OASC Bulletin 6
During this bulletin, we would like to cover the Selection Fitness Testing procedure which took effect on 01 Apr 10.
The Selection Fitness Test
All candidates attending the OASC for selection after the 1 Apr 2010 will be required to undertake the Selection Fitness Test (SFT), which replaced the use of the Royal Air Force Fitness Test (RAFFT) for selection purposes. This change took place to enable all candidates to prepare thoroughly against known criteria.The SFT comprises a 1.5 mile run on a treadmill followed by an assessment of the maximum number of press-ups and sit-ups an individual can achieve in one minute of each exercise. Candidates who do not achieve the required standard will not be offered a place to enter training in the Royal Air Force. Therefore, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to pass the SFT and it is strongly recommended that an individual ensures that they are capable of reaching the minimum required standards prior to attending OASC and to maintain their fitness pending entry to the Service.
Standards for Fitness Testing
The standards for all three elements of the SFT reflect what the 'average' person (by age and gender) should achieve. Amber represents the minimum level of fitness that will permit candidates entry into training. However, due to the intensity of the initial officer training course, experience has shown that even with an Amber level of fitness, cadets may still struggle with one or more aspects of the training; their lack of fitness will affect their performance in terms of physical robustness and mental stamina. Green represents the Service desired level of fitness at selection and for entry into training. Unfortunately, the site format will not allow us to submit a neat table so we have had to improvise below. PU = Press ups, SU = Sit ups
Male 1.5 Mile Run entry standard
Age...Run (PU SU) Run (PU SU)
17-29 11.11 (20 35) 10.12 (40 41)
30-34 11.36 (19 32) 10.32 (37 38)
35-39 12.00 (18 29) 10.55 (34 35)
40-44 12.26 (17 26) 11.11 (31 32)
45-49 12.54 (16 23) 11.40 (28 29)
50-54 13.27 (15 20) 12.04 (25 26)
Female 1.5 Mile Run entry standard
Age..
Run (PU SU) Run (PU SU)
17-29 13.23 (10 32) 12.08 (20 38)
30-34 13.47 ( 9 29 ) 12.33 (19 35)
35-39 14.13 ( 8 26 ) 13.05 (18 32)
40-44 14.48 ( 7 23 ) 13.35 (16 29)
45-49 15.19 ( 6 20 ) 14.18 (14 26)
50-54 15.53 ( 5 17 ) 14.56 (12 23)
The 1.5 Mile Run in more detail
The 1.5 Mile run involves running on a treadmill at zero inclination in the shortest time possible. The candidate will control all settings on the running machine and will have been made aware of how distance and pace are displayed on the running machine during the brief. It will be the candidate's responsibility to adjust the pace of the machine in order to achieve the required standard. It is, therefore, incumbent on the candidate to push themselves to complete the test in the quickest time. The run will commence on a signal from the PTI who will offer verbal reminders of time elapsed, pace and target times.
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.
Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
Last edited by OASC; 8th Jun 2011 at 13:21.