ajb422, there is one branch that has it "right" as far as fitness tests go: the Marine Corps.
I just got out of the Army in July and had the pleasure to do part of the Marine Combat Fitness Test (CFT) with a detachment of Marines that I worked with at the time. The CFT is in addition to their more traditional Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and, as the name implies, is a test of an individual's fitness in situations likely to be found in combat. Along with quickly being able to move a casualty and carry ammo, it involves a two mile run in full uniform; boots included. I honestly hope the Army adopts something similar to the Marine CFT since it is the closest test I have seen that mimics any type of combat condition. I was surprised at how grueling a short boots 'n utes two mile run was!