The Navy Physical Fitness Test

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MANDATES THAT EACH BRANCH OF THE ARMED FORCES DEVELOP AND USE ANNUAL PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTS TO ASSESS THE PHYSICAL READINESS OF THEIR SERVICE-MEMBERS. IN AN ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE TEST VALIDITY AND BETTER PREDICT BATTLEFIELD PERFORMANCE, MOST OF THE SERVICES HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN RECENT YEARS TO THEIR PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTS. HOWEVER, THE NAVY'S PHYSICAL READINESS TEST HAS REMAINED RELATIVELY UNCHANGED SINCE 1986. THIS ARTICLE INTRODUCES A REVISED PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST, THE NAVY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST, THAT OFFERS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED VALIDITY AND OPERATIONAL RELEVANCE.