Are you conscription prepared? Here are the checks you would need to move if known as as much as be part of Army
Fears that World War Three could start imminently have left many questioning whether they are going to be called up to protect the country. Brits have even been reminded of UK Government advice for warfare times as tensions continue to escalate around the world.
The US and Iran have been at logger heads as fighting broke out with suicide drone strikes and fighter jets bombing in recent days. Israel has launched fresh attacks on Tehran and Beirut as the deadly US-supported conflict with Iran entered its fourth day on Tuesday (March 3).
The Israeli military has confirmed it is carrying “simultaneous targeted strikes against military targets in Tehran and Beirut”.
Israeli troops have been also deployed to southern Lebanon in a major escalation of the war in the Middle East, Israel’s defence minister has said, where they have been authorised to “advance and take control of additional positions”.
The ongoing fighting amongst some of the world’s biggest players has the world on tenterhooks as to whether we will have to get involved soon.
But those wondering if they have the stomach for it may wonder if they even would pass the tests required to join the British military.
Here we break down what is needed if you think you have what it takes to become a British fighter:
The Army
The British Army slogan is “Be the Best” and you certainly need to be that if you are going to pass the tests to be enrolled here.
When you apply to join the Army you have to prove your fitness – both physically and mentally – to make sure you have what it takes on the battlefield.
On the website it states: “The good news is that this is something you can prepare for, and preparation makes all the difference. You don’t need to be perfect, just willing to give it a go. This is in your control, and we’ll help you every step of the way.
“Fitness isn’t just physical — it’s mental too. Staying positive, setting goals, and believing in yourself will help you push through.
“Don’t let yourself not take an opportunity because you are scared of failing. You will never know your true potential unless you give something a go.”
But what is involved?
Soldier assessment is a three day and two night test where you will be tested across a range of ways:
Army Cognitive Test
A computer-based test will happen first which will measure your potential through “cognitive, numerical and verbal reasoning.” There are five quizzes and depending on your score, it will tell you what role you can go for.
Literacy and Numeracy Tests
If you don’t have four grade GCSEs in Maths or English you will need to sit this test
Fitness tests
All Soldiers and Officers joining the Army – as either regular, or reserve, will need to pass a fitness test. This is made up of 3 exercises.
The first is a mid thigh pull which sees wannabe soldiers stand in front of a bar set to mid-thigh height and asked to pull the bar upwards for five seconds then rest and repeat. Your best score of the two attempts will count.
The next test is a medicine ball throw. Sitting with your back against a wall, you’ll throw a 4kg medicine ball as far as you can. Your best throw of three will count.
The third fitness test for soldiers is a 2km run. After an 800 metre warm up run, soldiers need to complete a continuous 2km run on a flat course as quickly as possible.
For the run you will need to complete it within a set time depending on what role you want:
The completion times (minutes) are:
- Royal Engineers – 11:00 mins
- Royal Artillery – 11:30 mins
- Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers – 11:30 mins
- Royal Army Medical Service (Combat Medical Technician) – 11:30 mins
- Royal Army Medical Service (all other soldier roles) – 12:00 mins
- Royal Veterinary Corps (Dog Handler) – 11:30 mins
- Royal Signals – 11:30 mins
- Royal Military Police – 11:30 mins
- Royal Logistic Corps – 11:30 mins
- Intelligence Corps – 11:30 mins
- Army Air Corps – 12:00 mins
- Adjutant General’s Corps – 12:00 mins
- Corps of Army Music – 13:00 mins
- Royal Army Chaplain’s Dept. – 12:00 mins
- Royal Armoured Corps – 10:15 mins
- Infantry (Soldier & Guardsman) – 10:15 mins
- Infantry (Paratrooper) – 08:25 mins
Those testing you will also be keeping a close eye on your attitude and mental health during these assessments to deem whether you have what it takes mentally to stay strong on the battlefield.
Medical
The final part of Army assessment is the full health review with a doctor. Here the doctor will examine you while going through your medical history, current health, and a head-to-toe examination. You’ll be asked to undress down to your underwear so the doctor can carry out the checks properly.
The Royal Marines
This is a level up from the Army, with tests much more strict.
The Pre-Joining Fitness Assessment (PJFA)
Firstly before assessments even start, you have to take part in a Pre-Joining Fitness Assessment (PJFA) event.
Serving Royal Marines oversee this and you can attend as many PJFA events as you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally for Royal Marine training.
The PJFA consists of four parts and you have to be able to do:
-Bleep test to level 10.8
-Press ups to the bleep
-Sit-ups to the bleep
-Pull-ups to the bleep
To successfully pass, you will need to complete a minimum of 30 press-ups, 40 sit-ups, and 4 pull-ups. However, it is always recommended to aim for maximum repetitions during the test to assess your fitness level accurately and identify areas that you need to work on.
On the website it states: “You should never aim for the minimum during the test. It’s always better to give it your all or not attempt it at all.”
Swim test
There is then a swimming assessment where you will be expected to step off a three-metre platform, complete two laps of the pool, which is approximately 150m, using breaststroke and without touching the sides or floor of the pool.
The you are required to tread water for two minutes before retrieving a weighted object from 3.5 metres deep. You then must climb out of the pool without using the steps. You may not use goggles.
Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
This is an online test covering verbal, numerical, spatial, and mechanical reasoning, along with work rate and electrical comprehension. It is a tests that is done on the computer and determines whether you think like a Marine.
Medical and Eye Test
A doctor will look at your full medical history and do a full examination including hearing, joints, and general physical/mental health to make sure your body and brain are up to the task.
Candidate Preparation Course
There will then be a four day course that includes “further interviews, medical, and high-intensity fitness assessments”.
Final Interviews
Only when all of the above criteria is met will you be given an interview, and even if you pass all of the above, you still may not get in if you do not pass this. Here interviews will be given by esteemed members and experts in the Royal Navy who will assess the motivation for joining, look into the knowledge of the applicant as to what role they want and assess the personal suitability of each person.
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