Fitness

Army Fit

The TA is undergoing a radical shake-up in regard to fitness; the aim is to get soldiers up to regular standards within the next few years. There is a new website with training advice for all levels of fitness: [1]

If you are planning on joining the TA (without previous military experience), Stabtiffy2B recommends that you can do the following by the time you turn up to a TA Centre:

(but don't worry if you are not quite there yet - practice makes perfect)

• Press Ups, in 2 minutes: Male 30 Female 15

• Sit Ups, in 2 minutes: 40 for both Males and Females.

• 2.4KM/1.5 miles in 14 minutes for both Males and Females.

• A 3 mile Steady State Run in Less than 30 Minutes.

Initial Training

As a new recruit, you will be expected to complete a Risk Reduction Run; a 2.4km run in 14 mins or less (Infantry recruits should complete in 13.30 mins or less), before commencing training. You will be given plenty of opportunities during recruit training to attain the standard for your age/arm on TA CFT / PFT before being sent to ATR/CIC

If you are looking for training advice, you might like to consider these training tips or else, try this book: Fighting Fit or download: Fitness Guide

Mr Sapukay recommends [2] as a great way to work out run distances.

If engaging in officer training the 2.4KM/1.5 mile run should be completed in less than 10 minutes for Males and 12 minutes for females. This is a minimum acceptable standard with even quicker times expected by Module 4.

The current fitness requirements for the TA are posted here

For those wishing to join the HAC, Mr Happy says: HAC recruits course is TA infantry level fitness + (the + is where they aim to get you fitter in prep for Patrol Selection Course, but not hugely so)

PSC has two main tests above ICFT and BFT (entry level) which is the 10 miler (don't know what in or carrying what) as its neue and 'long drag' at the end of your six months PSC which was 45km with 55lbs in best time (10 - 12 hours)

TA PTI Assessment

Before attending the TA PTI (B) course you will probably (Depending on your Brigade set-up) be required to attend a 'Potential PTI assessment Weekend' with your local Bde SMI. You cannot be recommended for the TA PTI (B) until you have attended this weekend.

All bids for the PTI course are usually bid through your PSI via the SMI.

The Weekend consists of PFT, CFT, MST and a couple of assessments.

It may follow the following format depending which Brigade you are in:

Friday night:

Arrival, opening address Short written test (Basic 'PTI' type knowledge).

PFT: Under 30 male standards. You will be counted by a qualified PTI on your sit-ups and press-ups, they MUST be perfect form. Press ups will be assessed with a fist under your chest. Sit ups will only be counted if your head touches the mat and you return to the 90 degree upright mark. Min 44 press-ups, Min 50 sit-ups less than 10:30 on the run

'Warm up' lesson: All members of the group are assessed on a rolling warmup each taking turns in taking part of the exercise (after a demonstration).

Prep for CFT, weigh kit etc.

Saturday Morning:

CFT - 8 miles in 2 hours carrying 55lb including helmet and Rifle but do not include the water you will drink (If you have not prepared for this you will fail. This is the hardest part of the whole assessment and will test you even if you find the CFT easy). It will probably be on the hardest, hilliest route you will ever have taken a CFT!

Straight after that you will complete the basic MST in shirt and combat trousers.

You will then be given a group de-brief and those who have passed will be informed.

Pass this weekend and you will be recommended for the PTI (B) course. Fail, you will have to re-attend but you will be given guidance on how to improve where you have failed.

TA PTI (B) Basic Course

This is not a trade but a qualification gained by members of the TA.

The course is 12 days long and is held at Fox Lines in Aldershot which is the home of the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT)

The course standard is age & gender free - everyone has to pass the PFT / CFT at 17-30 year old male (Infantry) level, & complete the MST:

• 44 press-ups in 2 mins

• 50 sit-ups in 2 mins

• 2.4km run in under 10.30 mins

• CFT - 8 miles with 25kg weight in under 2 hours.

• MST (wearing C95 shirt & trousers only) - 2 mins treading water, then 50m swim in under 4 mins.

When you arrive on the Monday you will complete the tests above with the exception of the CFT which is usually carried out the next day. If you do not reach the required standard, you will be given a second chance to pass the PFT/CFT/MST later in the week. If you fail the re-tests you will be RTU'd.

After you have completed these tests the remainder of the course is spent learning the basic elements required to become a PTI;

• PT Theory

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Pratical lessons on Circuits, Obstacle Courses & Endurance Runs (which you will be required to take)

• Safe Practise, Health & Safety, & Risk Assessments

Once your crossed swords are gained you can instruct in the following:

TA CFT, PFT, Circuit Training, Endurance Running, Obstacle Course.

Tips & Hints:

• Pre-course Fitness - Get out running, you will do a lot of it, from doubling in camp to daily endurance runs. Get some weight on your back & hit the hills. Forget about going to the gym and concentrate on press ups, sit ups, running & tabbing - these are the only factors which will be considered on the course.

• Swimming - try and do a few lengths in your local baths in clothes; being a good swimmer in speedos is one thing, trying to swim in a shirt designed for Pavarotti is another!

• Anatomy & Physiology - learn about the human body, you will need to learn the names and positions of every major bone and muscle in the human body and also how the heart and lungs work in conjunction with your muscles. You will be given the info during the course, but there is a lot to cram in in the short space of time you get.

• Obstacle Course - if you haven't been on one before, don't worry, you will be taught safe practise & crossing techniques before applying them practically.

• Miscellaneous - bring a lot of spare PT kit; you'll need it. You do about 4/5 sessions of phys a day during the course & you will get sweaty. A few pairs of good hiking socks (Thorlo, Bridgedale etc) wouldn't go amiss either. Issue boots are compulsary for the course (esp. for the Obstacle Course), but if you have a good pair of boots and a decent DS, you should get away with them. Also bring some books & DVDs; Aldershot is very dull at night-time!

There are benefits to holding the qualification, click here to see how you can apply it to civvie street.

PTI Basic Modules (Pre-Intermediate Training)

BM1 Covers:

- Health & Safety

- Risk Assessments

- Accident Reporting

& all relevent documentation (including how to fill forms in correctly)

BM2 Covers:

- Body's energy systems

- CV Training for running or CV Gym Equipment (Paarlauf, Fartlek, Interval, Hill)

- Planning Routes

- Use of logs & stretcher equipment for PT

This is an excellent module.