All candidates who have been recommended for appointment or enlistment must undergo a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) prior to entry. This includes the Multistage Fitness Test (or shuttle run) to measure your aerobic capacity. Army candidates must also perform push-ups and sit-ups. The required standards for the PFA are listed below:
Here are some tips for individual Services
Army
The PFA consists of a shuttle run, push-ups and sit-ups.
- Male Requirement:
- Push-Up: 15, Sit-Up: 45, Shuttle Run: 7.5.
- Female Requirement:
- Push-Up: 8, Sit-Up: 45, Shuttle Run: 7.5.
For Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme (SFDRS) candidates, the PFA standards are:
- Push-Up: 30, Sit-Up: 60, Shuttle Run: 10.
Candidates for Army Reserve Officers for the RMC-A Special Service Officer course are to meet the Army Basic Fitness Assessment (BFA) for age. They are not required to attempt the PFA. This policy also applies to ARA Chaplains and Doctors.
Air Force
The PFA for Air Force entry consists of the shuttle run to a standard of 6.5.
Navy
The PFA for Navy entry consists of the shuttle run to a standard of 6.1.
The only exceptions are Navy Clearance Diver and Naval Reserve Diver applicants, who must pass the PFA at the following standards:
- Heaves (chin-ups): 6, Push-Ups: 30, Sit-Ups: 25, Shuttle Run: 10.
The multistage fitness test
The Multistage fitness test consists of a shuttle run made up of a series of 20 metre sprints. Each level of the test is composed of a number of sprints or "shuttles". As the test progresses, the time allowed for each shuttle reduces and has the effect of increasing the running speed necessary to complete the shuttle in the time allowed. The test begins at a speed just above a quick walking pace and increases to a full running speed by the time level 7.5 is reached. The test to level 7.5 involves 56 shuttles (that is, 1120 metres will be run), and takes approximately 6 minutes and 30 seconds to complete.
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Why we do it
The aim of the PFA is to determine if a potential recruit is at a sufficient level of fitness to safely commence training. This assessment must be passed at some time during the 8 weeks prior to enlistment for the Navy or Air Force and 4 weeks prior to enlistment for Army. Failure to pass will make you ineligible to join.
Equally, high standards of physical fitness are necessary for ADF members to effectively carry out operational tasks to which they have been assigned. All ADF personnel must be capable of achieving and maintaining a prescribed level of physical fitness as a function of operational preparedness. Personnel are required to undergo regular physical assessments to ensure they are maintaining the required level of physical fitness.