page_title: Department of Physical Education
section_title: IOCT
hierarchical_section_title: Department of Physical Education / Testing / IOCT
caption_attribution_description: English: A diagram of the IOCT as ran in Hayes gym
context_page_description: The Department of Physical Education is the academic department that oversees the physical development program at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. DPE is headquartered in the Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center. DPE has 24 Military faculty and 25 civilian instructors and professors. The head of the department holds the ceremonial title of Master of the Sword, known within the department as the MOS. This title dates back to when the Cadets at West Point were taught swordsmanship as part of their military and physical training. The current Master of the Sword is COL Nicholas Gist, who has held the position since 2015. The department's stated mission is:
  The Department of Physical Education develops warrior leaders of character who are physically and mentally tough by engaging cadets in activities that promote and enhance a healthy lifestyle, physical fitness, movement behavior, and psychomotor performance.
context_section_description: The IOCT is a test of all-around functional physical fitness administered by DPE in the historic Hayes Gymnasium. Hayes Gym, built in 1910, is the oldest part of the newly renovated Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center.  Many current and past graduates and faculty consider the IOCT to be one of the best evaluations of total body fitness given in the Army. Cadets who earn an A- (2:38 or less for Males and 3:11 or less for Females) are authorized to wear the IOCT Badge on their athletic shorts.
  The IOCT is similar to the obstacle course seen on the TV show American Gladiators, with a quarter-mile sprint at the conclusion of the course.  The IOCT is administered throughout the academic year based on dates published by DPE. There are primary testing dates in both Fall and Spring semesters; generally, the dates are dependent upon class year and regiment. Cadets take the IOCT at different time throughout the year because of participation in semester abroad, in-season Club or Corps Squad teams, or injury. Large crowds of cadets, tactical officers, and other onlookers gather for the running of the IOCT.
  The IOCT is often referenced in articles concerning high intensity human performance, especially involving obstacle courses.  This is due to the large amount of available data due to the lengthy history of the course.  It has been administered, almost without changes, since 1944.
caption: Layout of the current IOCT Course
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