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Fitness Tests of the UK Army

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

  1. Beep Test:

    • Pass: +10.2
    • Good: +11.2
    • Great: +11.7
    • Elite: +12.0

  2. Sit-Ups:

    • Pass: +50 reps
    • Good: +60 reps
    • Great: +65 reps
    • Elite: +70 reps

  3. Pushups:

    • Pass: +44 reps
    • Good: +52 reps
    • Great: +56 reps
    • Elite: +60 reps

  4. 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.