Physical Training (PT)

Cadet Physical Fitness Program

🏃‍♂️ Sound Recordings for Testing

Use the following official sound files to support proper cadence during your physical fitness assessments:

• 20-Meter PACER Test

• Curl-Ups

• Push-Ups

Understanding the Fitness Standards

The Cadet Physical Fitness Program is designed to help you build the strength, endurance, and flexibility needed to succeed in Civil Air Patrol and beyond. More than just physical conditioning, fitness supports your self-confidence, promotes teamwork, and develops personal discipline — all essential traits of a CAP cadet.

When you recite the Cadet Oath, you pledge to “prepare yourself to be of service to your community, state, and nation.” Physical fitness is one of the first ways you begin fulfilling that commitment.

🎯 Program Goals

• Promote lifelong fitness habits

• Support physical readiness for CAP activities

• Develop mental resilience and a healthy lifestyle

• Encourage goal setting and accountability

🥇 Starting with the Curry Achievement

As a new cadet, your first goal is to earn the Maj Gen John F. Curry Achievement and your first promotion to Cadet Airman. While passing the fitness standard is not required to earn the Curry Award, participation in fitness activities is required.

This early phase helps you:

• Establish a baseline for your current fitness level

• Begin setting realistic fitness goals

• Learn how to improve safely and effectively

📊 Cadet Fitness Standards

To meet the CAP physical fitness standard, cadets must successfully complete:

• One aerobic event (PACER or Mile Run)

• Any two of the following:

  • Curl-Ups

  • Push-Ups (90° angle)

  • Sit-and-Reach

Example: If you are a 14-year-old female, you must run a mile in 10:09 or complete 27 PACER laps, and perform two of the following: 18 curl-ups, 7 push-ups, or reach 10 inches on the sit-and-reach.

📘 Full Details:

Standards are based on age and gender, as outlined in CAPP 60-50: Active Cadet Fitness Guide. Refer to the chart below:

Cadet Physical Fitness Standards Table

💪 Form-Based Fitness: Curl-Ups, Push-Ups, & Sit-and-Reach

The cadet fitness events are paced and form-focused — it’s not about speed or reps within a time limit. To pass each event, cadets must complete the required number of repetitions with fewer than two form breaks.

• Curl-Ups: Core strength with guided cadence

• Push-Ups: Upper body strength, 90° arm angle required

• Sit-and-Reach: Flexibility test measured by reach distance

🎥 Need guidance? Watch the demonstration videos below to learn proper technique and see how parents or mentors can help evaluate performance at home.

🔥 Warm-Up First!

Before performing any fitness activity or test, it’s important to properly warm up your muscles. Warming up helps prevent injury and prepares your body for movement.