Well, we had lots of practice because we did all of our sit-ups free (without holding our feet down) until testing day. Then it was cool. If I remember correctly. Shoot its been alot of years, but pretty sure we were assisted on testing day.
I always enjoyed it. Though later on in the military most people were so hockey that I was almost embarassed for them. Thats not because I'm that good either, but because they were that bad. Never broke an 8 minute mile and a half or anything. Mostly due to goofing off, I had about the same pacing for half marathon runs.
I got the chance to hang out with/take tests with a guy who was training as an Olympic triathlete before he came in (not sure if he had participated previously). The dude was amazing though, his running and swimming skills/fitness level were just superb.