Posted by Matt Fisher from Manassas VA USA on March 28, 2021 at 20:01:33:
In Reply to: Re: Must one be a top athlete to make it? posted by Jim Devine on March 24, 2021 at 20:14:39:
When I joined the standard physical fitness test was the PT 400, in which 4 events, 3.2 km (?), push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups were involved.
In order to pass the test one had to pass the minimum requirement for each event.
However there was little recourse for those that failed. While my experience was with the Reserves, and I do imagine those that went to Cornwallis for Reg. Force basic, followed by serious Trade Qualification schools..ie. Combat Arms, can attest to vastly different consequences for failure while on course. Once in the unit Physical Fitness became a non-existent priority.
I remember only doing the Battle Fitness Test once a year, again with lax enforcement of standards, if you passed good for you...if you failed...no recourse...try harder next time.
While the consequences for poor physical fitness vary from unit to unit, with some having great emphasis on physcical fitness while others not so great, the system should adopt uniform measures.
If an individual does not pass a PFT they should essentially be "Black Marked" and be put in a non-promotable, not eligible for courses, non-deployable, non-Class B/C employable, etc.
A reasonable amount of time should then be given to the individual to get back into shape...say 3 months or so...then they should be re-tested.
After a 3 unsuccessful PFT's the individual should be dismissed from the Forces.
That's just my opinion though
Any other thoughts on Physical Fitness Standards in the CF's?