Cadet Challenge
It’s time for the challenge! Cadet Challenge consists of five exercises taken from the Presidential Physical Fitness Award program. The Cadet Challenge is the JROTC Physical Fitness Test. Each cadet is required to participate in the physical fitness test conducted twice each semester. Cadets who score at the 85th percentile or better on each event on the test may receive the Physical Fitness Ribbon.
The Presidential Physical Fitness Test is part of the President’s Challenge program that encourages all Americans to make being active part of their everyday lives. To qualify for the PPFA, you must achieve a standard of 85th percentile or higher on all five events of the test. In each box showing standards, the 85th percentile standards are listed in the two columns under the heading “PPFA (85%).” If you achieve a score in the 84th percentile or below, but in the 50th percentile, you qualify for the National Physical Fitness Award (NPFA). Fiftieth percentile standards are listed in each box in the two columns under the heading "NPFA (50%)."
Cadets who score in the 85th percentile or above on Cadet Challenge are eligible to receive the PPFA, which consists of a round blue emblem embroidered with an eagle. Cadets who score in the 50th to 84th percentile are eligible to receive the NPFA, which consists of a round red emblem embroidered with an eagle. Those cadets who achieve Cadet Command’s standards in Cadet Challenge are eligible to receive the JROTC Athletic Ribbon.
50th Percentile Award
85th Percentile Award
THE EVENTS
One-Mile Run: Conduct this event on a flat area that has a known measured distance of one mile with a designated start and finish line. Give cadets a lightweight numbered device to carry or wear in any manner that will not slow them down while running. (Note: Use of the numbered device makes it possible to have many cadets run at one time by having them pair off before the start of the event, then having one cadet from each pair run while the other cadets keep track of the number of laps their partners complete as well as listening for their times as they cross the finish line.) Start cadets at the standing position. At the command "ready, go," start the cadets running the one-mile distance. Although walking is permitted, encourage cadets to cover the distance in the shortest time possible. Scoring should be to the nearest second.
Curl-ups: Conduct this event on a flat, clean surface, preferably with a mat. Start cadets in a lying position on their backs with their knees up so their feet are flat on the floor and about 12 inches from their buttocks. Cadets should have their arms crossed with their hands placed on opposite shoulders and their elbows held close to the chest throughout the exercise. The feet are to be held by a partner at the instep. At the command "ready, go," cadets raise the trunks of their bodies, curling up to touch the elbows to the thighs. They must then lower their backs so that their shoulder blades touch the floor/mat. This constitutes one repetition of a curl-up. During each repetition, bouncing off the floor/mat is not allowed and the fingers must touch the shoulders at all times. Cadets must try to complete as many curl-ups as possible in 60 seconds.
Right Angle Push-ups: The cadet lies face down on the mat in push-up position with hands under shoulders, fingers straight, and legs straight, parallel, and slightly apart, with the toes supporting the feet. The cadet straightens the arms, keeping the back and knees straight, then lowers the body until there is a 90-degree angle at the elbows, with the upper arms parallel to the floor. A partner holds her / his hand at the point of the 90-degree angle so that the cadet being tested goes down only until her / his shoulder touches the partner's hand, then back up. The push-ups are done to a metronome (or audio tape, clapping, drums) with one complete push-up every three seconds, and are continued until the cadet can do no more in rhythm (has not done the last three in rhythm) or has reached the target number for the PPFA.
Shuttle Run: Conduct this event on an area that has two parallel lines 30 feet apart. The width of a regulation volleyball court can serve as a suitable area. Start cadets at the standing position. At the command "ready, go," have the cadets run to the opposite line, pick up one block, run back to the starting line, and place the block behind the line. Cadets then run back and pick up the second block, which they carry across the line. Two runs are allowed for this event with the better of the runs recorded. Scoring should be to the nearest tenth of a second.
Sit and Reach: A specially constructed box with a measuring scale marked in centimeters, with 23 centimeters at the level of the feet. Cadet removes shoes and sits on floor with knees fully extended, feet shoulder-width apart and soles of the feet held flat against the end of the box. With hands on top of each other, palms down, and legs held flat, cadet reaches along the measuring line as far as possible. After three practice reaches, the fourth reach is held while the distance is recorded. Participants are most flexible after a warm-up run. Best results may occur immediately after performing the endurance run. Legs must remain straight, soles of feet against box and fingertips of both hands should reach evenly along measuring line. Scores are recorded to the nearest centimeter.