Physical Fitness Test

In order to be accepted by any branch of the United States military or employed by the country’s federal agency’s security, applicants must first successfully pass a physical fitness text to ensure that potential soldiers and agents have the strength and endurance to defend their country.

Each branch of the United States Military has its own criteria for passing these tests, some of which are considerably more physically demanding than others. Each of the federal security agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have tests of their own that require an applicant to be in top shape, particularly for positions that are located in the field. Here is an in depth look at what is expected for these tests and how to train for your physical fitness test properly.

Physical Fitness Tests for the United States Military

Regardless of which branch of the military you choose to enlist with or whether your duties will lie on the ground or shuffling papers, every soldier must begin by passing a fairly rigorous physical fitness test. For soldiers who seek out glory in the Special Forces, the physical fitness tests are often far more demanding.

In the United States Army, new recruits are required to pass the necessary Army Physical Fitness Test, or AFTP, for their age and gender. Recruits must earn a total of 60 points or more based on their performance in completing a set number of push-ups and sit-ups, as well as the amount of time that it takes them to complete a two mile run. In the case of males who are between 17-21 years of age, a soldier must complete at least 42 push-ups, 53 sit-ups and a two-mile run in 15:54 or less.

In the United States Navy, all sailors must pass the Naval Physical Requirements Test, or PRT, to the standards associated with their age and gender. For example, a male who is between 20-24 years of age must complete at least 50 curl ups, 42 push ups, and run a 1.5 mile course in 13:15 or less. Sailors in this age bracket are also required to 500 yards in thirteen minutes or less.

In the United States Air Force, a soldier must pass the requirements of the brand new Air Force fitness program that consists of four separate components: body composition, push-ups, sit-ups and a 1.5-mile run. Again, the requirements are set on a sliding scale that takes age and gender into consideration. For example, a male who is under 30 years of age must have a waist measurement of less than 39 inches, complete a 1.5-mile run in between the times of 13:15 and 13:36, and perform both 33 push-ups and 42 sit-ups.

Physical Fitness Tests for Federal Agents

Similarly, most employees of federal agencies such as the FBI must pass regular physical fitness tests regardless of the nature of their job. In the FBI, the minimum requirements to pass the basic physical fitness test are based on being able to earn 12 points or more during tests for maximum number of sit-ups an agent can complete in one minute, a timed 300-meter sprint, push-ups and a timed 1.5 mile run.

For the DEA, a new employee must be able to meet the agency’s requirements for a two-mile run, 120-yard shuttle run, maximum sit-ups in two minutes and a test of push-ups without a time limit.

How to Train for a Physical Fitness Test

Even if you consider yourself to be in pretty good shape and workout regularly, you will still need to train for a six to twelve week period in order to ensure that you will pass your physical fitness test without a problem. While new recruits are often whipped into shape during basic training, every soldier will tell you that it is a big mistake to show up basic training without some serious preliminary training.

Thankfully, these tests are quite easy to train for due to the fact that they are based on a small handful of tests. You can begin by simply test yourself before starting a training program to see where you currently stand. From there, it is simply a matter of scheduling daily and weekly goals that will have in shape to easily exceed your test requirements before the date of your test or first day of boot camp.

The Importance of Physical Fitness in Military and Security Positions

It is no secret why the military and federal investigative agencies required their soldiers and staff to be in adequate shape. Unlike most civilian jobs, these careers require individuals to be able to snap into physical action at a moments notice, and the difference between being able to perform well physically under stress can make the difference between the life and death of yourself and those who are depending on you.

By training well for your physical fitness test, you are doing more than fulfilling a job requirement. Instead, you are ensuring that you will be in the best shape possible if and when you are called into action.