Nearly 250 soldiers failed their fitness test last year with strict targets in place for two mile runs, press-ups, and sit-ups.
In an information note, the military said the annual fitness test consisted of three distinct parts. Part One is a BMI measurement with members expected to keep their weight below 30 on the scale. They said: “If an individual has a BMI greater than 30, they must complete a skin calliper test to determine body fat percentage.
For Part Two, soldiers must complete a local muscular and endurance test. This comprises one minute of press-ups, one minute of sit-ups, and a two-mile run, or a three-mile walk for soldiers that are aged over 40.That included 71 from First Brigade, 48 from Second Brigade, 22 from the Defence Forces Training Centre, 40 from the Air Corps, and 65 from the Naval Service.
After their first failure, individual members had twelve weeks in which to retest and “gain the minimum standard”. Ahead of a second retest, they were provided with guidance and a training programme to help them meet their targets.