Hi Jamie,

Great question. 'Before' joining you should prepare yourself for the tests included at the Assessment Centre (AC). At AC you will carry our the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT). The MSFT is a combination of three tests; a bleep test, a medicine ball throw and a mid thigh pull.

Here is a link to the page on 'Fitness Tests' at AC that gives some more details - https://jobs.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/army-assessment/fitness-tests/

There are other tests that you will be required to carry out once you are a trained soldier, but I think you should prioritise this first if joining the British Army is something you wish to pursue.

Regards,

SSgt Rob Needham

18 June, 2024 14:00

Thanks for your question Jamie!

In the Army we have two typical types of PT and that is Fitness like Gym work and running and Combat like stretcher/log runs and obsticle courses. To be best prepared for joining the British Army however, you should focus on a well-rounded regular fitness regime that covers all areas of your training, here is some more detail in how to do it :
Cardiovascular Endurance: Aim to build up to longer distances and faster times. Focus on both steady-state runs (5-10km) and interval training to improve your overall endurance and speed.
Swimming: This can also help build cardiovascular fitness while providing a low-impact workout and prepare you for the military swim test.
Strength Training using both bodyweight and weighted Exercises: Push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and squats are fundamental. These exercises build functional strength important for military tasks. When weightlifting: Incorporate compound lifts like deadlifts, bench presses, and squats to build overall muscle strength. A good way to do this for military training and preparation which helps improve muscular endurance is by circuit training. Combine various said exercises (e.g., push-ups, burpees, sit-ups) in a circuit to improve muscular endurance. You can change this up too with high-rep resistance training focusing on higher repetitions with lower weights to build endurance or time each excercies and do as many as you can within your time limits setting new targets to challange yourself on.
Functional Fitness Exercises that mimic military test and patrols, like lifting and carrying heavy objects, dragging weights, and climbing. (weighted rucksack walks and runs, Farmers carry, sit down throw etc) as well as preparation for tests. Like Robert has already stated practice the exact tests you'll face at selection and basic training ,usining the link he provided. Lastly always remember flexibility and mobility are vital, always stretch before and after training to reduce the risk of injury.

I hope this helps you prepare Jamie and I'm happy to answer any other questions you might have to help prepare you for basic training . All the Best!

25 June, 2024 13:34

thank you very much for the in depth response.

29 June, 2024 10:30