PT is held twice a week between 0600 and 0700. Depending on how far away you are from Yale, you may have to wake up as early as 0430 to arrive on time for PT. This can be difficult at first, but you will eventually become accustomed to the early wake up. Cadets typically arrive between 10 and 15 minutes early and begin to form up for the group stretch around 0555. Even this early in the morning, PT is rarely quiet, as cadets are always encouraging one another to stay alert and work hard.
PT can be as difficult or as easy as you make it. The workouts are designed so that people with a wide range of physical abilities can get a good workout in without being overwhelmed. To be clear, you will be expected to work hard and push yourself and your peers during PT, but you won’t be expected to do more than you are capable of. While you should be improving every week, you will mainly be evaluated on your effort level during PT, not on your physical ability. Your physical ability will only be evaluated at the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), so don’t worry if some of the PT workouts are particularly challenging. As long as you pushing yourself to do your best, you will be just fine.
While PT can be difficult, it is also a great opportunity to have fun during ROTC. Team sports like basketball, ultimate disc, and dodgeball are always enjoyable ways to bond with and compete against your fellow cadets. Warrior runs and ruck marches are also perfect opportunities to release some stress by singing your favorite jodies.
To learn more about PT and view a typical PT workout, click here.
For cadets looking for an extra challenge, Deatchment 009’s 100 Club promotes cadets who achieve a perfect score of 100 on one of their PFAs. When cadets are admitted to this selective club, their nametag is posted in the detachment’s lobby, and they are given a 100 Club athletic shirt, which can be worn during PT.
