Army Push Up Requirements

The Army push-up requirements are a crucial aspect of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which is used to assess the physical fitness and readiness of soldiers. The test consists of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. The push-up event is designed to evaluate the soldier's upper body strength and endurance. To pass the APFT, soldiers must meet the minimum score requirements for each event, which vary based on age and gender.
The Army push-up requirements are as follows: for male soldiers, the minimum score is 30 push-ups in one minute for ages 17-20, 29 push-ups for ages 21-25, 28 push-ups for ages 26-30, 27 push-ups for ages 31-35, 26 push-ups for ages 36-40, 25 push-ups for ages 41-45, 24 push-ups for ages 46-50, and 23 push-ups for ages 51 and above. For female soldiers, the minimum score is 10 push-ups in one minute for ages 17-20, 11 push-ups for ages 21-25, 12 push-ups for ages 26-30, 13 push-ups for ages 31-35, 14 push-ups for ages 36-40, 15 push-ups for ages 41-45, 16 push-ups for ages 46-50, and 17 push-ups for ages 51 and above.
Key Points
- The Army push-up requirements are part of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which also includes sit-ups and a 2-mile run.
- The minimum score requirements for push-ups vary based on age and gender.
- Male soldiers must perform at least 30 push-ups in one minute to meet the minimum score requirement for ages 17-20.
- Female soldiers must perform at least 10 push-ups in one minute to meet the minimum score requirement for ages 17-20.
- The APFT is used to assess the physical fitness and readiness of soldiers.
Understanding the Army Push-Up Requirements

The Army push-up requirements are designed to evaluate the soldier’s upper body strength and endurance. The test is administered by a qualified instructor who ensures that the soldier performs the push-ups correctly. The push-up event is timed, and the soldier must complete as many push-ups as possible within the one-minute time frame.
To perform a push-up, the soldier must start in a plank position with their hands shoulder-width apart and their feet hip-width apart. The soldier must then lower their body until their chest almost touches the ground, and then push back up to the starting position. The push-up must be performed in a slow and controlled manner, with the soldier's body in a straight line from head to heels.
Scoring the Army Push-Up Requirements
The Army push-up requirements are scored based on the number of push-ups performed within the one-minute time frame. The score is then compared to the minimum score requirements for the soldier’s age and gender. If the soldier meets or exceeds the minimum score requirement, they are considered to have passed the push-up event.
The scoring system for the Army push-up requirements is as follows:
Age Group | Male Minimum Score | Female Minimum Score |
---|---|---|
17-20 | 30 | 10 |
21-25 | 29 | 11 |
26-30 | 28 | 12 |
31-35 | 27 | 13 |
36-40 | 26 | 14 |
41-45 | 25 | 15 |
46-50 | 24 | 16 |
51 and above | 23 | 17 |

Preparing for the Army Push-Up Requirements

To prepare for the Army push-up requirements, soldiers should incorporate push-ups into their workout routine. This can include performing push-ups during physical training, as well as incorporating other exercises that target the upper body, such as bench press and dumbbell rows. Soldiers should also focus on building their overall upper body strength and endurance, which can be achieved through a combination of weightlifting and cardio exercises.
In addition to incorporating push-ups into their workout routine, soldiers should also focus on proper form and technique. This includes starting in a plank position with hands shoulder-width apart and feet hip-width apart, lowering the body until the chest almost touches the ground, and pushing back up to the starting position. Soldiers should also avoid letting their hips sag or their back arch, as this can put unnecessary strain on the lower back and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise.
Tips for Improving Push-Up Performance
There are several tips that soldiers can follow to improve their push-up performance. These include:
- Incorporating push-ups into their workout routine on a regular basis
- Focusing on proper form and technique
- Building overall upper body strength and endurance through a combination of weightlifting and cardio exercises
- Practicing different types of push-ups, such as diamond push-ups and decline push-ups, to target different muscle groups
- Incorporating other exercises that target the upper body, such as bench press and dumbbell rows
What is the minimum score requirement for male soldiers in the 17-20 age group?
+The minimum score requirement for male soldiers in the 17-20 age group is 30 push-ups in one minute.
How can soldiers prepare for the Army push-up requirements?
+Soldiers can prepare for the Army push-up requirements by incorporating push-ups into their workout routine, focusing on proper form and technique, and building overall upper body strength and endurance through a combination of weightlifting and cardio exercises.
What is the importance of proper form and technique in push-ups?
+Proper form and technique are essential in push-ups to ensure that the exercise is performed effectively and safely. This includes starting in a plank position with hands shoulder-width apart and feet hip-width apart, lowering the body until the chest almost touches the ground, and pushing back up to the starting position.
In conclusion, the Army push-up requirements are a crucial aspect of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which is used to assess the physical fitness and readiness of soldiers. To pass the APFT, soldiers must meet the minimum score requirements for each event, which vary based on age and gender. By incorporating push-ups into their workout routine, focusing on proper form and technique, and building overall upper body strength and endurance, soldiers can prepare for the Army push-up requirements and improve their overall physical fitness and readiness.