Quote:
Originally Posted by John_Chrichton
I don't think being in a support MOS is an excuse for lessening the standard, especially in the current conflict, where there is no defined front line.
and. . .
I hardly think a 12 mile ruck march and a 4 mile run are "gut checks" compared to what you're describing. Regardless of MOS, are we not Soldiers first? We are and that is why we should be held to the same, tough, basic standard.
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If I may, you are incorrect here IMHO. I spent many a year feeling this way as a young ROTC cadet and hard-charging LT. But you know what, no, we aren't all the
same Soldier first. No organization, whether Fortune 500 company, janitorial service, or the US Army will ever be able to staff itself with people who will be the ideal candidate willing and able to meet the highest standards of the organization. This is how some people get ahead and some people do not. It's how folks like you strive for SF tabs, and others are fine chilling in the 1st Cav or 3ID for 20 years.
There are plenty of "good" men and women out there that are willing to serve our country and wear the uniform if given the chance. They may like the chance to serve, or the pay, the travel, or job training they can get on Uncle Sam's dime. Good on them. Many of them will never see a 12 mile ruck in 3 hours or a 5 mile run in 40:00. Being willing to do their less glamorous, less demanding job frees up men like you (and I, if I may be so bold) to serve in the positions that do require us to meet the "tough standard." This is why the Army says anything from, what like a 180? (not sure because--probably like yourself--I have never considered the bare minimum I would need to pass) up to a 300 is all GTG for an APFT. That is your "same, tough, basic standard." Instead of saying we ought to all meet the Infantry standard, maybe look at the Infantry standard as really being more like extra credit. They could just do it like places like Ranger School...you do your 54 pushups and get up. If there were to be a change in how the standard is handled that's what it would be. My S1 guys need to be able to do 54 pushups as a basic standard. They don't need to do 75 just because some Infantry or other HSLD unit says that's their standard.
Same thing with this "new" APFT.
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