The topic: Physical Readiness Program
The Idea Submitters: Jeremy Brink, MJB, wdbillingslea, keisha.anderson, kenneth.r.brown2, Community Members
What problem have Hatch users identified?
- “The PARFQ asks questions that Medical already addresses on an annual basis… We're pushing for all PARFQs to be completed in July, but testing won't occur until October.” (MJB)
- “'Rope and Choke' does not appear to be very accurate. Sometimes the height/weight tables don't make sense either.” (John Rollf)
- “I argue the BCA crosses another line - the line of being capricious - meaning a mere calculation of an inch or two decides whether or not a sailor is a good sailor designated to remain in the navy, or a bad sailor that simply must be kicked out for not having a certain body type.” (dowling.48)
What solutions do Hatch users propose?
- “We could have the CFL/medical do a verbal recitation of PARFQ questions at the time of the BCA (since it is much closer to the PFA date) and address any issues right there on the spot.” (Aaron Bochenek)
- “The only result I would expect from a failed BCA would be mandatory enrollment in FEP.” (matthew.rorabaugh)
- “A simple change of words from ‘force shaping tool’ to ‘shape forcing tool’ and the appropriate focus on inspections or assessments of effective implementation of the program could be the beginning of a true transition to ‘a culture of fitness’.” (Community Member)
What is the Navy doing about this issue?
NAVADMIN 178/15 released several changes to the Physical Readiness Program (PRP). Most notably, the Body Composition Assessment (BCA) will be overhauled with new measuring procedures that better accommodate varying body types and height-weight tables that account for age. Unannounced spot PFAs will occur throughout the year to identify individuals for enrollment in the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP). Changes are also coming to the PARFQ format, effective with Cycle 1 2016.
Reprinted from the DON/SECNAV Innovation website: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/innovation/.
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