The Peculiarities of Physical Fitness Test System of the British Armed Forces

Abstract

The article examines the optimization of Physical Fitness Test System of the British Armed Forces based on the experience of conducting combat operations in military conflicts of the 21st century. Scientific researches, justifications and experience of implementing of modern approaches of the implementation of Physical Fitness Test System of commissioned officers were analysed. This Test System takes into account phased testing of physical fitness levels, suitability and preparedness in different periods of training and combat activity, taking into account the specifics of professional activity, but without an emphasis on gender and age differences. The effective methods of physical fitness testing are used in the British Armed Forces. They are: the verification of educational process and indicators of the effectiveness of the developed programs, the perception and the awareness of training process in order to determine the physical condition of commissioned officers, and make changes in the training process; conducting a medical examination of servicemen with a health problems or limited functional capabilities, with subsequent allocation to medical rehabilitation groups. The purpose of the study was to analyse changes in Physical Fitness Test System of the British Armed Force and to introduce new fitness tests. Conclusions. The analysis of changes in Physical Fitness Test System of the British Armed Forces determined the idea of introducing a list of new standards that are used in the conditions of combat activity. The developed Physical Fitness system in the British Armed Forces is characterized by formation of physical readiness of commissioned officers to acquire capabilities to perform combat tasks as assigned by introducing military-applied tests into the physical training system, which are performed in the conditions of combat and training-combat activities. Also, the Physical Fitness system is characterized by step-by-step implementation of specialized tests at different stages of training, which reveals a comprehensive approach in physical fitness system; the same approaches to the regulatory framework in the test system regardless of gender and age characteristics; increasing the list of physical exercises of explosive strength and power endurance with a simultaneous decrease of aerobic endurance exercises.