In order to analyze the Physical Combat Proficiency Test (PCPT) in terms of the physical fitness factors measured by the Basic Fitness Tests (BFT), both tests were administered to 149 soldiers. The correlations of the PCPT with the BFT were interpreted as factor loadings. The PCPT loaded (.30 or above) on Dynamic Flexibility, Dynamic Strength, Explosive Strength, and Stamina. With the exception of Grenade Throwing, all of the PCPT subtests loaded on at least one of the fitness factors. It was concluded that the PCPT is mainly a test of physical fitness, thus calling into question the rationale for including Grenade Throwing since it was unrelated to physical fitness.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
FleishmanE. A.Examiner's manual for the Basic Fitness Tests. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1964. (a).
2.
FleishmanE. A.The structure and measurement of physical fitness. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1964. (b).
3.
George Washington University Human Resources Research Office.Critical combat skills, knowledges, and performances required of the 1962 light weapons infantryman (MOS 111.0). Dept. Army Contr. 49–106-QM-1, Jan., 1961.
4.
ReillyJ. E.Physical Combat Proficiency Test. Army Information Digest, 1960, Dec., 22–27.
5.
U. S. Army.Technical manual: Physical conditioning. (TM 21–200 C4) Washington: U. S. Gov't Print. Off., May 1965.
