British Army chiefs under fire after 22,500 soldiers flunk fitness tests

12 August 2023 , 15:54

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Thousands of soldiers failed their fitness tests (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Army chiefs have been accused of “a failure of leadership” after 22,500 soldiers flunked fitness tests in a three-year period.

Figures from the Mini­stry of Defence show 13,527 were found lacking between 2019 and 2022 in the annual Soldier Condition Review. A further 8,988 failed to complete two other exams, the Annual Fitness Test and the Role Fitness Test.

Col Richard Kemp, a former com­­mander in Afghanistan, said: “Allowing soldiers’ health to decline is like neglecting a weapon system. It represents a failure of leadership.” While figures for regular personnel varied between 3% and 10%, failures soared to 30% among reservists. The test, which includes a 2km run, 30m sprints, pull-ups, jumps, deadlifts and a seated medicine ball throw, was introduced in 2019.

Former head of the Army General Sir Richard Dannatt said: “The solution to this issue is very much a chain of command matter”. An Army spokesman said: “Those who do not pass receive support to ensure they meet the necessary standards for their role.”

Sean Rayment