Physical Training

INTRODUCTION AND GOALS
(a) The Physical Readiness Test (PRT) Administration policy outlines how, when, and why USNSCC units should conduct the required USNSCC Physical Readiness Test (PRT).
(b) The USNSCC requires regular completion of the PRT because it:
(1) Encourages a culture of physical fitness;
(2) Simulates an important aspect of military life, which is important considering the fundamental military nature of USNSCC training; and
(3) Ensures every cadet is physically able to safely participate in most USNSCC drills and NHQ-approved trainings. The vast majority of USNSCC activities require some degree of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength and endurance.
(i) Cardio-respiratory fitness. The ability of the heart and lungs to deliver oxygen to working muscles. It is associated with the ability to carry out strenuous work for long durations without undue fatigue. The 1.0 mile run/walk components of the PRT are indicators of cardio-respiratory endurance.
(ii) Muscular strength and endurance. The ability to sustain muscle contractions over a period of time without undue fatigue. The plank and push-up events indicators of muscular endurance. Although there is no single endurance test that measures the endurance of all muscles, the plank serves as a measure of abdominal muscle endurance while the push-up measures upper body muscular

PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENT
(a) Every Sea Cadet and League Cadet must take and pass the PRT during each Spring and Fall cycle in order to satisfy the USNSCC’s physical fitness requirement of membership. See USNSCC Regulations, Section 5.01(d).
(b) No cadet will be eligible to participate in NLCC Orientation, NSCC Recruit Training, or NLCC/NSCC Advanced Training, unless he/she has taken and passed the PRT within the preceding six (6) months.
(c) Except as provided for certain injury/illness cases, see Section 1.07, no cadet will be eligible to advance to the next rate, unless he/she has taken and passed the PRT within the preceding six (6) months.
(d) A cadet who does not pass at least one PRT during his/her yearly enrollment (and who, therefore, is ineligible for advancement, or participation at training) may be reenrolled for one additional enrollment period only if the cadet has made substantial progress towards meeting the physical fitness requirement. If the cadet has not made substantial progress, the unit Commanding Officer may separate, or, if eligible, honorably discharge the cadet from the USNSCC.

MANDATORY PARTICIPATION
(a) The unit CO must ensure as close to 100% cadet participation as possible on the
date the PRT is scheduled. Re-take days should be kept to the minimum necessary to
obtain 100% participation for the cycle.
(1) The unit CO may excuse a cadet from drill on the designated PRT day for good
reason (e.g., illness, injury, important family commitment, etc.). However, the cadet must still complete the PRT requirement for that cycle.
(2) Any cadet who is either absent on the scheduled PRT date, or who is present
but unable to take the test, must take the test at the next drill at which he/she is present
and able to do so.
(b) Volunteers who wish to lead by example in the important area of physical fitness
may take the PRT along with, and under the same rules, as cadets. No volunteer shall be required to take the PRT.