Fitness Tests of the UK Army
December 06, 2023
2 min read
The British Army, an integral component of the British Armed Forces, specializes in land warfare and has a rich history of engagement in various global theatres.
Established:
- 1660
Oath:
- The oath, sworn by enlistees, pledges allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and emphasizes a commitment to defend against all enemies while following orders diligently.
Eligibility:
- Open to British Citizens, Irish Citizens, or individuals from Commonwealth countries (currently suspended).
- Minimum age requirement is 16 years, with paperwork initiation possible from 15 and a half.
Fitness Standards
-
Beep Test:
- Pass: +10.2
- Good: +11.2
- Great: +11.7
-
Elite: +12.0
-
Sit-Ups:
- Pass: +50 reps
- Good: +60 reps
- Great: +65 reps
-
Elite: +70 reps
-
Pushups:
- Pass: +44 reps
- Good: +52 reps
- Great: +56 reps
-
Elite: +60 reps
-
1.5 Mile Run:
- Pass: -10:30 min
- Good: -10:00 min
- Great: -9:45 min
- Elite: -9:30 min
Entry Requirements (UK Army):
- Involves four different exercises, including the Beep Test, Sit-Ups, Pushups, and a 1.5-mile run.
- Tests encompass speed, endurance, and strength.
- Medical, security, and background checks, along with BMI considerations, are integral to the selection process.
Basic Military Training (U.K. Army):
- Phase 1 Training, also known as the Combat Infantryman's Course (CIC), spans 26 weeks.
- Civilians transform into soldiers, acquiring skills for field operations and learning the Basic Core Values of the British Army.
- Specialisation into various army roles, extensive physical training, marksmanship, climbing, canoeing, hill walking, and more are included.
Life in the British Army:
- Typically an 8 to 5 job (Monday to Friday) for those who complete Basic Training, with exceptions during deployments.
- Maximum service duration is 22 years.
- Annual Fitness Test comprises an 8-mile ruck march (15 to 25 kg), completed in 2 hours, along with pushups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
Soldier Conditioning Review (SCR):
- New standards under development include Broad Jumps, Medicine Ball Throw, Hex-Deadlift, Shuttle Sprints, Pullups, and a 2 KM run.
- No passing numbers are currently attached to this test.
British Army Core Values:
- Courage, Discipline, Respect for others, Integrity, Loyalty, and Selfless Commitment.
British Army Gurkha:
- Four Gurkha Regiments with soldiers from Nepal, recognized as an elite force.
- Rigorous physical requirements during selection in the hills of Nepal, including a 5 km run with a 25 KG Ruck in 55 minutes and various calisthenics exercises.
- Motto: "Better To Die Than Be A Coward."
- Gurkhas, despite their loyalty, do not automatically receive British Citizenship.
The British Army remains a symbol of discipline, commitment, and endurance, with diverse opportunities and challenges for its members.