💂 Minimum Fitness Requirements to Join the British Army (2025)
Thinking about joining the British Army in 2025? You’ll need to meet specific fitness standards that prove you’re ready for military training. These tests measure strength, power, and endurance — the qualities every soldier needs on the battlefield.
But don’t worry — with the right training, they’re achievable. And if you want to train like a soldier before you join, Manchester Outdoor Fitness is here to help.
🔍 What Fitness Test Do You Need to Pass to Join the Army?
The Army now uses the Role Fitness Test (Entry) or RFT(E). This replaced the old push-ups and sit-ups and focuses on exercises that reflect the real demands of military life.
The 3 Army Fitness Test Components:
Mid-Thigh Pull (MTP) – tests lower-body strength (like a static deadlift).
Seated Medicine Ball Throw (MBT) – measures explosive upper-body power using a 4 kg ball.
2 km Run (or MSFT Beep Test) – assesses aerobic fitness after an 800 m warm-up.
👉 Everyone takes the same three tests, but the pass marks vary by role.
🏋️ British Army Fitness Requirements by Role (2025)
⚠️ Note: The Parachute Regiment (Paras) demands the highest aerobic standard and also requires passing P Company selection — including the log race, stretcher carry, 10-mile march, and the famous Trainasium.
❌ Are Press-Ups and Sit-Ups Still Required?
No — the British Army has removed press-ups and sit-ups from its official fitness tests. They’re still excellent training exercises and often appear in PT sessions, but they’re not a pass/fail requirement anymore.
🏃 How to Train for the Army Fitness Test
Aerobic fitness: Practise 2 km runs and interval training. Aim for faster than the minimum standard to give yourself a buffer.
Strength: Build lower-body power with deadlifts, squats, and carries.
Explosive power: Add medicine ball throws, overhead presses, and push presses.
Simulate test conditions: Use a beep test app for MSFT practice, and do weighted carries or sled drags to mimic Army training. We have one here
❓ FAQs
Do women have the same Army fitness requirements as men?
👉 Yes. The standards are role-specific, not gender-specific.
Is the Army fitness test harder than the Police test?
👉 Yes. The Army uses a 20 m beep test with higher level requirements, while the Police entry standard is just Level 5.4 on a 15 m shuttle.
How long do I need to train before joining the Army?
👉 Most people need 8–12 weeks of structured training to hit the baseline. For Paras or Infantry, aim for 4–6 months of progressive conditioning.
🎖️ Train With Instructors Who’ve Been There
At Manchester Outdoor Fitness, you won’t just be training with civilian coaches — our instructors are all Veterans (many now continuing to serve as Reservists) who have served across the globe on major Exercises and recent Operational deployments. The majority are former Army Physical Training Instructors (PTIs), the very specialists responsible for preparing soldiers to meet and exceed the Army’s demanding fitness standards.
That means we understand exactly what it takes to pass the British Army fitness tests — not just in theory, but from real-life experience. From improving your 2 km run time to building the strength needed for the Mid-Thigh Pull and Medicine Ball Throw, our team will coach you with the same methods and discipline used in the military. If your goal is to join the Army, there’s no better place to prepare.
👊 Train for the Army with Manchester Outdoor Fitness
Preparing for the Army isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about building the resilience, strength, and mindset you’ll need in service. At Manchester Outdoor Fitness, we train outdoors in all weather, using military-inspired sessions that mirror the demands of soldiering.
✅ Build endurance for the 2 km run
✅ Strengthen your body for the mid-thigh pull
✅ Train explosive power for the medicine ball throw
✅ Develop mental toughness and teamwork in every session
👉 Ready to start your Army journey? Join us for a free trial session today.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
