How can a service member appeal a PFA failure?

The proper procedure for appealing a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) failure involves submitting a formal appeal in writing to the service member's Commanding Officer. This process ensures that there is an official record of the appeal and allows the commanding officer to review the circumstances of the failure in a structured manner. Written appeals also provide a clear channel for communication regarding any discrepancies or mitigating factors that may warrant reconsideration of the PFA result.

While requesting a re-test or attending additional fitness training may seem beneficial for improving fitness levels, these actions do not constitute a formal appeal process. Consulting with a fitness expert may offer valuable insights for improving performance, but it does not serve as a method for officially contesting a PFA result. Therefore, submitting a written appeal to the Commanding Officer is the only correct avenue for challenging a PFA failure.