testing physical fitness is authorized. This is simply a test to enter and stay in the Army and what you need in each category differs by how old you are. For ex... I'm 21, I need 54 sit-ups, 48 push-ups, and run 2 miles in less than 15:45. What does change is requirements for different jobs or specialties you want. For example, I'm a medic, I'm required to maintain a current EMT license. Another is when you go to Ranger school you have to complete a 35 Mile ruck march in a given time.
As far as Rank goes, if you enlist you will surely be outranked by many, many people younger than you. Age has nothing to do with rank. With good performance you can achieve rank faster, but the physical test is only part of it, in fact it is generally an accepted standard that to move up in rank quickly you must get a nearly or perfect score. There are an enormous number of factors that come into play when they consider you for promotion including Rifle Qualification score, time in combat zone, length of time at current position, qualifications that set you apart from others such as Army leadership programs, and many others. You can accelerate your promotions only to a given point. For example the lowest four enlisted ranks are E1-E4 (E4 is higher). when being considered for promotion from E3 to E4 you need at least 6 months in as an E3 and have at least 2 years spent in the Army total. So no matter how amazing of a soldier you are, you won't get promoted faster than this. With certainty I can say that you will spend at least 2-3 years in before you are considered for a team leader position. In reality, it will be longer, most reserve/guard units don't promote as fast.