Annual Fitness Test

In the British Army, the Annual Fitness Test is designed to assess soldiers' lower and upper body strength and endurance. The test involves a fast paced march at 15 minutes per mile (brisk walking pace), in full combat gear including the SA80 personal weapon, across rough terrain and roads. The distance covered and the exact weight of the equipment carried depends upon the type of unit, but is usually 6 or 8 miles and 15kg to 25kg dependent on service or arm.

Typically, British Army Infantry units will carry the most weight (25kg). Combat Support Arms (Royal Engineers, Royal Corps of Signals, Intelligence Corps and Royal Artillery) carry a lower amount of weight (20kg). Combat Service Support Arms such as the Army Medical Services, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Adjutant General's Corps carry the lowest (15kg). Female soldiers carry the same weight as their male counterparts, determined by their cap badge.