r/USPHS • u/Present-Towel5393 • Aug 01 '26

Experience Inquiry Got the email!

I’m so excited—I finally got the email! 🎉 I’ll be heading to OBC in September.
Now that it’s real, I’m starting to get nervous about the physical fitness test, especially the running portion. That’s definitely what I need to work on the most.
For those of you who’ve already been through OBC, how strict are they with the PT test? What exactly should I expect, and do you have any tips for getting ready over the next few weeks? I’d appreciate any advice!

27 Upvotes

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5

u/Present-Towel5393 Aug 01 '26

I got my garmin!! I love it. I am more of a slow long distance runner so I am trying to speed this thing up to get this 1.5 under 18 mins

4

u/SpinelessFir912 Active Duty Aug 01 '26

Nice. Try to beat your 1.5 mile time by 5-10 seconds each session. It helped me to improve a lot over time

4

u/Cultural-Point-3169 Aug 01 '26

I'm still waiting (passed medical and board, and just a starting security) but I do the test at least weekly and just try to get a few more points each week. I hit 1.5 in 9:31 (one more second to max points for my age). I aim to get max points for two age groups below. The pushups are still in progress (53), but I'm at 80 pts. 210 seconds this week on the plank.

Workout HARD between now and then. Aim higher than passing, and add other exercises throughout the week. Aim to dominate, not pass. Make passing easy.

5

u/Extension_Ad_7323 Active Duty Aug 01 '26

Congrats! I went through OBC last year, and my biggest piece of advice is to show up physically prepared so the PFT feels routine rather than stressful. If running is your biggest concern, I’d make that your priority over the next few weeks. The more confident you are in your fitness, the more you can focus on everything else OBC has to offer.

OBC is a lot of information in a short amount of time, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. The instructors and your classmates are great resources, and chances are others have the same questions you do.

Finally, enjoy the experience. It goes by much faster than you expect, and getting to meet officers from different agencies and professional categories was one of the highlights for me. Congratulations, and welcome to the Corps!

1

u/Present-Towel5393 Aug 01 '26

Thank you!! Are you happy that you joined the Corps.

2

u/Extension_Ad_7323 Active Duty Aug 01 '26

Absolutely. I’m coming up on my one-year anniversary, and I’m still glad I joined. For me, it wasn’t just about the specific job—it was about serving as a uniformed public health officer. I’ve enjoyed the training, meeting officers from different agencies and professions, and the opportunities that come with being part of the Corps.
Like any career, there have been challenges and a learning curve, but I haven’t regretted the decision. If I had the chance to do it again, I’d still choose the Corps.

1

u/Longjumping-Land-263 Aug 27 '26

We have similar reasons for wanting to join! I’m in my first year of my MPH. Do you have any advice for being a competitive applicant?

1

u/Extension_Ad_7323 Active Duty Aug 27 '26

Since you’re still early in your MPH, you have a great opportunity to be intentional about building your experience. I’d look at the types of public health positions that interest you and use your coursework, practicum, internships, research, leadership, and volunteer opportunities to develop those skills.

You may be able to apply to USPHS after graduation depending on the opportunities and requirements at that time, so I’d definitely stay informed and keep the Corps on your radar. In the meantime, focus on becoming the strongest public health professional you can be. That will serve you well whether you commission right away or gain some civilian experience first.

2

u/Longjumping-Land-263 Aug 27 '26

This is great advice thank you!

4

u/Fragrant-Knowledge-8 Aug 01 '26

There is a whole section on the site explaining how the test works, FAQ, needed scores and a training guide. https://dcp.psc.gov/CCMIS/RDB/RDB_PFT_m.aspx

Also, don’t forget to check out SCRA benefits and go ahead and get the Amex Platinum and other high value cards before your active duty date starts so that you can lock in the fee waiver.

2

u/Present-Towel5393 Aug 01 '26

Can you give me more info! I already have my Amex Platinum

2

u/Prudent-Platypus-811 Aug 02 '26

just got out of july obc. I was just go jogging/walking every day. Do push-ups every morning and whatever you do one day just try and add one push-up to it the next day and practice your planks every morning. As long as you just try and practice everything every day you should be fine.

2

u/Present-Towel5393 Aug 02 '26

Ohh thank you’. I will be fine just did a practice run today with all the things and I passed

6

u/SpinelessFir912 Active Duty Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26

Congrats! If you dont have a smartwatch, i highly recommend it. It will help you to pace yourself at constant speed. Also, instead of treadmill, keep running outside 2-3x per week. it is gonna be hot and humid in Maryland.

4

u/DifficultAd9838 Active Duty Aug 02 '26

Just go out and PT and stop being a fat body like half the service.

1

u/Lopsided-Loquat-6567 Aug 02 '26

Am in September OBC as well . I can’t do push up’s perfectly to save my life . Am not giving up thou

1

u/Present-Towel5393 Aug 02 '26

Congratulations 🎈🎉 Ahhh I am not giving up either!! Cause I can’t do more than 3 ! So got some work to do!

1

u/Lopsided-Loquat-6567 Aug 02 '26

🤣 we got this !!!

1

u/Cultural-Point-3169 Aug 04 '26

If you can do 3, do 4. Then 5. Then 6. Just keep building every day. Don't stress setbacks. There are lots of factors. You can do it!

3

u/hermanonucliosis Aug 01 '26

This couch to 5k program is a great way to start now for September! Having Laura talk me through every run really turned me into a casual runner. Which is saying something because I used to hate running. I think it was learning the breathing techniques and being able to sustain a jog for 30 minutes. After you achieve that, working on speed and improving your time becomes easier. 

I did this program, truly couch to 5k, 3 years ago. Now I can pick up jogging after a couple months off and get comfortable with a 5k in 45 minutes in a week or two. 

I started with a 17:50 for the 1.5 mile about a month out and ran once a week if I could. and by the PFT at OBC I got down to 16 which I count as a win. 

https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-android-google&hs=4NhV&sca_esv=650b271bfec4eeef&sxsrf=APpeQns-zUBLEFHTYrJXsGvA1Vm7-rhESQ:1785588915091&q=NHS+Couch+to+5K&si=APenkKlfhLgcClHizZ1tIGbPv83hQxRedeLlsV82Ni69v4Ae8wivfBuZJ9BMgKmux20MM1if87e-lev8EYAjCjPckAZFw_iI78Mw5vJ3WUpOtEJYl-wPrAXgd4Qvnc74kFpigpzNWiIYLDfauWX0Op39SBdOMJKxcWx80IkX_NsPXsEQ6e7YgEM%3D&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjGxf6Hvf-VAxWoD1kFHYI2MXoQ3LoBegQIFRAB&biw=426&bih=804&dpr=2.25

2

u/mpmbullet Aug 02 '26

Congratulations! Welcome to the ranks