Prepare Yourself, Body & Mind
Each branch or department has it’s own fitness standard, make sure you’re ready for anything.
Military training is a full-time job! Basic training consists of long days and nights for several weeks. Getting into the habit of working out in the morning, going to school or work during the day, then doing something in the evening…maybe another workout or running, or even studying are all things that will help prepare you. You need to learn how to put in the time.
FITNESS TESTS
Measurements of strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness are the foundation of each fitness test. There are different requirements for each branch of our military, but each of them include a timed run and various strength tests. The assessments for the Army and Marines include tests to evaluate real-world combat readiness. Improving your strength, endurance, and respiratory fitness now will keep you from struggling through these tests.
WEIGHT/BODY FAT
On top of the fitness requirements, there are weight and body fat (minimum and maximum) limits that must be met in order to be considered for enlistment.
If you are overweight, or near the maximum weight/body-fat limits, it’s best to get started sooner. Bottom line, if you don’t meet the requirements, you may not even be able complete your basic military training.
PREVENT INJURY
If you arrive at basic military training unprepared physically, the risk of injury is significantly increased. Depending on injury, you may fail your fitness test and you may not recover in time to graduate. Failure will result in being rolled into other training classes or being sent home, unable to complete basic military training.