Rationale

It is acknowledge that the MPFS (Minimum Physical Fitness Standards) are the minimum level of fitness required by the CF personnel to meet the physical demands of the 5 Common Military Tasks. There are times when individuals or groups will require other means of assessment to measure and demonstrate their operational capability. Being successful in meeting the MPFS does not necessarily mean that one is fit to perform specific occupational requirements, because some unique CF occupations have specific job requirements, which demand a higher level of physical fitness than the MPFS. Therefore, physical fitness standards, which reflect the physical demands of the job, are required for these unique CF occupations. Brief information on current task-specific evaluations is provided below:

Canadian Forces Parachutist Physical Fitness Test

1. The purpose of this test is to determine an individual's physical capability to train as a Basic Parachutist.
2. Test Items:
   • Chin-ups (7)
   • Sit-ups (31)
   • 1 mile / 1600 meters run (7: 30 minutes or less)

Note: In case of inclement weather, the candidate will perform a 600m shuttle run over a 50-meter indoor course.

Royal Military College (RMC) Physical Fitness Test

The RMC Physical Fitness Standard is the CF Minimum Physical Fitness Standard (MPFS). A College related requirement that is part of military college training, but is not part of the CF (MPFS) is the RMC Physical Performance Test (RMCPPT).

1. The RMC PPT consist of five test items:
   • 20 meter shuttle run;
   • Push-ups;
   • Sit-ups;
   • Agility run; and
   • Standing long jump.
     

     	Men		Women
     Detail	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum
     20 MSR	9.5	14.5	7.5	12
     Push Ups	28	77	14	31
     Sit Ups	35	100	35	100
     Agility Run	17.8 sec	15.2 sec	19.4 sec	16.2 sec
     Standing Long Jump	1.95m	2.77m	1.46m	2.29m

     
     
2. The maximum score in each test item is 100 points for a total of 500 possible points. The minimum standard is 250 points with 50 points minimum in the 20 metre shuttle run (20 MSR) and 35 points in the remaining four test items. Note that meeting bare minimum in each test item does not equal 250 pts. Students would need to score an extra 60 pts.
3. The RMC Physical Fitness Selection Test Scoring Sheet  provides the points to be awarded for performance on each test item.

Royal Military College

Fire Fighter Physical Fitness Maintenance Program (FF PFMP)

In view of the strenuous nature of fire fighting tasks and the importance of public and fire fighter safety, it is essential that the fire fighters have the physical capabilities to meet the demands of the job. Fire fighting requires the integration of numerous physical capabilities and mental skills in order to perform the essential tasks safely and effectively. The three components of the FF PFMP are:

1. Evaluation - Consists of a health appraisal questionnaire, pre-test screening, and completion of a 10-item task based circuit which consists of:
   
   
   • One Arm Hose Carry - Carry one 15.25 m (50 ft) section of 65 mm (2.5 inch) a total distance of 30.48 m (100 ft);
   • Ladder Raise - Carry a 3.6 m (12 ft) ladder a distance of 15.24 m (50 ft) and raise it against a wall;
   • Charged Hose Drag - Drag a charged 38 mm (1.5 inch) hose a distance of 30.48 m (100 ft);
   • First Ladder Climb - Climb a 7.3 m (24 ft) ladder three times (10 rungs);
   • High Volume Hose Pull - Pull a 30.48 m (100 ft) length of 100 mm (4 inch) hose and a 15.24 m (50 ft) length of 65 mm (2.5 inch) hose tied together a distance of 30.48 m (100 ft)
   • Forcible Entry - Move a tire weighing 102 kg (225.5 lbs) a distance of 30.5 cm (12 inches) using a 4.5 kg (10 lbs) sledge hammer;
   • Victim Drag - Drag a mannequin weighing 68.2 kg (150 lbs) A total distance of 30.48 m (100 ft);
   • Second Ladder Climb - Climb a 7.3m (24 ft) ladder twice (10 rungs);
   • Ladder Lower - Lower and carry a 3.6 m (12 ft) ladder a distance of 15.24 m (50 ft);
   • Spreader Tool Carry - Carry a 36.4 kg (80 lbs) spreader tool a Total distance of 30.48 m (100 ft).
   
   

   N.B. Rest intervals of 15.24 m (50 ft) walks are provided between each task except between tasks #4 and #8 where rest intervals are 30.48 m (100 ft) walks.

2. Performance Related Physical Fitness - Based on circuit performance, each fire fighter shall be provided with an exercise program detailing the frequency, intensity, time, type of activities (FITT); and
   
   
3. Health Related Fitness - Each fire fighter shall be provided with information on active living and physical fitness, safer sex, alcohol and other drugs, smoking prevention and cessation, stress management, nutrition and healthy weights and suicide prevention.

Search and Rescue Technicians Physical Fitness Maintenance Program (CF SAR Tech PFMP)

SAR Tech normal activities include parachuting, diving, helicopter hoisting, mountaineering, and ground operations. They must be extremely fit and their ability to complete their mission is directly related to their physical condition. " A SAR Tech must be conditioned to cope with the stresses imposed by sustained operations and be physically ready to be subjected to the impact forces associated with their penetration methods ".

1. A pre-selection evaluation is required to to determine an individual's physical capability to apply to the CF School of Search And Rescue (CFSSAR) as a SAR Tech. The Pre-selection evaluation consists of:
   1. To be completed in 16 minutes or less:
      • 1.5 mile / 2400m run in 10:15 or less;
      • 31 consecutive Push-ups;
      • 33 consecutive Sit-ups;
      • 8 consecutive Chin-ups;
      • 450 m shuttle run; and
   2. 675 m swim in 20 minutes or less
   
   
2. The SAR Tech Physical Fitness Maintenance Program is based on a compensatory model and a lifting task:
   1. Compensatory model:
      • 20 MSR stage 8 or score 44.6 ml/kg/min on the Step test; and
      • Score a minimum of 30 points on the compensatory model (Handgrip, Push-ups and Sit-ups).
   2. Lifting Task (extrication kit):
      • 40 Kg to a table 1.5 m high
   
   
3. The SAR Tech Physical Fitness Selection Test Scoring Sheet provides the points to be awarded for performance on each test item.

Physical Fitness Standards for CF Diving Personnel.

CFAO 43-2 states the levels of fitness that shall be maintained by CF Divers. The current standards are under review Therefore, diving personnel should endeavour to attain a higher level of aerobic and muscular fitness.

Note: Current study is underway to establish task related PF standards

1. Water safety knowledge: consists of review of first aid, CPR and choking emergency procedures and includes review of the procedures for safety and control of swimming while members are on military operations:
   
   • Swimming areas available are examined for sanitary considerations and hazardous conditions and the most suitable selected and defined;
   • All personnel are briefed on water safety procedures and special dangers of the area;
   • Surveillance patrols are established using qualified personnel where practicable;
   • Reaching, throwing and towing aids are available or improvised;
   • A boat patrol is established for deep-water swimming;
   • The buddy system is used with checks at not less than 15-minute intervals; and
   • An emergency communication system and transportation shall be available on-site.
2. "Abandon ship" emergencies: Simulate ship evacuation
3. Rudimentary swimming skills: demonstrate ability to survive during an aquatic emergency