Military qualifications requirements

Health
1

Comprehensive Fitness and Skills Assessment for U.S. Military Personnel**

I. Entry-Level Fitness Test (Basic Qualification)
Purpose: Ensure that all individuals entering the U.S. military possess a baseline level of physical fitness necessary for initial training and operational readiness.

  1. Testing Criteria for Men and Women:
  • Adjusted for physiological differences while maintaining the standard of readiness.
  • Includes core components such as:
    • 1.5-Mile Run:
      Men: Complete within 1​3 minutes.
      Women: Complete within 1​6 minutes.
      *Push-Ups (2-Minute Time Limit):
      Men: ​40 push-ups minimum (from feet).
      Women: 20 push-ups minimum​ (from feet).
      *Sit-Ups or Plank Hold (​1-Minute Time Limit)      :
      Men: 35 sit-ups or a 60-second plank.
      Women: ​25 sit-ups or a ​50-second plank
  • Individuals must meet or exceed the standard to enter basic training.
  1. Body Composition Test (​Dexascan or Electrical impedance with InBody 570 or better):
    Men: ​below 20% bodyfat
    Women: ​below 30% bodyfat

II. Post-Basic Training Fitness and Skills Test (Advanced Qualification)

Purpose: Certify that individuals have achieved the physical and operational readiness necessary for military service after completing basic training.

  1. Testing Criteria:
    A more challenging fitness test including:
    • 2-Mile Run:
      Men: Complete within 1​5 minutes.
      Women: Complete within 1​8 minutes.
      *Push-Ups (2-Minute Time Limit):
      Men: 40 push-ups minimum.
      Women: 30 push-ups minimum.
      *Plank Hold:
      Both: Maintain for 2 minutes.
  • Military skills assessment:
    Marksmanship with standard-issue firearms.
    Basic tactical maneuvers (e.g., navigation, obstacle courses).
    Load-bearing endurance (e.g., marching 5 miles with a 40-pound pack).
  1. Certification Process:
    Passing all components is mandatory to formally join the military’s ranks beyond training camp.

III. Annual Fitness and Skills Test (Ongoing Qualification)

Purpose: Maintain operational readiness and ensure all service members meet age-appropriate fitness and skills standards throughout their military careers.

  1. Testing Frequency:
  • Conducted yearly for all active-duty personnel.
  • Adjusted standards for age groups: Under 30, 30–39, 40–49, and 50+.
  1. Age-Adjusted Fitness Standards:
    *Run Times:
    Under 30: 2 miles in 14 minutes (men), 16 minutes (women).
    30–39: 2 miles in 15 minutes (men), 17 minutes (women).
    40–49: 2 miles in 16 minutes (men), 18 minutes (women).
    50+: 2 miles in 18 minutes (men), 20 minutes (women).
    *Strength Exercises:
    Push-up and plank requirements decrease slightly with age.
    *Load-Bearing Endurance:
    Pack weights and distances adjusted by age and rank.
  2. Military Skills Assessment:
    ​Semi-annual ​requalifiers in marksmanship, tactical drills, and emergency procedures.
  3. Consequences for Non-Compliance:
    Failure to meet annual standards will result in:
    A probationary period with remedial training.
    Re-evaluation within 3 months.
    Continued failure may lead to reassignment or discharge.

IV. Implementation Timeline

Entry-level fitness tests go into effect immediately for new recruits.
Post-training and annual tests will be phased in over 12 months to allow service members to prepare and adapt.