The Army’s Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT): Your First Step Toward Army Readiness

Before your Future Soldier ever sets foot in Basic Combat Training, they must pass an important milestone—the Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT). Designed to ensure every recruit is physically prepared for the demands of Army life, the OPAT sets the foundation for both safety and success in training.

The OPAT isn’t just about strength or speed—it’s about assessing a Future Soldier’s overall readiness for the physical demands of their chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). It’s a fair, gender-neutral, and age-neutral test that ensures everyone meets the minimum requirements for their specific Army job.

Why the OPAT Matters

The OPAT serves two major purposes:

1. Readiness Check – It ensures that all recruits can handle the physical requirements of Army training and their selected MOS.
2. Injury Prevention – By confirming baseline strength, agility, and endurance, the OPAT helps reduce the risk of overuse injuries in Basic Training.

Passing the OPAT is a requirement for enlistment, so preparation is key. A strong performance also helps recruiters place Future Soldiers in roles where they’re more likely to thrive physically.

The Four Events of the OPAT

The OPAT is made up of four events that each measure different aspects of fitness:

Standing Long Jump

Tests lower-body power. The recruit jumps forward from a standing position, measuring how far they can go. This helps predict explosive movement capability—important for everything from sprinting to climbing obstacles.

Seated Power Throw

Measures upper-body power. From a seated position, the recruit throws a 4.4-pound medicine ball backward over their head. This evaluates pushing and throwing strength without lower-body assistance.

Strength Deadlift

Assesses lower-body and grip strength. Using a trap bar and weights, the recruit lifts the bar from the ground to a standing position. The maximum successful lift is recorded.

Interval Aerobic Run (Shuttle Run)

Tests aerobic capacity and endurance. The recruit runs back and forth between two points 20 meters apart, with the pace increasing until they can no longer keep up.

Scoring & MOS Categories

The Army uses OPAT results to match recruits to one of four physical demand categories for their MOS:

• Black – Very heavy physical demand
• Gray – Heavy physical demand
• Gold – Significant physical demand
• White – Moderate physical demand

Each MOS has a minimum category requirement, and recruits must meet or exceed that standard to qualify.

How to Prepare for the OPAT

Future Soldiers can prepare by focusing on:

• Leg Power & Explosiveness – Practice box jumps, squat jumps, and standing long jumps.
• Upper-Body Strength – Incorporate medicine ball throws, push-ups, and pull-ups.
• Grip & Lower-Body Strength – Train with deadlifts, farmer’s carries, and squats.
• Cardio Endurance – Mix short sprints with longer runs to build speed and stamina.

Preparation isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Confidence on test day comes from consistent training and understanding each event’s requirements.

The First Step Toward a Strong Army Career

The OPAT is more than a test—it’s a Future Soldier’s first Army challenge. Passing it is a sign they have the strength, endurance, and drive to take on Basic Training and beyond. For new Army parents, it’s a proud milestone—proof that your Soldier is physically ready to start this new chapter.

I’ll be back next week with more tips and guidance. Until them, Hooah!

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Retired)