What is the effectiveness of the US Army's APFT as compared to other military branches and other military standards? The APFT is the only standard the Army has for basic physical fitness, compared to the other military services, the Army APFT is standardized for all Combat Arms and Combat Support Units; however, US Army Special Programs such as Green Beret, Rangers, and Airborne hold combat readiness and physical fitness at a higher standard. In comparison to the other services the same holds true for all special programs. If physical fitness is an important tool for combat readiness and combat support, why are there multiple standards for physical fitness under the Department of Defense and within the United States Army? In this assignment we will provide history, personnel standards, event effectiveness, and compare all five service physical fitness standards and special program standards; you can be the judge as you interpret this paper.

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