Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Instruction 06/09 – Physical Fitness Program for Untrained CAF Personnel

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2009-09-30

Date of Modification: 2025-01-31 

Application:

This instruction applies to:

• all Regular Force recruits;
• all Regular Force officer candidates;
• all Reserve Entry Training Plan cadets attending a Military College; and
• schools or units delegated the authority to grant the National Qualification codes for the Basic Military Qualification and the Basic Military Officer Qualification.

Supersession:

• CDA HQ 1000-1 (SO OPD 4 & 5) CF EXPRES Test Failure - ROTP/RETP Entry Plan, 26 Aug 08
• CDA HQ FRAG O 01 to CDA Operation Order 2006-01 Recruit Fitness Training (RFT), 12 Oct 06, Annex B, Paragraph 2(a)

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)

Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC)

2. Abbreviations

3. Overview

Background

3.1 In October 2006, the Recruit Pre-enrolment Physical Fitness Test was removed from the recruiting selection process for Regular Force candidates.

3.2 Basic training establishments such as CFLRS assumed the responsibility for initial fitness testing using the CF EXPRES test.

3.3 The minimum operational standards for physical fitness:

1. must be met by all new CAF candidates, including recruits and officer candidates as defined at DAOD 5023-2, Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation; and
2. are met when the candidate successfully achieves the CF EXPRES standard for his/her gender and age group.

3.4 Successful completion of the CF EXPRES test is a prerequisite to graduate from BMQ or BMOQ training.

3.5 For those who were not successful in meeting the CF EXPRES standard, the RFT program, now renamed WPC, was established at CFLRS to provide 2/8 CAFMPI 06/09 Physical Fitness Program for Untrained CAF Personnel supplementary physical fitness training and nutritional counselling.

3.6 The WPC fitness program:

1. was designed to develop the physical robustness necessary for candidates to successfully complete the CF EXPRES test, after a reasonable period of supplementary fitness training; and
2. is comprised of a number of elements, including a combined CFLRS and PSP-supervised fitness program conducted over a maximum period of 90 days, allowing multiple opportunities for candidates to pass the CF EXPRES test and commence basic training.

3.7 In 2008, a TFT standard based on the CF EXPRES test was deemed necessary to ensure that candidates had a high probability of success in passing the CF EXPRES test, after participating in the WPC Program.

3.8 DGPFSS was tasked by CMP to review the fitness data and develop a TFT: 

1. this analysis identified that the key indicators of success with the WPC were:
   1. the 20 MSR; and
   2. push-ups.
2. the other two elements of the CF EXPRES test, the sit-ups and hand grip tests were not significant predictors of an individual’s ability to successfully graduate from the WPC and therefore are not part of the TFT; and 
3. insufficient data was available to establish a minimum threshold fitness level for those 35 years of age and over, therefore, applicants in this age category will not be subjected to meeting the TFT.

Purpose

3.9 This instruction establishes:

1. the direction for the conduct of physical fitness testing of new CAF recruits and officer candidates, and;
2. the policy for applying the TFT and the administrative actions to be taken for CF EXPRES test failures.

4. Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles

4.1 It is in the interest of the CAF to ensure that its new members attain the level of physical fitness required to complete BMQ and BMOQ. To this end, training establishments and PSP personnel will undertake the appropriate measures to motivate and assist candidates in achieving success on training.

4.2 This instruction will also ensure:

1. that physical fitness testing and the application of the minimum physical fitness threshold standard will be conducted in a:
   1. fair;
   2. transparent; and
   3. consistent manner;

4.3 Application of this policy will ensure:

1. more efficient use of BMQ and BMOQ training resources; and
2. reduced administration in dealing with physical fitness training failures, and result in an overall increase in NCM and officer basic training production at basic training establishments.

General

4.4 All recruits and officer candidates will complete the CF EXPRESS including:

1. those not on subsidized education, during the first week of BMQ or BMOQ training, after arrival at a training establishment; and
2. those on subsidized education programs, as arranged by their support units.

4.5 Those who pass will continue with their training.

4.6 Those who fail the CF EXPRES test, but achieve the TFT standard, will be allowed to proceed to the BMQ, BMOQ or WPC at the discretion of the training establishment.

4.7 Participation in the WPC is limited to candidates who are:

1. under 35 years of age who failed to meet the MPFS but met or exceeded the TFT standard; or
2. 35 years of age and older who failed to meet the MPFS.

4.8 Candidates under the age of 35 years who fail to meet the TFT standard will be released from the CAF. The process may vary depending on the enrolment plan.

5. Threshold Fitness Test (TFT) Standards

Application of the TFT

5.1 Those members who fail to meet the MPFS must be assessed for further training with WPC in accordance with the following TFT standards:

6. Process for Recruit, Officer and Subsidized Education Candidates

Process for Candidates at Basic Training Establishments

6.1 Recruit and officer candidates will complete the CF EXPRES test at their designated training establishments and continue with BMQ or BMOQ training as follows:

Process at WPC

6.2 While with the WPC, all candidates will be permitted multiple opportunities to pass the CF EXPRES test.

6.3 At the discretion of the Comdt CFLRS, individuals may be permitted to continue with their current BMQ or BMOQ serial or join the next available BMQ or BMOQ serial.

6.4 Applicants who fail the TFT after 90 days will undergo an administrative review.

Process for Candidates on Subsidized Education Plans During First Academic Year

6.5 Candidates will undergo CF EXPRES testing as soon as possible after enrolment. The following table explains the process:

Note – Cadets attending Military College must also pass the minimum standard for the PPT as outlined in the RMC ROTP Qualification Standard.

7. Administrative Measures

Administrative Measures for Candidates on Subsidized Education Who Fail to Meet the Minimum Physical Fitness Standard (MPFS) During the First Academic Year

7.1 The following CAF administrative measures will apply for those who fail the CF EXPRES test:

Administrative Measures for Candidates on Subsidized Education Who Fail to Meet the Minimum Physical Fitness Standard (MPFS) During Subsequent Academic Years

7.2 The following CAF administrative measures will apply for those who fail the CF EXPRES test in their second or subsequent academic years:

8. Role of Staff at Canadian Forces Recruiting Centres (CFRCs)

Role of Staff at Canadian Forces Recruiting Centres (CFRCs)

8.1 Staff at CFRCs will play a crucial role in the success of candidates seeking to enrol in the CAF. Applicants must be advised of the fitness requirement and be provided guidance on a training program. All applicants must be given the opportunity to receive the required information and then be counselled to prepare appropriately.

8.2 Information and instructions on how to prepare for the physical fitness requirements for basic training and on the CF EXPRES Program requirements will be provided to all CAF Regular Force applicants during the recruiting process.

9. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Associated DAOD

• DAOD 5023-2, Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation

Other References

• RMC Qualification Standard 15 Sep 2008 (this document can only be accessed on the DWAN)