BE READY BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.
Going into the Army is a massive step. You don't need to arrive as a finished soldier — that's what basic training is for. But arriving prepared can make a huge difference.
The Pre Armed Forces Academy is designed to get you physically and mentally ready for the demands of military training, while giving you an understanding of what you're going to face before you walk through the gates.
I've served in the British Army and I've also trained people who went on to basic training. I've seen first-hand how much easier training can become when you arrive prepared.
DON'T JUST GET FIT. KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.
Training alone can get you fitter. But fitness is only one part of preparing for military training.
This course combines physical preparation with practical skills, discipline and mindset so that you aren't learning everything for the first time when you arrive at training.
I've Been There
I've experienced military training myself. I know the physical demands, the standards, the pressure and the importance of being prepared before you arrive.
Not Just A Fitness Plan
Running and gym work are only part of the preparation. You'll also learn skills and routines that will help you understand the environment you're going into.
I've Seen The Difference
I've trained people before they went into military training and seen how being prepared helped them approach training with more confidence and a better understanding of what was expected.
Built Around You
Everyone starts from a different place. Your programme is built around your current fitness, your goals, your role and how long you have before starting training.
TRAINING ALONE IS DIFFERENT.
You can go running. You can lift weights. You can follow a programme online. And all of that can make you fitter.
But military training is more than simply being fit.
You're going into an environment where you'll be expected to learn quickly, work as part of a team, follow instructions, manage your time and keep going when you're tired.
My job is to give you a head start.
PREPARE FOR THE REAL THING.
Your programme will be tailored to you after an initial assessment, but the course can include the following areas of preparation:
Running
Build the running fitness needed for your entry tests and prepare your body for the regular running and physical training you'll encounter during military training.
Loaded Marches
Develop the strength, conditioning and resilience needed to move under load and become progressively more comfortable carrying weight over distance.
Military-Style Gym Sessions
Strength and conditioning sessions designed around the types of physical demands you can expect from military training.
Map Reading
Learn the fundamentals of map reading, navigation and route planning before you are expected to learn them under pressure.
Ironing & Kit Preparation
Learn how to prepare your uniform and look after your kit properly. Small details matter when standards are high.
Boot Cleaning & Polishing
Learn the basics before you need them. Don't wait until you're under pressure to discover how much time these jobs can take.
Making Beds & Daily Routine
Learn the routines and attention to detail that can make your days run smoother once training begins.
Mindset
Build the mental resilience, discipline and attitude needed to keep moving forward when you're tired, uncomfortable or having a difficult day.
GET READY FOR THE TESTS.
The British Army's current Role Fitness Test (Entry) includes a seated medicine-ball throw, mid-thigh pull and 2km run. Your programme will build the fitness needed for your own entry requirements, rather than simply chasing numbers in the gym.
2KM RUN
Develop aerobic fitness, pacing and running confidence so that the run isn't something you have to fear.
MED BALL THROW
Build explosive upper-body strength and learn how to produce power effectively.
MID-THIGH PULL
Develop the lower-body and pulling strength required for the current entry assessment.
THE SMALL THINGS MATTER.
Ironing your uniform. Polishing your boots. Making your bed properly. Having your kit ready. Knowing where things are.
They might sound trivial now.
They won't feel trivial when you're exhausted, under pressure and being inspected.
Learning these things beforehand means you're not trying to learn everything at once.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
- Better preparation
- Less time figuring things out
- More confidence
- Better organisation
- Less unnecessary stress
- More time to recover
- More time to sleep
- More time to learn
ARRIVE READY TO LEARN.
The aim isn't to make you think you've already become a soldier. The aim is to remove as many unnecessary obstacles as possible before you start.
Physically Ready
Build your running, strength, conditioning and load-carrying capacity progressively.
Mentally Ready
Understand that being tired, uncomfortable and challenged is part of the process.
Practically Ready
Start with an understanding of navigation, kit preparation, routines and military-style training.
More Confident
Walk through the gates knowing you've already put yourself through demanding preparation.
Better Prepared
Instead of spending your first weeks simply trying to catch up, you'll already have a foundation.
Ready To Learn
Your goal is to arrive fit enough and prepared enough to focus on learning and progressing.
THE EARLIER THE BETTER.
Ideally, I'd like you to start around three months before your military training begins. Longer is even better.
That doesn't mean everyone needs the same three-month programme. Some people will already be fit. Others may be starting from scratch.
That's why we don't simply put everyone through the same programme.
YOUR PROGRAMME STARTS WITH YOU.
Before we start, we'll carry out an initial assessment.
I'll look at where your fitness is now, where you need to get to, how much time you have and what you're preparing for.
From there, we'll build your programme around you.
YOUR ASSESSMENT LOOKS AT:
- Current fitness level
- Running ability
- Strength and conditioning
- Previous training experience
- Current limitations
- Time available before training
- Your intended Armed Forces route
- Your individual goals
DON'T WALK THROUGH THE GATES WONDERING WHAT'S COMING.
Start preparing before you get there. Get fitter. Get stronger. Learn the basics. Build your confidence. And arrive ready to take on the challenge.
BOOK YOUR INITIAL ASSESSMENT →