Hey guys, I've been exploring paths after high school and have a question about military options. Fitness is something I still need to work on, so I'm curious - does anyone know which branch has the easiest physical fitness test? And what does the test involve, anyway?
The "easiest" physical fitness test can be relative to an individual's unique strengths, but I'll share an overview of fitness tests across different branches so you can have a sense of where you might fit.
In the Army, their physical fitness test involves maximum push-ups and sit-ups in two minutes, following which they undergo a two mile run. The Air Force conducts a similar test but includes a waist measurement test as well and a 1.5 mile timed run. The Navy has a test including push-ups, sit-ups, and either a 1.5 mile run or a swim for the same distance. It’s worth mentioning that the Navy does place a premium on swimming skills – so worth taking that into account. The Marine Corps' test, considered one of the toughest, includes pull-ups or push-ups, crunches or plank pose, and a 3-mile run. Lastly, The Coast Guard’s test includes the 1.5 mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, and a swim test, which is considered separate from the physical fitness test.
Keep in mind that the standards for passing these tests vary between genders and age groups. So, what might be the ‘easiest’ for one individual could be the hardest for another, depending on their physical abilities and strength areas. In order to pursue this path, I would recommend focusing on general fitness and health first, and then honing in on the required exercises for the branch you're interested in.
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