RECON PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT TEST (RPAT): THE TEST EVERY MARINE RECON CANDIDATE MUST PASS
Recon Marines need to be in peak physical shape. We’re not just talking about beach bodies here, we’re talking functional fitness in a variety of areas. From calisthenics, to swimming, running, rucking, and rope climbing – Recon Marines must be able to do it all, and then some.
Which is why they’ve developed a test that tests on everything we just mentioned – how convenient! It’s called the Recon Physical Assessment Test, commonly known as the RPAT. Recon candidates must take the RPAT twice (and pass at least once) in the Basic Reconnaissance Course, and Recon Marines must be able to pass it every two years once they become operational. So if you’re interested in becoming a Recon Marine, you better pay attention and read this article, because you’re going to be taking this test!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT IS THE RECON PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT TEST (RPAT)?
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM SCORES ON THE RPAT?
WHAT IS THE RECON PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT TEST (RPAT)?
The Recon Physical Assessment Test can be considered the “catch all” in assessing a Recon Marine’s physical fitness. Due to the job description, being proficient in the water, rucking, running, and calisthenics kind of comes with the territory. Ensuring that Recon Marines stay up to the physical standard of the job to be operationally ready is of the utmost importance, so the Recon community has been administering this test for years. What’s particularly important here is that every Marine Recon candidate NEEDS to pass this test in Recon Training, otherwise they will not be able to continue on. Just like every military branch and special operations community has their own PT tests, the Recon Marines have theirs – the RPAT.
WHAT IS TESTED ON THE RPAT?
The RPAT test consists of the following:
- 500 Yard Swim in a T-Shirt and UDT shorts
- Max Pushups in 2 Minutes (Airborne style, see in video)
- Max Situps in 2 Minutes (Airborne style, see in video)
- Max Set of Pullups
- 1.5 Mile Run in Boots & Utilities
- 12 Mile Ruck Run with a 50lb Ruck
- Completing 2 Rounds of the USMC Obstacle Course
There are designated rest times between the evolutions ranging from approximately 2-10 minutes.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM SCORES ON THE RPAT?
As you’ll hear many times, NEVER shoot for the minimums. You’re always looking to go well beyond them, and they should only be used as a gauge for how well you are doing. The minimums for the RPAT are:
- 500 YD Swim: 12:30 or less
- Pushups: 42
- Situps: 50
- Pullups: 6
- 1.5 Mile Run: 11:30 or less
- 12 Mile 50lb Ruck: 3 Hours or Less
- 2 USMC Obstacle Courses: 1st in under 4:00, 2nd for completion
RPAT VIDEO
Click on the video below to watch our OG video on the RPAT. (This will be updated in the foreseeable future, stay tuned!)
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE RPAT
The best way to prepare for the RPAT is by following a solid training regimen and progressing slowly and efficiently from where you currently are at now. Obviously, we’re not saying that you need to go and do this test on your own to see where you stand. Focus on the fundamentals first.
Stew Smith, a former Navy SEAL and expert on all things revolving special operations fitness regimens, has an excellent workout program that focuses on training for Recon Marine candidates. Luckily for you, we’ve partnered with him and have included the book in our Recon Rucking Prep Kit.
Since a big part of the RPAT that gets a lot of people is the rucking portion, we highly recommend you get proficient at rucking. We dedicated a lot of time and effort to give you the down and dirty on ALL things rucking in one of our videos, so we highly recommend you watch the video below to get you well on your way.
CONCLUSION
The RPAT is a very important test for anyone who is interested in becoming a Recon Marine. If this test seems daunting or too difficult, don’t fret. With time, dedication, and commitment, you’ll be well on your way to getting in the shape necessary to excel in Recon Training.
We highly recommend you check out our Recon Rucking Prep Kit, as it has everything you need to begin your land-based PT regimen for Recon Training preparation. Please click here to check it out.
Good luck!
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When do you take the recon physical assessment test? After school of infantry?
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