Military Fitness Testing

Why must CF members be fit?
• To meet operational requirements
• To perform under a wide range of geographical and environmental conditions
• To help cope with stress
• To present a positive image
• To be ready to respond on short notice Why conduct an evaluation?
• To measure specific capabilities, development and progression of an individual
• To assess individual and unit program effectiveness
• To confirm operational abilities
• To provide motivation

Introduction Video

The Canadian Armed Forces developed a Minimum Physical Fitness Standard (MPFS) for all military personnel, regardless of trade classification, age or gender. Extensive research provided 5 Common Military Tasks, which all personnel might be expected to perform in time of emergency. This rationale was used as the basis to establish Bona Fide Occupational Requirements (BFOR) in compliance with the Charter of Human Rights.

5 Common Tasks consist of:

1.  Sea evacuation. 
Aim: Simulate casualty evacuation during a fire on board a ship.
- Men and women under 35: 210 seconds
- Men and women 35 and above: 277 seconds

2.  Land stretcher evacuation. 
Aim: Simulate a land evacuation of a casualty on a stretcher over a distance of 750m.
- Men and women under 35: 900 seconds
- Men and women 35 and above: 1188 seconds

3.   Low-high crawl. 
Aim: Simulate conditions of self-protection when moving in front of enemy fire.
- Men and women under 35: 140 seconds
- Men and women 35 and above: 185 seconds

4.   Entrenchment dig. 
Aim: Simulate self-protection in face of enemy fire by digging an entrenchment.
- Men and women under 35: 510 seconds
- Men and women 35 and above: 673 seconds

5.  Sandbag carry.
Aim: Simulate self protection or protection of others from natural elements.
- Men and women under 35: 12 sandbags in 10 minutes
- Men and women 35 and above: 9 sandbags in 10 minutes

The MPFS for the Canadian Forces was developed as a series of fitness protocols that were chosen based on their ability to predict CF members aptitude to complete the 5 Common Military Tasks.
By completing the predictive fitness protocols to the standards listed in the CF EXPRES chart which can be found on the CF EXPRES home page, the CF member has accurately demonstrated that they have the fitness levels necessary to complete the 5 Common Tasks.

Things to know:

CF Applicant Testing
CF Pre Evaluations
CF Fitness Testing

For more information, please contact the Fitness Coordinator at (204) 765-3000 ext 3899.