Join The Regular Force
Members of the Regular Force serve full time protecting Canada and defending our sovereignty. They contribute to international peace and security, and work with the United States to defend North America. They are ready to respond at a moments notice to threats, natural disasters or humanitarian crises at home and around the world.
Each Branch Of The Military Has Different Fitness Standards
If you are thinking of joining the United States Military, you will have to take a military fitness test to enter, as well as every six months once you have completed your basic training and are serving in your military job.
There are five branches of the U.S. Armed Forcesthe Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guardand each have similar but different military PT tests and standards. There are also many ways to join as an officer or enlisted personnel. Below is the list of the regular military fitness tests and the basic requirements for new recruits and officers seeking entrance into the military.
Army Requirements To Join
When joining the Army there are specific age, citizenship, academic, physical and legal qualifications that you must meet first! To qualify for enlistment into the Army, you need these minimum requirements.
Age RequirementsYou must be between the the ages of 17 and 35 . If you are under age 18, you must obtain the consent of your parent or legal guardian. You can read more about the age requirements for joining the Army and about specific job requirements.
Citizenship RequirementsYou must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or a legal permanent resident alien to enlist in the Army. People considered to be aliens who have been lawfully and permanently admitted to the United States and requested permanent residence may enlist BUT with limitations. Nationals of the United States, such as the American Samoa, people who were born in the 50 United States including the commonwealths, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia and people born abroad on a military installation, or born abroad of U.S. parents who were citizens at the time, are eligible for enlistment. Read more about other Army citizenship requirements.
Education RequirementsYou must be either currently in high school or have a high school diploma or GED. If you do not meet this requirement, There are programs that can help. While a high school diploma is most desirable, candidates with a GED can enlist but it may limit some opportunities. Read more about other Army education requirements.
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What Is A Drill
This applies to Reserve and Guard service. Drills are periods of inactive duty training , under orders, scheduled to augment training. No more than two drills can be performed on one calendar day, and each drill must be at least four hours long. Most units schedule multiple drills over one weekend each month .
Air Force Physical Fitness Requirements

If you have your sights set on becoming an Airman, theres good news. As of December 2020, the Air Force removed the waist measurement component of the physical assessment test.
To enter the Air Force Basic Military Training, the gateway to the Air Force, youd need to meet the following requirements:
- Sit-ups: Enlistees and Airmen complete this exercise to ensure they have the core strength to aid in balance, dynamic movement, and overall physical strength necessary for service in the Air Force.
Women and men need to complete 11 sit-ups to enter basic military training.
- Push-ups: Enlistees and Airmen perform push-ups to show they have the level of upper-body strength that is frequently needed to lift and carry equipment and perform dynamic movements and other tasks.
Women and men need to complete 8 push-ups to enter basic military training.
- 5-mile run: This timed run ensures airmen and recruits have the cardiovascular endurance needed for military service.
Women and men need to complete a 1.5 mile run in 18 minutes and 30 seconds.
Graduation requirements differ from those needed to enter Air Force BMT and are based on gender and age. Review the Air Force Basic Military Training website for details.
But keep in mind, new changes are on the horizon for the year 2022. A reveals that the Air Force will soon offer 5 fitness alternatives for Airmen. The article states:
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Army Physical Fitness Test
Army soldiers, reservists and members of the ROTC are required to pass a physical fitness test during basic training and twice per year for the duration of their career. This test is known as the Army Physical Fitness Test, APFT. It consists of push-ups, sit-ups and a two mile run. The requirements to pass the test vary depending on age and sex, and each soldier must receive a score of at least 50 points during basic training and 60 points thereafter, in each category to pass. Use the APFT Calculator at GoArmy to compute your scores while preparing for the test.
Career Path And Progression
When you join the army, you sign up for 4 years. You can leave at any time after this as long as you give 12 months’ notice. If you want to stay you can extend your 4-year contract.
With training and experience you could move up through the ranks or into a specialist unit like the commandos. You could also gain a commission to become an officer which would give you a higher salary.
You could move into a wide range of careers after leaving the army. The Career Transition Partnership, Quest and Troops to Teachers have more information on careers outside the armed forces.
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Chances Of Getting A Job
Chances of getting a job as an army soldier are good because:
- the Army usually recruits up to 500 soldiers a year to replace those leaving
- the Army needs to replace ageing workers due to retire in the next 10 years.
Although there is good demand for army soldiers, competition for some specialist roles can be high.
The New Zealand Army is made up of around 4500 staff.
Air Force Physical Requirements
The Air Force Physical Fitness Testwhich the service overhauled in 2013requires the following exercises: push-ups for one minute, sit-ups for one minute, and a 1.5-mile timed run. Though the Air Force calls their abdominal exercise “sit-ups,” they are actually crunches, if you define sit-ups as placing inter-locked hands behind your head. The Air Force sit-up is the same exercise as the Navy crunch.
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I Have Adhd Can I Join The Army
Yes. Previously ADD or ADHD was automatically disqualifying, but today it is only disqualifying if the applicant has been treated with ADD/ADHD medicine within the previous year or if they display obvious signs of the condition. If you are concerned about ADHD medical prescriptions, talk to your recruiter about potential options.
How Long Will I Serve
Enlisted positions typically require an initial service commitment of four years, but positions involving longer-term training may involve five- or six-year obligations.
Officerpositions typically require an initial service commitment of three to five years, but positions involving longer-term training may involve longer service obligations.
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What Can I Do If I Am Found To Be Ineligible To Join The Army
In many cases, ineligibility means you will not be able to join in the Army or other military branches. However, in some circumstances the Army will provide waivers to help ensure potential recruits are able to join and serve. For questions about specific Army waivers and your potential eligibility, talk to a local recruiter to learn more about available options.
Army Physical Fitness Requirements

According to the official Army website, the definition of physical fitness is, The ability to function effectively in physical work, training, and other activities, while still having enough energy left over to handle any emergencies that may arise.
The past Army Physical Fitness Test consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. In October 2020, the Army switched to the new Army Combat Fitness Test which consists of the following six events:
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Submit Your Application 5interview
The next step is an interview with a military career counsellor it is your official job interview and a very important step. The application process is very competitive and you will be asked questions about your work history, knowledge of the Canadian Forces, and understanding of the job you selected.
Joining the Canadian Armed Forces
What If I Have A Problem Getting Time Off From My Employer To Fulfill My Reserve Military Service Obligations
By law, as a member of the Reserve, you, upon request, must be granted a leave of absence to satisfy a requirement for military training. The Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act requires employers to provide Reservists with time away from their jobs to perform military duty. However, you must notify your employer that you intend to take military leave. You must be reemployed after completion of your military duty and return to your job within a reasonable time. You must be treated as though you had never left employment, including scheduled pay raises, promotions or credit for longevity or vacation. Your employer only has to hold a job open for 60 months if you accept voluntary orders.
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Submit Your Application 4medical Exam
You will then take a two part medical exam: First there is a questionnaire on your medical history including specific information on your medication. Then the medical staff will conduct a physical exam to measure your height, weight, evaluate your vision, colour perception and hearing. The second step is a medical file review to determine any limitations that will affect your training and career.
How Do I Qualify For Army Ocs
In general terms, an officer must be a college or university graduate before commissioning , is trained by the Army to lead and manage, and voluntarily can leave the military if not under any officer service obligation at the time. To qualify, you must:
- At least 19 years old and not have reached your 29th birthday before training
- A U.S. citizen
- A college graduate with a four-year degree or higher, or for the Army Reserve option, you must have completed 90 semester hours
- Healthy and in good physical condition
- In good moral standing
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Serving As A Single Parent
For the most part, single parents cannot enlist in the active military unless they relinquish custody of their child, or receive a waiver. The Navy requires a waiver for any applicant with more than one dependent, including a spouse. Marines require a waiver for applicants with any dependent under 18, and the Air Force will conduct a financial eligibility determination for applicants with any dependents. The Army requires a waiver when an applicant has two or more dependents in addition to a spouse.
What Is Army Basic Training Like
Red Phase : In this phase you’ll start your transformation from volunteer to soldier. You’ll learn the Army values and fundamentals of soldiering. You’ll also take the Army Physical Fitness Test .
White Phase : White Phase, also known as the Rifleman or Gunfighter Phase. This phase focuses heavily on combat skills and is all about marksmanship.
Blue Phase : These weeks include a lot of testing. During them you’ll also learn leadership skills and self-discipline, and improve your understanding of teamwork.
Basic training graduation : The final week is all about capping your training, followed by sharing your accomplishments with your friends and family.
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Us Army Education Requirements
Did you graduate from high school or pass the General Educational Development test? If so, you may qualify to join the Army.
Although many young adults mistakenly believe they can drop out of high school and join the military, this is actually not the case.
I realize it may be tempting to think that a life in the Army would be less stressful than doing math and social studies homework. However, this could not be further from the truth.
Serving in the Army requires dedication, hard work and critical thinking. Dropping out of high school is a sure sign that you may not meet the character traits required to join the U.S. Army.
Sure, you can enlist with only a high school diploma but what if one day you want to be an officer instead of a soldier?
Do you dream of planning missions and giving orders? If so, youll need a four-year college degree to become an officer in the U.S. Army.
What Is The Us Military Academy

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York trains Army officers. Its mission is to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor, country professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation.
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Can I Join The Army With Tattoos Are There Restrictions
Yes, you can join with tattoos, as long as they are not visible above your collar or below your cuff. The Army does not typically accept individuals with tattoos on their hands, wrists, face, or neck. Tattoos anywhere above the neckline or on the head, including in the mouth, ears, or eyelids, disqualifies a candidate. A tattoo waiver is available for candidates who have disqualifying tattoos. However, tattoos that are extremist, racist, sexist, or indecent are prohibited anywhere on a Soldiers body, without exception.
What Does The Ged Involve
The GED refers to the General Education Development Test. Earning a GED provides an alternative to earning the traditional high school diploma. The GED exam includes four separate tests that you may schedule on the same day or on different days. Each test typically requires at least an hour, and each test focuses on one of the main testing subject areas, which are:
- Science
- Reasoning through language arts
- Mathematical reasoning
GED tests include multiple choice, long-form and essay questions. People pursuing a GED often hire tutors, enroll in preparatory courses and/or complete practice exams for the tests. To earn your GED, you must earn at least a score of 145 out of 200 on all four of your individual tests. Scores within the 165 to 174 range or 175 to 200 range show a preparedness for college courses or may entitle you to college credit hours.
GED requirements vary by state. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old to take the exam. However, some states make exceptions, such as offering the exam to 16- and 17-year-olds who have permission from their parent or legal guardian.
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Joining The South African National Defence Force
The South African National Defence Force has four arms of service, namely the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy and SA Military Health Service and offers young, fit and mentally strong citizens the chance to follow a military career by joining the Military Skills Development System .
If you are looking for a career in either one of the SANDF arms of service, means of recruitment, according to the Department of Defence , is through either direct recruitment or most commonly through the MSDS. Careers in the DOD and civilian careers can be seen on their website here.
The MSDS is a Department of Defence programme that serves as the entry-level platform for young South Africans who want to follow a career in the South African National Defence Force.
If you are selected to join the South African National Defence Force through the MSDS, you will undergo an initial period of two years voluntary service. In the first year, you will receive military training and further functional training. In the second year, you will be deployed where needed. During the deployment, you will get an opportunity to apply your knowledge and develop your skills. After the two years, you will either continue as part of the Reserve Force or receive a contract offer to join the Regular Force.
Selected members with the required academic qualifications are also sent to universities or the Military Academy.
To qualify for the MSDS programme, you should:
First Year of Military Skills Development Service: