Expert: Rod Powers - 5/11/2007

Question
Dear Mr. Rod Powers,

I have a few questions regarding the navy's policy and regulations on prt failures. First of all, I am an MA in the navy. I have only been in for almost 2 years. I have failed 2 prts and it doesn't look good for the next prt coming up. My first question is that i heard that according to Navy regs once you have one prt you are to be put on FEP in order to lose weight/ improve prt scores, is this true? my reasoning behind this question is that I am under a Marine command so there is very little support for the Navy side of things. However i have tried to plead with my chain of command and there has never really been anyone to stick their neck out there for me. There really isn't a FEp program because of the long hours and shortness of manpower for post. My second question is can they really give me the boot even though i never recieved help?

thank you so much for your time. And if you could, is there a way you could show me where to find me info on this subject? Once again thanks.

Answer
Zach,

I'm sorry, but it's not like this is anything new. In fact, this rule has probably been around since you've joined. In 2005, the Navy got very serious about physical fitness.

OPNAVINST 6110.1H, (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navyregs/p/opnav61101.htm),which was released in August 2005, requires administrative separation after three PRT failures. I don't see anything in the regulation which allows an exception if one feels they didn't get the support they think they're entitled to.

Now, NAVADMIN 120/06 (http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/B31A6BEA-225F-4FE3-8CD0-DA319C619827/0/NAV0...) includes two provisions for waivers. The first provision is for those who are making significant progress, and the second waiver provision is for those serving in ratings/positions that the Navy consider's critical (as I read the Message, this latter applies mostly to Nuclear fields).

In any event, the waiver request (in both cases) has to be submitted by the commanding officer, as I read it.

To answer your second question, as I read the information, yes, indeed they can give you the boot for not maintaining standards, even though you never received help.

I'm not trying to sound "mean" here, but just trying to explain the Navy's point of view: Did you "need help" to get your hair cut? Did you "need help" to maintain your uniforms in accordance with the regulations? No, as these are individual responsibilities. From the Navy's point of view, maintaining the required degree of fitness is also an individual responsibility, and you shouldn't need "help" to do so.