Physical Fitness and the Military

Hi everyone, I'm thinking about going into the military after high school, but I'm a bit concerned about the physical requirements. Do I need to be extremely fit before I sign up or is it something that they'll help me with once I've enlisted? Any info would be really helpful. Appreciate it!

Hey there!

The physical fitness requirements of the military vary from branch to branch, so it would be wise to review the specific requirements of the branch you're interested in joining. Generally, each branch has a basic physical fitness test (PFT) that you'll need to pass throughout your military career, starting with boot camp. This typically includes exercises such as running, sit-ups, and push-ups, and the standards you must meet depend on your age and gender.

Building a basic level of fitness before you enlist can absolutely help make your transition to military life a bit smoother. However, you don't have to be extremely fit before signing up. Basic Training or Boot Camp is designed to physically prepare you for the demands of military service, so you'll receive adequate training to meet (and hopefully exceed) those physical standards once you enlist.

While preparing for enlistment, it would be beneficial for you to start incorporating regular physical activity into your routine if you haven't already. Focus on cardio training, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Regular running and bodyweight exercises (like push-ups and sit-ups) can help prepare you for the physical fitness tests.

However, physical fitness is only a part of what the military is looking for. Traits like discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience are also critical to success in the military, and are equally, if not more important, than physical prowess alone. Good luck on your future endeavor!