Cadet Challenge

Cadet Challenge

The Cadet Challenge is a physical fitness test each NJROTC Cadet takes once per semester. It is comprised of Fore-arm Plank, push ups, and 1-mile run. Refer below to see the required times 

Fore-arm Plank: Planks will be performed on a flat, level surface.  Blankets, mats or other suitable padding may be used and the Cadet must be positioned entirely on or off the padding (i.e., upper body of the Cadet cannot be on the padding with the feet off). The event will consist of maintaining a proper forearm plank position for the maximum time allowed. The Official Timekeeper will record time with a stopwatch to the nearest second and will give the preparatory command “EVERYBODY UP”, which will prompt participants to assume the forearm plank position. Immediately afterward, the execution command “START” will be given, which prompts the official timekeeper to start the stopwatch.  Once the time has begun, the official timekeeper will also announce 15-second intervals until the last participant is finished. Note: Cellphone stopwatches are prohibited. Elbows must be aligned directly below the shoulders at a 90-degree angle between the forearm and upper arm. Forearms may be parallel or angled inward, but the hands cannot be clasped together. Hands will either be in fists with the pinky side of the hand touching the deck or lying flat with palms touching the deck. Cadets may switch between the two hand positions, but hands and forearms cannot be lifted from the deck.

Feet should be placed hip-width apart. Hips must be lifted off the deck with only the forearms, hands, and toes on the deck. Knees are straight, pelvis in a neutral position, and back flat. The back, buttocks, and legs must be straight from head to heels and must remain so throughout the test. The head and neck should be kept neutral (face looking straight down at the deck) throughout the duration of the test so the body remains straight from the head to the heels. Toes, forearms, and fists or palms must remain in contact with the deck at all times and clasping of hands is not permitted. No part of the body of the Cadet may contact a vertical support surface...”

The event ends when either the maximum time has elapsed or when any part of the body other than hands, forearms or feet touch the deck.

Right Angle Push-Ups: The Cadet lies face down on the mat in push-up position with hands under shoulders, finger straight, and legs straight, parallel, and slightly apart, with the toes supporting the feet. The Cadet straightens the arms, keeping the back and knees straight, then lowers the body until there is a 90-degree angle at the elbows, with the upper arms parallel to the floor and then back up. Cadets must try to complete as many push-ups as possible in 120 seconds or has reached the target number for the PFA.

One-Mile Run/Walk: Conduct this event on a flat area that has a known measured distance of one mile with a designated start and finish line. Give Cadets a lightweight numbered device to carry or wear in any manner that will not slow them down while running. (Note: Use of the numbered device makes it possible to have many Cadets run at one time by having them pair off before the start of the event, then having one Cadet from each pair run while the other Cadets keep track of the number of laps their partners complete as well as listening for their times as they cross the finish line.) Start Cadets at the standing position. At the command “ready, go,” start the Cadets running the one-mile distance. Although walking is permitted, encourage Cadets to cover the distance in the shortest time possible. Scoring should be to the nearest second.

Awards for Completing the Cadet Challenge

a. Cadets that successfully complete all events will receive a participation certificate signed by the unit Naval Science instructor.

b. The President’s Physical Fitness Award recognizes students who achieve an outstanding level of physical fitness. Students who score at or above the 85th percentile on all events are eligible for this award. Awards may be requested by accessing the President’s Challenge web site at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/educators/program_details.aspx.

c. The NJROTC Physical Fitness Ribbon will be presented to Cadets who attain satisfactory rating or better in each of the three events of the Cadet Challenge program. Overall scoring is determined by CDMIS entries.

d. The National Physical Fitness Award recognizes students who demonstrate a basic, yet challenging level of physical fitness. Students who score above 50% percentile on all five events of the President’s Challenge are eligible for this award.