In a recent written question from Labour MP Julie Minns, Defence Minister Al Carns provided detailed data on annual fitness test failures across the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force.

The data spans several years and highlights notable trends in the physical readiness of UK service personnel, showing both challenges and improvements across branches.

Royal Navy

The Royal Navy recorded fluctuations in its annual fitness test failure rates, with a peak in recent years. In 2022, the failure rate reached 8%, marking a considerable rise from 7% in both 2020 and 2021. The rate continued to increase in 2023, peaking at 9%. However, 2024 showed a positive turnaround with a notable drop to 5%, suggesting improvements in fitness standards and readiness.

British Army

The British Army has maintained a relatively consistent and low fitness test failure rate, with only minor variations over the years. Since 2021, the Army’s failure rate has stayed around 3%, a trend that continued into 2023. Notably, 2024 recorded a slight decrease to 2%, marking a small but positive step toward achieving lower failure rates. The Army’s commitment to regular training and fitness support has been reflected in these consistent results.

Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has seen more variation in recent years, with a peak failure rate of 9% in 2021. Since then, the RAF has made gradual progress, reducing the rate to 8.7% in 2022 and further to 6.9% in 2023. In 2024, the RAF continued to show slight improvement, with the failure rate dropping to 6.7%.

The data for each branch reflects the MOD’s efforts to address physical standards and highlights areas for further focus, particularly as each branch adapts to new challenges in maintaining operational readiness among personnel.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Geoff Roach
Geoff Roach (@guest_867112)
13 hours ago

They can now fight their way to a good 🍔🍺. well done guys..

Jonathan
Jonathan (@guest_867115)
13 hours ago

Interesting..that was quite a hump in the RN and RAF, in 2021 and 2022. I wonder if that was in some way related to covid and changes in workplace.

Bazza
Bazza (@guest_867117)
12 hours ago

The question is, does is this show people increasing their fitness levels, or standards being lowered.

Frank62
Frank62 (@guest_867318)
26 minutes ago
Reply to  Bazza

I think the standards are constant.

Martin
Martin (@guest_867118)
12 hours ago

Fitness up or standards down? At least the Army can run or walk to battle as most of the aging kit will have broken down.

Dern
Dern (@guest_867148)
10 hours ago

Interesting how many people with zero basis simply jump straight to “standards are being lowered.”

Hint RFT and SCR standards have not changed.

Shane
Shane (@guest_867266)
3 hours ago

Probably because the RAF people who would fail just didn’t take a test… 1700+ out of date by up to 8 years.

Ben
Ben (@guest_867286)
2 hours ago

Hypothetically let’s say it’s a combination of things that’s making the army fitter main one being the SCR and RFT are virtually impossible to fail, but for those that are failing them are the same individuals that are always failing them and due to the constant pressure to keep those stats green for readiness and lack of personnel to select from these people will, with the click of a few buttons just pass those fitness tests. Could also be lack of accountability these people that are always failing don’t get any repercussions anymore just promotions which doesn’t set any examples… Read more »

Last edited 2 hours ago by Ben
Dern
Dern (@guest_867322)
35 seconds ago
Reply to  Ben

RFT impossible to fail? That’s interesting because I’ve seen more than a few people fail the RFT.

Carrickter
Carrickter (@guest_867319)
24 minutes ago

RAF are the only ones that can handle decimal points…. 😂
I jest….