RAF introduces press-up tests for women...but they need only do nine to pass

A new exercise strategy report found that fitness standards of both sexes in the RAF were "very low".

Women had previously been allowed to avoid press-ups because it was believed the female anatomy made the upper body exercise impractical and potentially damaging to the upper arms.

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The new "unisex" regime is intended to ensure that the country is able to rely on staff being "fit and prepared for operations".

However, it will take just nine press-ups for a female to attain a pass mark in the test, which will be taken by staff every six months.

Men will need to do more than 19. Those failing the tests will be forced to undergo remedial training.

The scheme reflects the growing slothfulness of the population compared with previous generations.

Tory MP Patrick Mercer, a former Army officer, said he was amazed that press-ups were not already standard practice for all personnel in the Forces.

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He said: "I am astonished that this exercise hasn't already been a staple of the fitness tests. Irrespective of gender, we need all our Service personnel to be fighting fit."

Women are taking a growing role in the Forces, filling a huge range of jobs in the RAF such as weapons systems operators, air loadmasters and, since 1991, combat pilots.

The new RAF strategy, due to come into operation in October, insists that females "adopt exactly the same press-up test protocol as males – prone to the floor".

The document says: "Although cultural and societal factors have prevented many females from attempting the full press-up in the past, there are no anatomical or physiological reasons why females should not do a full press-up."

The fitness document states that from October "all personnel will have to demonstrate a 90-degree bend at the elbow when in the down position, followed by a full extension (elbows locked out) while in the up position".

Women are expected to carry out about nine or more press-ups in a minute to attain a pass, although the number demanded depends on their age.

Those over 55 need successfully complete only four. Men between 17 and 29 years of age must do more than 19 press-ups, while those over 55 must do 14.

Both sexes are also expected to undergo aerobic tests on bikes.

Along with the introduction of press-ups for women, the standard of fitness required is also rising to reflect the need to bring new recruits into line in the face of worsening levels of fitness in the country.

The RAF report says: "The population is becoming more and more sedentary and overweight (population fitness norms are likely to reduce in future!)."

It is believed that training three times a week for approximately 50 minutes each session would be sufficient for Servicemen and women to pass the new tests.

The move follows the introduction eight years ago of Royal Navy fitness tests, which were heavily resisted by sailors.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are bringing the RAF in line with the other Forces."