As a side point, how recommended is it to join the TA in my current position with a view to Sandhurst? I've read elsewhere that it would be considered poor form to join the ranks with a view to gaining a commission, and I certianly wouldn't want to look a numpty. I simply want to give myself the best opportunity, and the best account of myself


Edit: Infact, turning back to my decisions post-AOSB (1st time), my 3 options were:

1) Join the regular army, work hard, work well, in the hope that if I am considered officer material, I will be nominated, or, if not, enjoy a career on the NCO route
2) Join the TA and apply for AOSB
3) Train in civvy street and apply for the AOSB

All 3 would work towards improving physical fitness, confidence, aptitude and so forth.

At the end of the day, I want to give the very best account of myself at the AOSB. Whilst excuses won't be made, I was never sporty after 6th form due to numerous issues, and am having to make up for the fact now. As indicated previously, I am following the RAF/ Army fitness course online to "get fit", though am only at the beginning. Indeed, I won't kid myself that I'm physically able to perform at the AOSB, though I will be eventually.

I know what you mean... up until very recently (when I decided to initiate my application) I have been happy to sit around drinking too much and eating too much rubbish and doing an few hours a week phys!

I started the fitness regime from the website two weeks ago and am doing abit more on the side. I am planning on going to briefing at the end on May (as discussed with my ACO) and I'm determined to be on the front foot with everything I can objectively influence (phys, current affairs ect).

Its not the pushups and situps that I'm bothered with as I can already do the required amount. I'm more worried with the assault course and the beep test but I think I'll be in good stead to demonstrate my commitment and determination by turning myself from someone with a belly and average fitness to someone capable of passing selection. The way I see it, if you attended once and your phys was an issue what better way to prove to the DS than by improving yourself using nothing but your own initiative and drive. I hope to use this as one area to demonstrate why I think I'll be an effective Army officer.

Good luck to you and if you are like me, stick with it even if you're blowing out your arse on the sprints

Well, its a week into training. So far, results are unimpressive

1.5mile run is 13mins 20, seems that 3 mile run is at a slooooowww pace!
22 Press ups, (in a minute)
24 Sit ups (in a minute)

My aim is to have that 1.5mile down to 10minutes or just above (i.e. 10.30, resulting in a 7minute mile), and to be able to do the required amount of press ups/ sit ups in 2minutes plus more without break.

However, my issues is this. I don't live in my own place, more "bunk" with relatives until the travelling around the country begins. Add to that my funds aren't healthy (outstanding loans etc). Therefore, I'm unable to join a gym to get fit, or buy a pull-up bar and fit it (there's nothing suitable existing currently at this place).

As such, I have the Army Fitness .pdf with a series of exercises - press ups, sit ups, twist-sit up, box lift, tri-dips, one-leg squat, step-up with knee raise, dorsal raise, and walking lunge.

My aim is to reach the aforementioned targets, in combination with a fitness programme (see RAF fitness) due to their text service reminder (I know, I know, but we all need a reminder/ kick up the arse at times). This RAF programme is modified to be more challenging than that set, and encompass the additional exercises mentioned above.

If I take all this into account, and stick to a good schedule, will this be, in someone's best guess, the best way in my current position to get fit enough for the AOSB?

Originally Posted by Number16

Well, its a week into training. So far, results are unimpressive

1.5mile run is 13mins 20, seems that 3 mile run is at a slooooowww pace!
22 Press ups, (in a minute)o
24 Sit ups (in a minute)

My aim is to have that 1.5mile down to 10minutes or just above (i.e. 10.30, resulting in a 7minute mile), and to be able to do the required amount of press ups/ sit ups in 2minutes plus more without break.

However, my issues is this. I don't live in my own place, more "bunk" with relatives until the travelling around the country begins. Add to that my funds aren't healthy (outstanding loans etc). Therefore, I'm unable to join a gym to get fit, or buy a pull-up bar and fit it (there's nothing suitable existing currently at this place).

As such, I have the Army Fitness .pdf with a series of exercises - press ups, sit ups, twist-sit up, box lift, tri-dips, one-leg squat, step-up with knee raise, dorsal raise, and walking lunge.

My aim is to reach the aforementioned targets, in combination with a fitness programme (see RAF fitness) due to their text service reminder (I know, I know, but we all need a reminder/ kick up the arse at times). This RAF programme is modified to be more challenging than that set, and encompass the additional exercises mentioned above.p

If I take all this into account, and stick to a good schedule, will this be, in someone's best guess, the best way in my current position to get fit enough for the AOSB?

Is this a joke? Are you honestly saying that you can't find 40 minutes a day, even on your travels, to do 2 minutes best effort press ups and sit ups and then run a mile and a half?
If you want to commission you need to be able to sort yourself out, then your soldiers (who may be at rock bottom), all out of nothing but a shite dust bowl and some sand filled ammo boxes. You don't need an expensive gym membership to get fit. Improvise! I know a bloke who passed selection by running up and down 3 flights of stairs in the block, with all his kit on, every time he had a spare 10 minutes.
Bottom line is, if you want it bad enough you'll find a way. If you can't be fucked, Welcome to the Royal Signals!

I think you mis-read my post.

My aim, and plan, is to follow the Army/ RAF fitness program, working on it every day (with appropriate rests for recovery). It wasn't "I can't get to a gym, so I won't do it", more, how can I best improvise if I don't have access to a gym/ pull up bar etc. In otherwords, if I follow those 9 exercises listed above (dorsal, tri-dip et al), plus working on my running, will this be the best "improvisation" I can do?

Never mind ' minimum requirements ' you need to be above and beyond. Did you see that shit about Sandhurst on telly the other day? That fucking shit piece of communist scum who cried at every opportunity is now a disgusting piece of cunt in ...... ? Yep you guessed it, the Royal bastard Signals

Seriously though. Kudos to your commitment. Go on YouTube, there are a few good improv training programmes that you can do. Stick with it

Originally Posted by PapaGolf

Seriously though. Kudos to your commitment. Go on YouTube, there are a few good improv training programmes that you can do. Stick with it

Kudos are due when I've passed AOSB and am on my way to RMAS. But thank-you

I don't want to throw in a cliché but train hard fight easy. Good luck!

Originally Posted by PapaGolf

.....Yep you guessed it, the Royal bastard Signals

Just a guess, but has someone relieved you of the jam from your doughnut in the Royal Corps recently then...