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Health & Fitness
Being paid to stay fit and healthy is one of the many benefits of joining the Army. Reaching the minimum fitness level required for entry is well within most people's capability.
How fit must I be to apply?
During the application process you’ll be assessed through (1) completion of a questionnaire relating to your medical history, (2) a physical examination, and (3) a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA). Depending on the role you’re applying for, you’ll need to complete a specified number of exercises during the PFA.
General Entry Combat roles and Officer Entry roles
Female
Push ups: 8
Sit ups (feet held): 45
Shuttle run score: 7.5
Male
Push ups: 15
Sit ups (feet held): 45
Shuttle run score: 7.5
View the General Entry roles within the Combat employment category.
General Entry Combat Support roles
Female
Push ups: 4
Sit ups: 20
Shuttle run score: 6.1
Male
Push ups: 8
Sit ups: 20
Shuttle run score: 6.1
To view the General Entry roles within the Combat Support employment category.
Special Forces must achieve 40 push ups, 60 sit ups, 6 over-grasp heaves (pull-ups) and shuttle runs to level 10.1
We’ve created a guide to help you to get started on your fitness journey, including practising correct techniques for your PFA.
The following videos are designed to help you master the push-up, sit-up and shuttle run technique to help you pass.
Remember that technique is important, because if you don’t execute the exercises correctly, they won’t count.
If you have the attributes and personal drive we’re looking for in the Army but would benefit from additional physical and mental preparation, you may be eligible for the Army Pre-Conditioning Program (APCP).
This program assists in improving your fitness, confidence and resilience to help you unlock your potential and feel prepared for your Initial Military Training.
You can find more information on our flexible enlistment pathways on our Women in the ADF page.
To be eligible, you must be able to achieve a minimum of 2 push-ups, 20 sit-ups and 5.5 shuttle run score.
What about weight?
The maximum allowable BMI for entry to the Army is 32.9 (29.9 for helicopter Pilots). BMIs of less than 18.5 are considered too low as they present a risk of injury during training.
Your BMI will be measured on Assessment Day and again on the day of entry to the Army. You will not be able to join if you are outside the specified range so check your BMI well in advance and if necessary, talk to your doctor about any lifestyle changes you may have to consider.
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Please note that the BMI result is indicative only, and there may be other factors that affect the result. An initial adverse BMI result or failing the pre-entry physical fitness test may not necessarily preclude you from into the ADF. However, some career paths apply stringent standards. For example some aircrew occupations must have a BMI between 18.5 to 29.9, however must have a body weight between 55kg and 105kg (in underwear).
Get fit enough to serve
Attaining the fitness required to join the Army is well within most people's capability. The new ADF Active mobile app is the smarter, more efficient way to reach that level.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Take the Pre-Entry Fitness Assessment to see how close you are to Army requirements. You can also check out your Body Mass Index.
PERSONALISED PROGRAM
From your results, ADF Active creates a personalised program designed to get you to the required fitness level in time for your interview.
TECHNIQUE TRAINING
You'll be shown the correct way to do push-ups and sit-ups, and complete a shuttle run (beep test), with step-by-step instructional videos.
TRACKING & GUIDANCE
Check how you're travelling with stats, graphs and badges, and along the way receive in-app advice and motivation from ADF PT Instructors.
How fit must I be to serve?
For many recruits into the Army the physical exercise they do – which can be quite demanding during training – is all part of the fun. They enjoy improving their health in a supportive team environment.
The actual level of fitness you will be expected to reach varies greatly according to the role you've chosen. For instance, in combat roles the highest level is required while business-related roles require less.
It's also important that you maintain good levels of medical and dental fitness. Therefore regular medical checks, dental treatment and inoculations are compulsory, and all are provided free of charge to full-time personnel.