Fitness goals

[Carlay]

Hiya everyone,

I have just joined today. First time at this pleasant site of yours. Theres a lot of good information here, although there are some confusing info as well. I've just put in an application to become a Area Systems Operator with my brother. Done my BARB and handed in my med docs to my GP, so now its just a waiting game I guess.

The recruiter we were chatting to was a little confusing, like everything else with the army. He said that we could be looking at a November 2005 intake, which shocked us. I don't think we're fit enough yet, well, I'm not.

Does anyone know what the fitness requirements are for Royal Signals (both male and female), what we should be looking at and weird one, what is the upper BMI limits on RSC?

Also, what type of training should we be looking at - just loads of running, press ups and sit ups? I was thinking about doing 2x 2 mile runs, 2x 3 mile runs and 1x long easy run each week until RSC.

Oh yeh, and before I forget, how long does it normally take from the BARB test to doing RSC, so I know how long I might have to get in shape

Thank you sweeties, Carla

[flynn101]

Well in terms of fitness requirements at the RSC just use this website http://www.army.mod.uk/careers/fitness/index.htm it also includes a suggested fitness regime. In terms of the wait it really depends on how fast other people do there job. The wait will mainly depend upon the Doc sending your Med Docs to the MOD then them saying the 'ok' to your AFCO recruiter then your recruiter will make a date for the RSC usually being at least a four week wait (to give you time to get to your top fitness)

[Carlay]

Hi Flynn

Are those run times for real?

It says between 12:45 min (Infantry) to 14:00 min (all other corps), but I remember the recruiter said we should be aiming for under 9:30 or 11:30 min. What would happen if we did it in under 12:30 min - I guess that would be a pass?

Obviously, I'm going to give it 100% and train accordingly, but it is a little piece of mind knowing that I have that extra space.

Thanks for that

[flynn101]

Well judging by your location (London same as me) youll do RSC at Pirbright so basically you should train to do under 9:30 as you might be tired from the previous day (gym cardio workout) and the fact that you do your run at 8:00 in the morning that can be quite a shock if youve been training in the evening and, also you run about 1/2 mile beforehand doing a 'warm up' in group formation, other than that you should be fine. Any other questions other than 'were bullets go' feel free to ask

[Carlay]

Hehe, its alright, I'll try not to ask too many silly questions

The last time I ran that fast (1.5 miles in 9:30 min) was when I was 14 in school - I'm now 19 fresh out of college. I'll certainly try my best, anyway

[flynn101]

What did you study? and why arent you continuing it? and why the army as soldier not officer? and why the siggies? sorry if i sound a little inquisitive

[Carlay]

Nah, don't worry about the questions

I studied AS-level English, Maths, History and AVCE ICT last year, I was going to complete the full A-levels, but I really need to get out and do something with my life now. College is just too boring.

I've been interested in joining the 'siggies' since I left school, mainly for the army lifestyle and the 'siggies' offer some excellent qualifications for when you leave and enter civilian life again.

I've applyed for soldier, as I don't really have the making of an officer

Would I still pass the run if I did it in under 12:30 min? The reason I ask, is that if I get RSC in the next few weeks, dunno how likely that is, I think that would be my best time.

[flynn101]

Nah, don't worry about the questions

I studied AS-level English, Maths, History and AVCE ICT last year, I was going to complete the full A-levels, but I really need to get out and do something with my life now. College is just too boring.

I've been interested in joining the 'siggies' since I left school, mainly for the army lifestyle and the 'siggies' offer some excellent qualifications for when you leave and enter civilian life again.

I've applyed for soldier, as I don't really have the making of an officer

Would I still pass the run if I did it in under 12:30 min? The reason I ask, is that if I get RSC in the next few weeks, dunno how likely that is, I think that would be my best time.

I know what you mean about college im only gonna do it for a year (AS levels) then leave for the army. In response of the run question YES! youll be looked upon more favourable and youd almost definetly pass as long as you dont swear at the instructors and do a few pull ups. You didnt do American history by any chance?

[JdOnline]

Thought I'd post here instead of starting a new thread. Does any have any decent training programmes for someone joining the REME? I've been told I could have an RSC in six weeks, but my running is terrible (1.5 miles in 14 min). How long will it take to get it down to say 10 min? Is six weeks long enough?

[flynn101]

Well im not a physical training instructor but ive read the armys PTIs think that you can get to 'passing RSC' fitness in 4 weeks (depending on chosen reg/corps) so six weeks should be enough.

Id suggest that you review your diet (moderate foods high in salt/sugar/fat) and try to minimise if not stop all drinking/smoking.

And one thing is dont do all your PT on a treadmill otherwise youll get tired quicker because the bodys pushing you fowards whilst on a treadmill your just keeping up with the machine.

Another thing is when i did RSC the 'warm up' was basically a 1/2 mile run in group formation so try running at least 2 miles instead of just doing 1.5 miles.

Do weekly evaluations so that if you believe that your not progressing enough you can schedule more time running and it might not be a bad thing to not check your watch whilst running as my watch was taken off me whilst running at the RSC so you should learn not to use that 'mental stimulant'.

Well thats my contribution and please correct me if im wrong in any part.

[JdOnline]

Forgive me, Sticky. In a sense, I knew it was pretty silly to ask that type of question. Thing is, my biggest downfall in this life is my physical side. Academically, not a problem - give me a maths or physics book any day

I'm not overweight or anything, but I am by no means very fit, either. I've never smoked and only occasionally drink. Even that is in great moderation, so no problems there. If the Army PTIs really think a person could get fit enough to pass RSC in four weeks, then great.

With me going for a sigs job, would I still pass with a 12 min time (worst case scenario, of course)? Would I be looked upon any differently with a time like that? Don't get me wrong, I'm really pushing myself in training, but I'm wanting to get started with my career in the Army ASAP.

BTW, what are you applying for flynn01?

[Bullettooth]

All the people that failed my RSC (apart from the medical) were failed because of either the teaming tasks, or just their general attitude. However, it was interesting to realise that they all came at the end on the run.

The run is the single most inportant thing at the RSC. And dont try to keep up with Linford Fcuking Chrsite at the beginning. Do it at your normal pace, put in 110% - you should be close to being sick and you'll pass easy. And get stuck into the teaming tasks by talking loudly and trying to direct your group whenever you can

[Sarastro]

Depends

Is six weeks long enough?

How hard you train, how bad you want it, your commitment level... how long is a piece of string?

Twice the length from the middle to the end.

As for training and commitment, fecked if I know!

[JdOnline]

Hey Bullettooth,

When you say some people failed the teaming tasks, what do you mean? Is it hard to pass, or were the people just pissing about, etc? Would you say a lot of those that failed were your typical chav?

Another stupid question, but what is the average fitness of recruits there?

Thanks