Coaching focus
Develop the ability to recover between intervals and keep the prescribed pace.
Useful practice
- Short shuttle intervals
- Easy aerobic base work
- Pace-change repeats
OPAT / Training / IAR
Interval Aerobic Run training
Prepare for Interval Aerobic Run as one part of the Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT).
Official Army guidance
Use the current event protocol and local test-control instructions for administration. The reference below describes the event; it is not a substitute for the official directive.
What it tests
Aerobic endurance during a progressive interval shuttle run.
Test setup
Use the marked 20-meter shuttle lane and the official progressive interval audio or timing protocol.
How it is performed
Run continuously back and forth across the marked 20-meter lane. Reach or touch the line before the beep; if you arrive early, cross the line, turn, and wait for the next beep. If late, continue to the missed line, touch it, turn, and reach the next line before the next beep to catch up. Do not stop or rest between shuttles.
What counts
Record the last successful shuttle by level and shuttle number, along with the total number of successful shuttles. Failed shuttles after the last successful shuttle are not included.
Result recorded
Record the last successful shuttle by level and shuttle number, plus total successful shuttles.
Attempts / termination
The run is continuous with no stopping or resting. If you miss the line before the beep, continue to the missed line, touch it, turn, and reach the next line before the next beep to catch up; do not skip the missed shuttle. Quitting or three consecutive missed shuttles ends the event; terminal failed shuttles are not counted.
SourcesATP 7-22.01 · Holistic Health and Fitness Testing · effective March 12, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Official guidance is controlling; ArmyFitHub training suggestions are editorial preparation guidance.
ArmyFitHub Training Guidance
Use these practice ideas to build repeatable movement quality. They do not change the Army test standard.
Progression
Add repetitions before asking for faster intervals.
Practice setup
- Prescribed OPAT equipment and marked test surface
- Training load appropriate to current readiness