ROTC Physical Requirements

As of 2010, each branch of the military has a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) with specific standards for physical fitness. The standards for each branch differ slightly, but all reserve officers must be physically fit to participate in the program. Each soldier must complete a physical fitness test (PFT) with an acceptable score. The test consists of push-ups, sit-ups and timed mile runs. Passing standards are dependent on your gender and age. There are also standards for weight and body fat percentage in relation to your height.

  1. Army ROTC Standards

    • According to the Army PFT chart, the push-up test is a two-minute period where you perform as many push-ups as possible. For males ages 17 to 21, 35 push-ups is the minimum standard with 13 for females of the same age. The next test is a two-minute sit-up test. The minimum standard for both genders is 45 sit-ups. The last test is a timed two-mile run. Males ages 17 to 21 must complete the run in 16 minutes, 36 seconds. Females of the same age must complete the test in 19:42.

    Air Force ROTC Standards

    • The Air Force PFT is similar to the army but shorter. There is a one-minute push-up and sit-up test followed by a timed 1.5-mile run. Regardless of age, the minimum push-up standard is 33 for males and 18 for females. The minimum sit-up standard is 40 for males and 35 for females. The maximum allowable run time is 12:30 for males and 14:30 for females.

    Navy ROTC Standards

    • The Navy uses a physical readiness test (PRT) by averaging the three normal tests together. The PRT consists of the standard tests of two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups and timed 1.5-mile run. Each completed test receives points according to the Navy PRT chart. The ROTC program requires you to achieve a minimum score of 60 initially and maintain a score of 50 throughout your time in the program.