British Army Physical Testing
The British Army require new recruits to undergo fitness assessments as part of the recruitment process and for personnel in service. Below is some information about the fitness requirements and standards. This information is presented for discussion - for up to date information see official sources.
British Army Apache HelicopterThose wishing to join the army as regular soldiers are required to prove that they have the level of fitness needed to begin full training. You will be required to perform a least these fitness tests: Mid-Thigh Pull, Medicine Ball Throw, and the Multistage Fitness Test (beep test). (previously it was Static Lift, a Jerry Can Carry and a 2.4km (1.5 mile) timed Run. The standard you will need to meet changes from role to role.
The level required will depend on the Army role. Here are a couple of examples:
Army Reserve standards
- Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm
- MSFT (beep test): Level 5.08
Basic physical fitness assessment:
- Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- MSFT (beep test) level 8.06
Army Officer
- Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- MSFT (beep test) level 8.07
British Army Physical Employment Standards (PES)
In 2019, the British Army introduced new Physical Employment Standards for all soldiers involved in close combat roles. The British Army's old testing protocol, the Personal Fitness Assessment, which included sit-ups, press-ups and the 1.5-mile run, was replaced with more combat specific testing involving running with weapons, dragging bodies and vehicle casualty extractions. The new tests were developed in collaboration with scientists from the University of Chichester.
Fitness Testing Protocol:
- march 4km carrying 40kg of equipment in less than 40 minutes.
- march 2km carrying 25kg of equipment in under 15 minutes.
- Complete a fire and move exercise in less than five minutes.
- Casualty drag of a 110kg weight 20m.
- Carry two water cans weighing 22kg each over 240m in under four minutes.
- Lift a 70kg weight and hold it for three seconds.
- Carry bags weighing 20kg 20 times over a distance of 30m.
Controversially, the scoring will make no allowance for the age or gender of soldiers.
Disclaimer
The workplace assessment tests listed here are believed to be accurate at the time it was accessed. Testing protocols and standards are often changed. Please see official sources for accurate up to date information. If you have corrections please contact me or use the comments form below.
Related Pages
- Army Fitness Testing around the world.
- Testing in other armed forces and similar services
- Poll: Should women have the same fitness testing standards as men?
- Videos of forces fitness testing
- Sport in the UK
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