You can rest (either in the up or down position) during the sit-ups. The Navy likes to refer to them as curl-ups because as long as your elbow touches any part of your thigh then you are good. You arms are crossed over your chest with your thumbs touching your collarbone. That is what they're pickiest about with curl ups and what causes problems for people. Keep your hands in place...... Work on push-up form. I'm currently in the Navy, and (having been a two different joint environments over the last couple of years) I've noticed that, in general, the Navy is even pickier about push-up form during pt tests than the Army is (this is in general, there are definitely exceptions). Also, for Navy PT tests, you will always do Sit-ups THEN do push-ups. Personally, I wish it were switched, but oh well....