What is PRT at the Naval Academy?

I've heard about PRT in the context of the Naval Academy. Can someone explain what it involves and how often it's conducted? Do all midshipmen have to participate, and is it challenging?

PRT, short for Physical Readiness Test, is a fitness assessment that all midshipman at the Naval Academy are required to participate in. The PRT is held twice a year, every fall and spring semester.

The test itself consists of three primary components: a maximum push-up test, a maximum sit-up test, and a timed 1.5-mile run. The aim is to test your upper body strength, core strength and cardiovascular fitness respectively.

In the push-up and sit-up tests, midshipmen have 2 minutes to complete as many repetitions as possible. The 1.5-mile run is simply timed to completion. All three components are scored individually and then aggregated for a total score. This total score is then categorized as either outstanding, excellent, good, satisfactory or failure.

Performance on the PRT plays a role in a midshipman's overall military performance grade, so it's taken very seriously. Passing the PRT is required for graduation and commissioning.

As for the level of challenge, that's subjective and can differ from person to person. However, keep in mind that the Naval Academy is an institution that focuses heavily on physical fitness. Midshipmen participate in regular physical training as part of their curriculum. So, while the PRT may be challenging, the regular training should prepare midshipmen to meet the requirements. It's also worth noting that the standards for the PRT change based on age and gender. This is to ensure that the test is fair and achievable for all midshipmen.