We don’t expect you to be a world-class athlete to join the RAF, but you do need to have a good level of basic fitness. This is both for your own well-being and so that you can carry out your work effectively, whatever your job.

Find out more about getting fit to join the RAF.

Officers, Non-Commissioned Aircrew and Non-Commissioned Air Traffic Controllers – The Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre

As well as being fit, you’ll need to be a leader and make decisions under pressure. Potential Officers spend three days at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) at RAF Cranwell. You’ll undertake a variety of fitness and aptitude assessments.

Airmen - The Pre-Joining Fitness Test

You’ve filled in your application form and aced your interview; now all that stands between you and a potential RAF career is 1.5 miles on a treadmill and some press-ups and sit-ups.

Everyone who applies to join the RAF has to undertake some kind of fitness assessment. Airmen/airwomen must complete the Pre-Joining Fitness Test, which is held at the nearest AFCO or a local gym. The test is a 1.5-mile run on a treadmill, which must be completed within the time allocated. A specified number of press-ups and sit-ups must also be completed successfully.

RAF Regiment – The RAF Regiment Pre-joining Fitness Test

RAF Regiment Gunners carry out combat operations all over the world. Therefore they need to be very fit, so their specialised pre-joining fitness test is designed accordingly. This assessment includes a 3-mile run, press-ups, sit-ups, a multi-stage shuttle run (beep test) and tackling an assault course.

The Pre-conditioning course

Initial training can be tough and, inevitably, some people get injured. Women in particular can be susceptible to pelvic stress injuries (PSI); in fact PSI is one of the most common reasons for women dropping out of the recruit training course. We take safety very seriously and want to make sure everyone has the best chance of passing the course first time. To enhance their chances of success, all female recruits (and male recruits who may benefit) do an additional two weeks of specialised conditioning before starting the recruit training course itself.

The Annual Fitness Test

Once you’re part of the RAF, it’s still important to stay in shape. Therefore, everyone has to pass an Annual Fitness Test.

It’s very easy to stay in shape once you’re in the RAF. Physical Training Instructors will advise and manage your fitness. There are excellent sports facilities, and lots of sports associations for you to join and sporting events to participate in.