For decades, it's been the same thing: Run, pushups and sit-ups, twice a year.

But now, after an overhaul of the body composition test that allows bigger waist measurements but fewer failures before separation, the Navy is eyeing changes to the physical readiness portion of the physical fitness assessment.

"So we do pushups, curl-ups and run, but does that tell you that you can put on firefighting gear and go down into a space and carry somebody out of it?" Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens asked sailors at an Oct. 31 all-hands call. "Does that test tell you that you can do that? And the answer is no."

Stevens said the Navy is looking at not only a new PRT, but maybe multiple fitness tests that align with sailors' jobs.

A working group at the Physical Readiness Program in Millington, Tennessee, is brainstorming ideas, a Navy official confirmed in November, from new PRT events and a job-specific test, to a hybrid that would measure strength and cardiovascular health, as well as skills needed for working around ships, aircraft and other Navy environments.

And they're looking to other professional tests, such as the stair climbs in firefighting training. Fitness experts have recommended the Navy adopt new exercises like the standing jump and the kneeling powerball throw as part of a job-related fitness test, suggesting they replace the traditional PRT or be administered annually, like the Marine Corps' combat fitness test.

"We are continuing to look at a variety of policy options," said Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, spokesman for the chief of naval personnel. "However, we don't have anything new to announce at this time."

Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.

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