We have sent this out to each major command's command sergeant major, so we need feedback, but the APFT will be part of the academic requirements for a course. A soldier will be enrolled in a course, given the test, if they flunk they will be re-tested later, if they pass, fine. They will also be released from the course. I don't see this as a lessening of the standards, but rather holding the soldiers and their leaders accountable. Also, Hall said a graduated scale for points will be added to the promotion point worksheet for the APFT and basic rifle qualification.
More hits means more points.
The sergeant major also addressed the Change In NCO Structure. A decision was made in 1996 to take the NCO structure back to the 1989 level, and we lost about 4,700 NCO positions. As an example of NCO shortages, Hall talked about sergeants major in the field. This year we are short 700 sergeants major, but we found out that not everyone who is being selected for E-9 is going to the academy. Last year 55 promotable E-8s retired instead of going to the academy.