Definition
Physical Training Failed Other—official designation for someone who didn't pass fitness standards but the command doesn't want to process out. Bureaucratic purgatory in acronym form.
Example Usage
He's on PTFO status until he can pass the run portion of the fitness test—limited duty for now.
Origin
U.S. military administrative personnel classification
Fun Fact
Being PTFO is career death in slow motion, signaling to everyone that you're one failed test away from civilian life—motivational in the most terrifying way possible.
Source: Military personnel administrative classifications
Related Terms
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