There is a perceived notion among soldiers in the Army that the Army Physical Fitness Test is the indicator that proves you are battle worthy and that all PT is geared to insure you pass the test. Many believe that just by passing the test shows they are in better condition than their civilian counterparts. The first reward is the higher the score, the more promotion points you receive thereby enhancing your chances of promotion. The second reward is the award of the PT Badge for those scoring 290 or above.
Many units even establish their own incentive policies to reward soldiers for high scores.
In some units if you make 280 or above you can skip PT formations for a month. These reward policies have helped generate resentment among soldiers because of the different requirements in each event due to either age or gender. It is obvious to them that if all soldiers do not meet the same standards, then they are inferior in physical fitness and cannot perform their jobs. This is where commanders and Training NCO's do a disservice to their troops. Selected civilian and military performance experts developed the APFT that is currently being used.