An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 23 fied RDF Physical Training leaders (PTLs) in the other two Reserve companies of the 7 Bn - C Coy and D Coy, and if required these PTLs can be called on to assist E Coy in any Potential Recruit Fitness Tests. Under the supervision of the Coy Comdr Comdt (AR) Eamon Timlin and Coy Sgt (AR) Liam McNarmara - this was the third RDF Recruit induction fitness test conducted by E Coy so far this year, all within Cathal Brugha Bks. Last year 2017, the Coy conducted no less than five induction fitness tests for RDF Recruits in either Cathal Brugha or Mckee Bks. It must be remembered that for almost all these Potential Recruits arriving for their tests, who are at this stage are still civilians, their arrival to Cathal Brugha Bks is more than likely their first experience of being inside a barracks, and also their first encounter of interacting with Defence Forces members, either RDF or PDF. The RDF fitness test staff are aware of this, and for this reason maintain a professional but approachable demean- our towards the potential recruits - uniform dress and de- portment of the testing staff must also be above reproach. As the old cliché goes – 'you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.' All the attending RDF ap- plicants had been contacted some weeks beforehand and given their date for the fitness test, and also given a list of items to bring with them, the main prerequisite being sports gear and suitable running shoes. For all candidates there is also video information about the fitness tests re- quirements available to view on the Defence Forces website www.military.ie. Initially the potential recruits are taken by the staff to fill in some administration forms, then it's on to barrack gym, named in honour of Tpr Anthony Browne, BMC. Inside the gym the important check of Body Mass Index (BMI) is ascertained by the PDF Officer in charge of the tests, Capt Collins. Using weight and height measurements, then it's on to a warm up session by one of the PTLs. Then there is a demonstration of the correct method of complet- ing sit ups and push ups, before the candidates themselves commence the actual tests of the sit ups and push ups under the watchful eyes of the fitness staff. Those who pass these stages are then taken outside onto the barracks square, were the route is explained to them by Capt Collins. At the same time marshals from E Coy staff are placed along the route to guide the candidates, and then the timed run of 2.4km begins. For some of the candidates this is the real lung busting part of the fitness tests. Those who pass the run will get dates for the next stage of their recruitment process, normally the interviews. Those who unfortunately fail will be offered a chance to partake the Induction Fitness Test again at a later date and will also be given advice to correct their weaknesses, which caused their failure to qualify. Most of these weaknesses would be identified as poor preparation for the test, incorrect technique for sit ups and push ups, poor pacing for the run. Other causes can be often more mundane and preventable - no breakfast or liq- uids beforehand, poor running footwear, sometimes even no preparatory training whatsoever despite been given their test date weeks earlier. The induction fitness test is arguably the best initial contact with DF personnel for the potential recruits, no bor- ing class rooms lectures here. Instead it's a muscle burning effort in the gym, then the anxious lung busting run out- doors. Which is a very personal test of their own physical strength, effort and determination to pass - certainly a day for them to remember, especially if they succeed! Some applicants seem to derive immense joy when they pass their first Defence Forces fitness test, a big sign of joy and relief! Indeed, it must be remembered that for some of the DF applicants present today, this is the attraction of military life to them, this is what they regard as 'real army training', this is part of the appeal they have towards the Defence Forces, intense outdoor physical effort, the 'life less ordinary'. But the induction test has its solid purpose, it is to pre- pare recruits for the robust demands of military life, it is to enhance a soldier's readiness on the battlefield. Fitness is vital in today's Defence Forces, and the recruit Induction Fitness Test is the first challenge for these potential sol- diers, and it sets the tone for all their future training. Arriving in Cathal brugha Bks for fitness tests Crossing the finish line

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