Page 33 - RADC 2023

Figure 3
RFT(S)
The RFTs are Physical Employment Standards (PES) and designed to assess
the components of fitness required to perform a number of role-related and generic Representative Military Tasks (RMTs). The PES are linked to Soldier Career Employment Groups (CEG), therefore will vary according to role. Below I will highlight the requirements for AMS-2, where the RADC personnel sit.
RFT(S) consists of a bank of 7 x RMTs. RMTs are performed sequentially, as detailed right (Figure 4), with a transitional period/ time between each RMT which is mandated.
RMT 1 – Loaded March
Phase 1 – 2km, 25 min, 35kg. Bergan (Daysack inside), webbing and SA80 rifle. Phase 2 – 2km, 17 min, 21kg (best effort). Daysack, webbing and SA80 rifle.
RMT 2 – Tactical Movement
90m bounds. 7.5m crawl, 7.5m sprint in
20 seconds. Helmet (worn), webbing and SA80 rifle. VIRTUS body armour (complete) only if mobilisation/ deployment.
RMT 3 – Casualty Drag
110kg, 15m, 60s. Helmet (worn), webbing and SA80 rifle (slung to the rear).
RMT 4 – Stretcher Carry
120m, 120s. Helmet (worn), webbing and
SA80 rifle (slung to the rear). RMT 5 – Vertical Lift
60kg. Helmet (worn) and SA80 rifle (slung
to the rear).
RMT 6 – Repeated Lift and Carry
Medium (15kg power bag), 32 shuttles in
10min. Helmet (worn). RMT 7 – Incremental Lift
Overhead – 20kg. Helmet (worn). Shoulder – 25kg. Helmet (worn). 1meter platform – 25kg. Helmet (worn).
This is clearly a more intense test than
the CFT we used to complete where again,
if you had a basic level of fitness, you could carry 15kg (inc rifle) and walk quickly so passed the test. Although, as mentioned above, this is not an annual requirement for RADC personnel in DPHC, it is important that we undertake sufficient structured physical activity which means we are able
to undertake this assessment, with some specific build up training, when required. AGAI 7 states that the CoC for individuals
in non-deployable HQs, post or in non- deployable units (where DPHC falls) are required to provide a minimum of 3 x periods of role-related PT per week.
Here at Abingdon we have ‘green’ PT Fridays where, under the direction of the ERI, we conduct various sessions related
to the RFT(S). We tab, either slow with
ever increasing weight or light and faster,
or conduct intervals running in kit, or train and practice individual RMTs. I can tell you trying to drag a 110kg bag is not easy, and I have height and a bit of weight on my side! For some of our staff this is double their body weight so training in strength and technique really is key and this is unlikely to be accomplished in a short space of time so steady conditioning is needed.
The above is just my view on how we should look at the new fitness requirements so worth hearing from an expert to add a little weight to my argument.
(SI) L Ward
Ma’am, a fantastic informative description
on the implementation and requirements
of the Physical Employment Standards (PES) within the British Army, that have been gradually phased in since the 1 Apr
21. I would like to start off agreeing with
you, a difference in output, yet more role related fitness is required to objectively meet the physical and psychological demands
of service life and its roles, in addition to supporting sustainable healthy living.
The development of PES for Non-GCC roles within the British Army followed the development and implementation of PES for GCC roles. Non-GCC research was based on the NATO Research Task Group, who constructed the Role Fitness Test Soldier (RFT(S)) testing. Which is legally defensible, age and gender-neutral, and developed following extensive scientific research in non-Ground Close Combat (GCC) roles based on detailed role analysis. The underpinning research programme
is internationally recognised and builds
on the experiences of other nations. The tests are objective, measurable and assess all components of fitness. They ensure service personnel have the physical capability to meet force preparation and operational requirements. PES seek to reduce musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) but ensure personnel are fit-for-role through
Figure 4
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