Tovah Fenske

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Project FORCEFitness for Operational
Requirements for CF Employment

• Tovah Fenske
• 4 Wing Fitness Coordinator
• NSCA CSEP Certified Personal Trainer
• CanFitPro Fitness Instructor Specialist
• Yoga Alliance 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher

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www.DFIT.ca

• Register today for your personal account
• Easily accessible from your DWAN computer, home
  computer or your smart devices
• Win an iPod shuffle register and email
  tina.cormier_at_forces.gc.ca NLT 1 Jan with one
  thing you like (or dislike) about the site
• Each entry will receive 5 WCOMD Cup points

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Its Time for a new TEST

• The current CF Expres test is 23 years old (since
  1989)
• Soldiering has changed
• The aim is a test that is more task based
• Looking for functional fit soldiers
• One testone standardall ages genders

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• BFOR Bona Fide Occupational Requirement
• In compliance with the charter of human rights
• What any soldier might be expected to perform in
  an emergency situation

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How is the test being developed?

• 6 Common Tasks

• Picking and digging
• Casualty evacuation (from a truck)
• Stretcher carry load
• Sand bag fortification
• Escape to cover
• Pickets and wire

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Casualty evacuation
Picking digging
Escape to cover
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Simple Simulations

• Sand bag lifts
• Sand bag drag
• Farmers carry
• 20 m loaded shuttles
• 20 m rushes

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Fitness Predictor Tests

• 20 MSR
• 20 metre Yo-Yo
• Push ups
• Hand grip
• Back endurance
• Plank (held)
• Flexed arm hand
• Wall sit

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Data Collection

• This project has been in development over the
  past 3 years
• Job and task analysis across the bases abroad
• Just finished testing over 600 military members
  across the CF
• Present findings to AFC in Nov/Dec for test
  selection

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What could the new test look like?

• The goal is a more task simulated based test
• 1 standard for all genders environments
• Deployable/employable standard
• A combination of simple simulations, common
  tasks fitness predictive tests

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What could the new test look like?

• May include a running test but may not
• May not include push ups
• The step test might be included as an option if
  there is a running component in the test
• There will be some form of exemption program

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When?

• Meeting with AFC in Nov/Dec
• Early January expected test announcement
• 1 April 2013 phase in the new test

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Phasing in options FY 2013-2014

• Expres test try the new test
• Complete and pass the new test
• Fail the new test with no ramifications
• Must pass EXPRES or new test by end FY 2013-2014
• Practice the new test for 4-6 months with
  official testing to be completed the remaining
  months in the FY
• No penalties for failing the new testso long as
  you obtain a pass prior to the end of the FY

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Standards / Pass ability

• Test standards will be drawn from the 6 common
  task standards
• If you are currently IE or can easily meet the
  35 male MPFS (level 5 20MSR, 73 HG, 14 PU, 17
  SU) you should be in a good place
• Just meeting MPFS or unable to meet 35male MPFS
  you may have a little work to do
• Those failing by 2 PU or SU may pass the new test
  the first attempt

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Standards / Pass ability

• Those that are struggling now will likely
  continue to struggle due to lack of physical
  fitness
• The new test items have a high strength component
  absolute strength
• Smaller framed those unaccustomed to manual
  labour type activities may need additional
  training
• Strong, functional core fitness is key
• Aerobic anaerobic fitness base is important

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What now?

• Start training/implementing exercises/movements
  into PT classes and your own fitness regime
• Once the new test/standards are announced we will
  offer open practice test times and add it to unit
  PT classes
• This might be the boost that people need to make
  fitness part of their everyday?

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Remember PSP is here to help!

• Questions / comments?
• Email me your questions at tovah.fenske_at_forces.gc.
  ca
• Please take a moment to fill out our survey, your
  feedback is important to us!