Army Push Up Requirements For Each Age Group

The push-up is a fundamental exercise in military fitness testing, particularly in the United States Army. It's a crucial component of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which is used to assess a soldier's overall physical fitness and readiness for duty. The APFT consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. In this article, we'll delve into the Army push-up requirements for each age group, providing valuable insights for aspiring soldiers and current military personnel.

Understanding the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)

The APFT is a standardized test that evaluates a soldier's physical fitness and ability to perform duties related to their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The test is administered twice a year, and soldiers are expected to meet the minimum requirements for their age group and gender.

Army Push-up Requirements for Each Age Group

The Army push-up requirements vary depending on the soldier's age group and gender. The following tables outline the minimum and maximum push-up requirements for each age group:

Male Soldiers:

Age Group	Minimum Push-ups	Maximum Push-ups
17-21	30	71
22-26	29	69
27-31	28	67
32-36	27	65
37-41	26	63
42-46	25	61
47-51	24	59
52-56	23	57
57 and above	22	55

Female Soldiers:

Age Group	Minimum Push-ups	Maximum Push-ups
17-21	19	53
22-26	18	51
27-31	17	49
32-36	16	47
37-41	15	45
42-46	14	43
47-51	13	41
52-56	12	39
57 and above	11	37

What Happens if You Don't Meet the Push-up Requirements?

If a soldier fails to meet the minimum push-up requirements for their age group and gender, they may be subject to additional physical training and re-testing. Repeated failure to meet the minimum requirements can result in negative performance evaluations, limited career opportunities, and even separation from the Army.

How to Improve Your Push-up Performance

Improving your push-up performance requires a combination of proper technique, consistent training, and overall physical fitness. Here are some tips to help you improve your push-up performance:

Focus on proper technique: Ensure that your hands are shoulder-width apart, your feet are hip-width apart, and your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
Incorporate push-up variations: Try different types of push-ups, such as diamond push-ups, decline push-ups, or push-up rotations, to target different muscle groups.
Increase your overall strength and endurance: Engage in regular exercise, including cardio and strength training, to improve your overall physical fitness.
Practice regularly: Aim to practice push-ups at least 2-3 times a week, with a minimum of 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions.

Conclusion

The Army push-up requirements are a critical component of the APFT, and meeting these requirements is essential for a soldier's overall fitness and career advancement. By understanding the push-up requirements for each age group and incorporating proper technique, consistent training, and overall physical fitness into your routine, you can improve your push-up performance and achieve your military fitness goals.