FTP, ZH
The levels have gone up because people were able to pass the test without having to exercise regularly, therefore actually defeating the whole object of the test.
You also have to remember that when it was introduced, an annual test of fitness was a massive step away from what had gone before, that there was a huge worry that someone would have a heart attack if they were pushed too hard. Therefore, pass marks were probably set at a lower level than they could have been. (IIRC the AFB wanted everything to be much harder but were persuaded otherwise by the PEd Branch and the Medics). It's been in long enough now that everyone should (in theory) have been exercising for some time, so standards could be raised to more appropriate levels (in stages, which explains two increases).
The 'Best Efforts' was brought in because people wanted to be able to see how fit they were. Again, now that there was lower risk of people keeling over with a heart attack, it was felt that this could be allowed. You can still stop at the required pass level if you want to. You don't have to go further, but you can if you want to.
AC O
If we just advertised the benefits that one can get from exercising regularly no one would change their behaviours. The RAFFT is designed provide an incentive to exercise - ie if you do, you will be able to pass the tests. The hope is that once an individual begins to exercise and finds out how good it feels to be fit, they will carry on exercising because they want to, not because they have. And in some/ many cases it has worked: in others (obviously including some on these fora
), it may not.
No one could be discharged for failing to meet the level required - or if they were they would likely sue the MOD and win, as previously discussed. The only sanctions now in place are for poor attitude and not physically undertaking the remedial package, rather than for failing to meet the standard.
MM