A Critical Review of the Baseline Soldier Physical Readiness Requirements Study

TL;DR

This paper critically reviews the Army's BSPRRS, highlighting methodological flaws and lack of validation in its model, which informed the development of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

Contribution

It provides a detailed critique of the BSPRRS methodology, emphasizing the need for rigorous validation in designing physical fitness standards.

Findings

Identified critical mistakes in the BSPRRS model

Highlighted lack of rigorous cross-validation

Questioned the validity of the resulting ACFT standards

Abstract

The Army's Baseline Soldier Physical Readiness Requirements Study (BSPRRS) was a multiyear effort designed to inform evidence-based change in the Army's physical fitness test of record from a gender- and age-specific standard to a gender- and age-neutral standard based on recurring, physically demanding tasks encountered by soldiers. The physical fitness test events determined by BSPRRS became the six-event Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). A close examination of the BSPRRS model reveals critical mistakes and the lack of rigorous cross-validation.