Hi Xeophex,

Thanks for the question.

As you have correctly spotted there are two versions of the RMFA – an old one and a new one (in play since early 2000's).

Both use the bleep test (VO2 Max test) to assess aerobic fitness. However they differ in how they assess the muscular strength.

The old RMFA (actually USMC fitness test) allowed 2 minutes to complete as many press-ups, sit-ups, burpess and pull-ups as possible respectively (ie. 2 mins for each individual discipline, not 2minas to do all!). Good form and not rest on floor etc was allowed throughout or time was stopped.

Maximums were as follows:

Press-ups: 60 reps

Sit-ups: 85 reps

Burpess: 45 reps

Pull-ups 18 reps

The new RMFA is now all completed to the bleep, and as you say, only the VO2 max is progressive. The other tests are only to the bleep to standardise the reps for large groups as PTIs cannot watch everyone all the time (despite trying!).

The MP3s for all the tests should be available online on the RM website (Royal navy website). however, we will soon be adding them to this site as well.

The maximums for the new RMFA, done to the bleep as very similar:

Press-ups: 60

Sit-ups: 85

Pull-ups: 16

Burpees are not performed.

In terms of minumum, only the VO2max and the pull-ups have minimums for the test, being 10.5 and 5 respectively  at week 9 i n training. Press-ups and sit-ups do not have a minimum to speak of, however, for most a maximum is achievable if training is performed properly.

I hope this answers your questions.

Thanks again,

Sean