A comparison of role-related physical fitness between British Army trainees and trained soldiers

Abstract

British Army basic training (BT) and initial trade training (ITT) enable personnel to develop role-related physical capability to perform in-service job-roles. The study aimed to compare physical performance of trainees (completing ITT) and trained soldiers, on a series of gym-based fitness tests and representative military tasks. A total of 316 British Army personnel [68 trainees (63 men: 22 ± 3 years, 71.6 ± 8.4 kg and 1.74 ± 0.07 m) and 248 trained soldiers (225 men: 27 ± 6 years, 78.7 ± 12.7 kg and 1.76 ± 0.08 m)] completed two sessions. Session 1; body mass, stature, age and gym-based tests (2 km run, broad jump, seated medicine ball throw, hex bar deadlift, 100 m shuttle sprints, pull-ups and mid-thigh pull). Session 2; representative military tasks (loaded carriage [stage 1, 4 km, 35–40 kg and 4.8 km h⁻¹ fixed pace and stage 2, 2 km, 20–25 kg and individual best-effort speed], tactical movement, casualty drag, stretcher carry, vertical lift, repeated carry and incremental lift). Independent sample t-tests were employed to examine group differences. Compared to trainees, trained soldiers were older (p < 0.001), heavier (p < 0.001) and scored higher on broad jump (p = 0.024), medicine ball throw (p = 0.007) and mid-thigh pull (p = 0.048), but were slower on 2 km run (p = 0.047), loaded carriage (p < 0.019), tactical movement (p < 0.001) and casualty drag (p < 0.001). Overall, trainees achieve higher scores on aerobic/anaerobic tests, whereas trained soldiers outperform trainees in strength/power-based tests. Although a cross-sectional comparison does not provide strong evidence, the results may indicate that cardiovascular fitness is developed during BT, whereas muscle strength/power develops post BT/ITT. These findings would need confirming by a longitudinal study and could inform the development/management of role-related fitness during BT, ITT and through career.