RAF Fitness Test - Soon to be twice a year!
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I hate to point it out old chap, but the only souls that seem to fall over with heat stroke/heart attacks out in theatre are the mentallists who are so into their Phys that they insist on sticking to their traning regime in the heat of the sun. The fact is, we have been fit enough in recent times to do a bl00dy good job in two very demanding theatres in recent years, the likes of which we have not seen since WW2. So what has changed? This scheme will last 6 months just like all the others; as soon as they realise the scale of the problem, we will revert back to the old system with the old limits whilst in the mean time, we are going to have to put up with the obvious d*ck dance of two tests a year for B*gger all reason. 
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AI R You didn't say so but are you also advocating a reduced "output" to cover the time lost from the day-job? Depending on Branch/Trade that would mean fewer machines on the flightline/in the air or, say, reduced air traffic movements; unless one invokes the services of the arbeit fairy. Is that what you meant? As you say, that would need some commitment from CAS downwards.
I saw something similar to this in relation to an Ex CAPE PETREL when CBFFI was an infantry wallah. He wanted everyone in Theatre to take part in Stags and weapon training for the last stand against the Orange hordes. Went down like a brick budgerigar with the Eng types and Stackers. He still wanted the same availability and readiness from the Ten, the Tonkas and the HELOs; plus Timmy turnrounds and all the supporting bits. It wasn’t my problem as it wasn’t my shade of blue but I could certainly sympathise with them. The principle is the same. You can’t get a litre of beer out of a pint bottle.
I saw something similar to this in relation to an Ex CAPE PETREL when CBFFI was an infantry wallah. He wanted everyone in Theatre to take part in Stags and weapon training for the last stand against the Orange hordes. Went down like a brick budgerigar with the Eng types and Stackers. He still wanted the same availability and readiness from the Ten, the Tonkas and the HELOs; plus Timmy turnrounds and all the supporting bits. It wasn’t my problem as it wasn’t my shade of blue but I could certainly sympathise with them. The principle is the same. You can’t get a litre of beer out of a pint bottle.
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we have a duty to ensure they are fit
...Who do you blame it on?
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MJ..
Where, if my memory serves me correctly, after enduring several refreshments, we were ferried back to the squadron by an MT coach?...happy days...
Where, if my memory serves me correctly, after enduring several refreshments, we were ferried back to the squadron by an MT coach?...happy days...
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Solved it! We all do the 1 1/2 mile run as a race to the biggest bar available. Everyone who gets there within the allocated time gets free pint from the Boss. Anyone who doesn't, has to buy a round. If you have to buy 3 rounds in 3 years, you have to pack your bags! - It's gotta work!
....I digress.... I'm 54, have never had a problem don't mind doing 2 a year, make it 4 if it makes someone feel better. Tell me though, why is it the young lads on my station can't even keep up on the golf fairway? They all look knackered after the first 3 fairways! Are we accepting a lower fitness level on entry now?
Old Gits Rule
....I digress.... I'm 54, have never had a problem don't mind doing 2 a year, make it 4 if it makes someone feel better. Tell me though, why is it the young lads on my station can't even keep up on the golf fairway? They all look knackered after the first 3 fairways! Are we accepting a lower fitness level on entry now?
Old Gits Rule
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VinRouge,
Sure, I can think of a few extremely fiot folk who collapse, but they do that wherever they are.. and lets not confuse medical with physical fitness either. Folk who look after themselves are more likely to have increased stamina, powers of concentration and they can operate far longer too.
We should all aim for as high a standard of physical fitness as possible, and not simply accepting of 'getting by'. I'm not advocating silly extremes, but there is not much margin for safety in just in getting by. Detachments are getting longer and longer and the demands are getting greater and greater. I cannot see any problem in a test which might last as long as it takes to read this thread, highlighting any problems in/to someone.
Sure, I can think of a few extremely fiot folk who collapse, but they do that wherever they are.. and lets not confuse medical with physical fitness either. Folk who look after themselves are more likely to have increased stamina, powers of concentration and they can operate far longer too.
We should all aim for as high a standard of physical fitness as possible, and not simply accepting of 'getting by'. I'm not advocating silly extremes, but there is not much margin for safety in just in getting by. Detachments are getting longer and longer and the demands are getting greater and greater. I cannot see any problem in a test which might last as long as it takes to read this thread, highlighting any problems in/to someone.
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Dear vecvechookattack,
If I had a responsibility for the performance and results of the men in my charge, it would be my responsibility. I would certainly not pass the buck because I was afraid that asking them to go to gym for an hour would result in a collective crewroom chunter. Thankfully, most folk look after themselves now anyway.
At a half marathon near London recently, there were a load of young lads (too old to be recruits by the looks of it) with Benevolent Fund T shirts running. My next door neighbour (a 46 year old retired chief) beat them around, in fact 2 out of the 8 didn't even finish. He's only been training for 3 months, so there has to be something wrong somewhere if thats the situation.
I know that the RAF isn't likely to tab 13 miles into theatre anytime soon, but its still indicative of a potential problem. And I know too that although it isn't trendy, but whatever the branch or trade, a healthy body does lead to a healthy mind.. or as FS Curtis (ex Queens Colour Sqn) said to me before he released my bedpack out of the window one morning 'Shiny boots, shiny mind son'. lol
If I had a responsibility for the performance and results of the men in my charge, it would be my responsibility. I would certainly not pass the buck because I was afraid that asking them to go to gym for an hour would result in a collective crewroom chunter. Thankfully, most folk look after themselves now anyway.
At a half marathon near London recently, there were a load of young lads (too old to be recruits by the looks of it) with Benevolent Fund T shirts running. My next door neighbour (a 46 year old retired chief) beat them around, in fact 2 out of the 8 didn't even finish. He's only been training for 3 months, so there has to be something wrong somewhere if thats the situation.
I know that the RAF isn't likely to tab 13 miles into theatre anytime soon, but its still indicative of a potential problem. And I know too that although it isn't trendy, but whatever the branch or trade, a healthy body does lead to a healthy mind.. or as FS Curtis (ex Queens Colour Sqn) said to me before he released my bedpack out of the window one morning 'Shiny boots, shiny mind son
'. lol
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Dear GBZ,
I agree, there has to be common sense. But we're talking about an hour or so here. To my mind, I would have no problems at all in parading the troops and telling them that they'll be coming in at 07:00 the next day to carry out a fitness test. I would have pre briefed the sterling JNCOs to deal with the inevitable domestic dramas.
Its the military, I would expect my chain of command to fight my corner too, but at the same time, we all sign on knowing that we might have to actually work before 08:00 sometimes.
As an aside, I am reminded of one chap who attended CCS training in absolutely minging kit. He was a SNCO so before inspecting them, I took him to one side and suggested that as he was a bag of shyte, he might like to avoid the parade and the humiliation which would surely result. 'Thanks Al' he said '.. the wife only does one dark wash a week'.
Is it any wonder eh?
I agree, there has to be common sense. But we're talking about an hour or so here. To my mind, I would have no problems at all in parading the troops and telling them that they'll be coming in at 07:00 the next day to carry out a fitness test. I would have pre briefed the sterling JNCOs to deal with the inevitable domestic dramas.
Its the military, I would expect my chain of command to fight my corner too, but at the same time, we all sign on knowing that we might have to actually work before 08:00 sometimes.
As an aside, I am reminded of one chap who attended CCS training in absolutely minging kit. He was a SNCO so before inspecting them, I took him to one side and suggested that as he was a bag of shyte, he might like to avoid the parade and the humiliation which would surely result. 'Thanks Al' he said '.. the wife only does one dark wash a week'.
Is it any wonder eh?
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Al R,
It is indeed divisive to hear senior officers sniping during CCS in front of the troops. It's just a day after all, shut up, get on with it, and be part of the team.
But why it is voluntary for wg cdrs and above ..............?
And as for fitness, where are all the other jobs outside that promote fitness, sport and adventurous training as part of the lifestyle (accepted that current ops prevent many from doing as much as they'd like)? Isn't this what motivates some for staying in uniform despite the chip, chip, chipping
It is indeed divisive to hear senior officers sniping during CCS in front of the troops. It's just a day after all, shut up, get on with it, and be part of the team.
But why it is voluntary for wg cdrs and above ..............?
And as for fitness, where are all the other jobs outside that promote fitness, sport and adventurous training as part of the lifestyle (accepted that current ops prevent many from doing as much as they'd like)? Isn't this what motivates some for staying in uniform despite the chip, chip, chipping
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Firstly, you do not have the responsibility for the performance and results of the men in your charge...that is their responsibility.
Secondly, don't ask them to go to the gym you woooss...tell them to go to the gym.
Secondly, don't ask them to go to the gym you woooss...tell them to go to the gym.
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Firstly, you do not have the responsibility for the performance and results of the men in your charge...that is their responsibility.
Secondly, don't ask them to go to the gym you woooss...tell them to go to the gym.
Secondly, don't ask them to go to the gym you woooss...tell them to go to the gym.
http://www.army.mod.uk/servingsoldie...html#integrity
Sure, I know its 'only' army, but hey. Perhaps your version would read: "Commanders may be occasionally reminded that they have variable levels of responsibility for the well-being of some of their subordinates, and that occasionaly, disregard or abuse of that responsibility might possibly amount to neglect."?
I'm quite happy at telling men to go to the gym. Its just that in the Regiment, I didn't have to do it all that often.
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This is a post I made in 2005 about this same farce
"I know at least 5 chaps over the last 10 years who killed themselves trying to keep fit at lunchtime or to pass the test - 2 of them had RAF colours for Squash and Athletics
I was lucky when the 1992 test came in - in my age group, I was technically allowed a week to walk the length of the gym - I decided on the easier option and drove past the gym on the way home. I maintained (and still do) my fitness, on my diet, lifestyle and choice of exercise, hence, I continue as "FIT" in my Log Book, with a PME of A1G1Z1.
Fitness is not measured by bleeps; it's measured by heart/pulse recovery rate after physical exertion
That's why some people can still breath through their nose having run 100m in 10 secs, but cannot manage 15 press-ups in the required bleep time"
"Love Many, Trust a Few, They're chasing stats and looking at you!"
"I know at least 5 chaps over the last 10 years who killed themselves trying to keep fit at lunchtime or to pass the test - 2 of them had RAF colours for Squash and Athletics
I was lucky when the 1992 test came in - in my age group, I was technically allowed a week to walk the length of the gym - I decided on the easier option and drove past the gym on the way home. I maintained (and still do) my fitness, on my diet, lifestyle and choice of exercise, hence, I continue as "FIT" in my Log Book, with a PME of A1G1Z1.
Fitness is not measured by bleeps; it's measured by heart/pulse recovery rate after physical exertion
That's why some people can still breath through their nose having run 100m in 10 secs, but cannot manage 15 press-ups in the required bleep time"
"Love Many, Trust a Few, They're chasing stats and looking at you!"
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What is the problem?
I really don't see what the problem is.
Fit bloke/bird takes 2 hours a year to go to the gym and prove he/she can pass the FT. Gets the tick in the box and then carries on with his/her healthy lifestyle, job done.
Fat bloke/bird goes to the gym, fails the fitness test and a period of compulsorary training 3 times a week ensues. This training continues until fat Bloke/Bird becomes fit Bloke/Bird. Admittedly two things could then hapeen, either a. former fat person sees the benefit of a healthy lifestyle and continues that way, or b. fat person reverts to type, fails next fitness test and then the cycle continues.
Either way, at any given time, the average fitness of the RAF will be higher than it is now. In fact if the number of test were increased to 4 per year this would improve things even further as those at the bottom end of the fitness scale would be on compulsorary PT 3 times a week.
However, remedial PT must be made compulsorary and attendance must be enforced (except were operational circumstances are more important, however, I suggest that on a MOB these are few and far between).
Anyone complaining that they are having to take time out of their working day have the opportunity to get fit and then continue to keep fit in their own time. Any sections who complain that they cannot cope with people being away for compulsorary PT because of increased workload should mark those on compulsorary PT down in their Teamwork score on their annual report, oh sorry, too many people write Fairy Stories instead of accurate reports these days. How many overweight people still get good marks in the Appearance and Bearing box? However, that is another thread....
Bear
Fit bloke/bird takes 2 hours a year to go to the gym and prove he/she can pass the FT. Gets the tick in the box and then carries on with his/her healthy lifestyle, job done.
Fat bloke/bird goes to the gym, fails the fitness test and a period of compulsorary training 3 times a week ensues. This training continues until fat Bloke/Bird becomes fit Bloke/Bird. Admittedly two things could then hapeen, either a. former fat person sees the benefit of a healthy lifestyle and continues that way, or b. fat person reverts to type, fails next fitness test and then the cycle continues.
Either way, at any given time, the average fitness of the RAF will be higher than it is now. In fact if the number of test were increased to 4 per year this would improve things even further as those at the bottom end of the fitness scale would be on compulsorary PT 3 times a week.
However, remedial PT must be made compulsorary and attendance must be enforced (except were operational circumstances are more important, however, I suggest that on a MOB these are few and far between).
Anyone complaining that they are having to take time out of their working day have the opportunity to get fit and then continue to keep fit in their own time. Any sections who complain that they cannot cope with people being away for compulsorary PT because of increased workload should mark those on compulsorary PT down in their Teamwork score on their annual report, oh sorry, too many people write Fairy Stories instead of accurate reports these days. How many overweight people still get good marks in the Appearance and Bearing box? However, that is another thread....
Bear
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
BB, good theory but don't be blinded by the twice a year test. In conjunction with the bi-annual test will be 3 times per week physical activities too. The test is a mere side show.
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PN, true, but the thread was originally concerning the bi-annual fitness test. I believe that the 3 times a week PT is still advisorary and I'm sure that it is obvious who are the people who train in their own time and therefore can be excused the advisorary 3 times a week PT. However, if someone was blagging this then all they would have to do is fail one fitness test and hey presto they are no longer excused advisorary PT. As for those who are PT dodgers, they would soon be on compusorary PT anyway.
Bear
Bear
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Whats wrong with fizz 3 times a week?
Buoy,
The real world isn't like that. It isn't today, it wasn't in 2005 and it wasn't in 1985 either. At least it wasn't on my deployments, but there again, I never had hotels to stay in (not that I'm bitter). But I've been thinking and I can't remember once having to sprint 100 metres and then do 15 press ups whilst out on ops.
And regarding the folk who died while keeping fit, are you suggesting that fatties are statistically medically fitter than physically fit people?
Buoy,
The real world isn't like that. It isn't today, it wasn't in 2005 and it wasn't in 1985 either. At least it wasn't on my deployments, but there again, I never had hotels to stay in (not that I'm bitter). But I've been thinking and I can't remember once having to sprint 100 metres and then do 15 press ups whilst out on ops.
And regarding the folk who died while keeping fit, are you suggesting that fatties are statistically medically fitter than physically fit people?
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Didn't we have an identical thread a few months ago on this. That one ran to about seven or eight pages too.
I think that the bottom line is that those that are fat and unfit will always find a good excuse/reason to stay that way and that those that recognise the benefits of a healthy lifestyle will continue to be dismayed by their arguments.
For what it's worth, I believe that personal fitness is a personal responsibility whether you be an airman, private, road sweeper or Mcdonalds worker. It's not just about doing the job, it's also about self respect, dignaty, pride...........
BTW, I'm not a gym queen, I just recognise the benefits of not looking like a space hopper or breathing like a sweating bulldog.
I think that the bottom line is that those that are fat and unfit will always find a good excuse/reason to stay that way and that those that recognise the benefits of a healthy lifestyle will continue to be dismayed by their arguments.
For what it's worth, I believe that personal fitness is a personal responsibility whether you be an airman, private, road sweeper or Mcdonalds worker. It's not just about doing the job, it's also about self respect, dignaty, pride...........
BTW, I'm not a gym queen, I just recognise the benefits of not looking like a space hopper or breathing like a sweating bulldog.
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I think that the bottom line is that those that are fat and unfit will always find a good excuse/reason to stay that way and that those that recognise the benefits of a healthy lifestyle will continue to be dismayed by their arguments.
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I knew I would regret joining this thread!
Maple: Surely it's not the PTI's that are making the policy, only facilitating it being carried out? In the same way that you can't blame an Adminer if allowances are cut.
Why is it that anyone who promotes a healthy lifestyle must obviously be a gym queen? I think that Hatchet Harriet would quite appreciate it if I went a little more often and carried less of my middle age spread. Not a gym queen, but at the same time, I know where it is!
Maple: Surely it's not the PTI's that are making the policy, only facilitating it being carried out? In the same way that you can't blame an Adminer if allowances are cut.
Why is it that anyone who promotes a healthy lifestyle must obviously be a gym queen? I think that Hatchet Harriet would quite appreciate it if I went a little more often and carried less of my middle age spread. Not a gym queen, but at the same time, I know where it is!