Why Should Cadets Start Training for the Military at a Young Age?

​The Army, Navy and Airforce cadets are a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved with something that will help to develop their minds and improve their fitness. 

For many, joining a cadet unit is the first step to a career in the military, and is an excellent taste of what's to come. Any cadets who are already contemplating entering the military as an adult might want to consider what level of fitness and other requirements they will need to achieve to be accepted into their military branch of choice. The earlier they get started with working on their physical fitness, the easier it will be for them to meet the standards when the time comes.
 
Some cadets might be considering joining a program like the Australian Defence Force Academy and gaining a degree. The program is a collaboration between the Australian Defence Force and the University of New South Wales.
 
Applicants must pass the Navy, Army or Air Force physical fitness assessment and will then undergo a fitness training program. This means that anybody with the aspiration to get in will have to have trained before the test to acquire the required level of fitness, strength and condition to get accepted.
 
There are specific requirements to pass the military fitness tests, including being able to perform particular exercises to a certain level with perfect form.

​How to Perform the Exercises

​Pushups
The body must remain straight, hands approximately shoulder width. You must lower all the way down until the shoulders are in line with the elbows and the whole body is parallel to the ground, the back always remains straight, the knees don't touch the ground, then you push back up to the starting point maintaining form, looking slightly ahead. You may rest in between reps, but you have two minutes to complete the minimum repetitions for your chosen Force.
 
Situps
Hands on thighs, fingers pointing forward, chin on the chest, elevate the wrists to reach the knees on the way up while keeping the hands on the thighs, then lower down in a controlled manner. Situps are done to a three-second count.
 
Beep Test
Also known as the Multi-Stage fitness test is a 20m shuttle run test used to estimate the cadet's aerobic capacity (VO2max). The runs are between cones set up 20m away from each other. They start at the sound of a beep, and they are required to run back and forth with the aim to reach the line before the next beep. The time between beeps gets progressively shorter forcing the runners to increase speed. The test is over when the applicant is warned twice for the same mistake.

Minimum Standards

​Navy
Male: 15 pushups, 20 situps and 6.1 beep test
Female: 6 pushups, 20 situps and 6.1 beep test

Army
Male: 15 pushups, 45 pushups, 7.5 beep test
Female: 8 pushups, 45 situps, 7.5 beep test

Air Force
Male: 10 pushups, 20 situps, 6.5 beep test
Female: 4 pushups, 20 situps, 6.5 beep test

Training Options

​The Australian Defence Force offers tips to prepare for their fitness test in just four weeks. However, while this might be possible if someone already has a good level of fitness, it's not going to get someone who isn't up to standard completely ready. Achieving and maintaining a high level of fitness long before that will serve cadet applicants better, ensuring they're physically ready to join the ADF when they decide that they are emotionally and mentally prepared.
 
It's not just physical fitness that's important, but also discipline and conditioning. Performing a military role requires stamina and strength, both physically and mentally. While being a Cadet helps to prepare their bodies and minds for military life, it's a good idea to start doing some extra work too. Taking responsibility and going above and beyond to achieve goals is a great thing to do, especially when hoping to take on a demanding career.
 
Working on conditioning for the military as soon as possible sets cadets up for success in the future. Even if they ultimately decide to take another path, the time that they spend training their bodies and minds won't be wasted. And if they do eventually take on a military career, they will benefit from the effort they put in.
 
Keeping fit in a safe environment is vital for cadets considering that they are still developing cognitive skills as well as their body hasn't stopped growing yet. Choosing the right environment can make or break their ambitions and motivation to fitness and ultimately a career of their choice.
 
We, at The Barracks Gym, believe that their surrounding need to be suitable for their age, where they will be supported and receive training from people with knowledge of the military.
 
If you or your kid is thinking about taking their fitness to the next level and start preparing the body for future challenges to come, feel free to get in touch to find out how our team can help.