Physical Fitness Requirements from the Japanese Military

Japan SDF Physical Fitness Test

The Japanese SDF, Self Defense Force is the Japanese Military. It is divided into different groups: Ground, Air, and Maritime. Their main objective is peacekeeping missions and protecting Japan itself. They are also prepared to fight at the front lines of any theatre if needed.

Japan has a long military history dating back to the Japanese Empire in 1868. Back then that department was 6 million men strong. The Japanese army has a special force unit called "Tokushusakusengun".

Established in: "1954"

Motto:準備と頑固
Translation: Prepared and Stubborn

There is no conscription for the Japanese Army. You have to be 18 years old to join. Women, as well as men, are allowed to join. Listed below are the requirements to join the Army based on the old fitness test.

Chart Standards Japanese SDF

#	Exercises	Pass	Good	Great	Gold
1.	Pushups	+ 25 reps	+ 45 reps	+ 55 reps	+ 80 reps
2.	Abs	+ 33 reps	+ 50 reps	+ 60 reps	+ 82 reps
3.	3000 Meter Run	- 16:20 min	- 13:20 min	- 11:30 min	- 10:38 min
4.	Pullups	+ 3 reps	+ 10 reps	+ 15 reps	+ 17 reps
5.	Long Jump	+ 3.30 meter	+ 4.20 meter	+ 4.70 meter	+ 5.10 meter
6.	Ball throwing	+ 20.00 meter	+ 40.00 meter	+ 50.00 meter	+ 60.00 meter

Before Selection J.D.F.

This test involves 5 different exercises, which have to be completed in the listed order. Usually, this test is not performed at the beginning of enrollment but after a couple of weeks. More importantly, candidates are physically examined. Their weight and heigh ratio plays an important role, their urine will be analyzed, etc.. They also go through further medical checkups and are interviewed by the staff. For the fitness test, the max time for pushups and situps in 2 minutes. The 3000-meter run is performed on a track. You are allowed to attempt the pull-ups again after dropping from the bar. The ball throw is performed with a softball. 1 in 7 candidates will not pass the test.

Physical Requirements and Information from other units

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UK Army	US Army	Bundeswehr
US Navy	US AirForce	Bundesheer
I.D.F.	Forsvaret	P.L.A.
Mex Army	US Marines	Forsvarsmakten
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Basic Training SDF Japan

Basic training lasts from April to September, lasting 4 months. Candidates will go through various physical fitness tests during training. They wake up at 6 AM and their day finished at 11 PM. 6:30 AM is breakfast. Training starts at 8:00 AM. Physical training is conducted in connection with martial arts as well. At noon is lunchtime. Then candidates will head to the shooting range at 1 PM. This is followed by weapons cleaning and then again physical fitness training at 4 PM. Usually at 5 PM Training ends. Dinner is at 6 followed by downtime. 9:30 PM is time for laundry and irons your clothes.

Japan SDF Fitness Test Video

て定められた自衛官候補生の服務の宣

私は、自衛官候補生たるの名誉と責任を自覚し、日本国憲法及び法令を遵守し、常に徳操を養い、人格を尊重し、心身を鍛え、知識をかん養し、政治的活動に関与せず、専心自衛官として必要な知識及び技能の修得に励むことを誓います。

Oath SDF Soldiers

I am aware of the honor and responsibilities of being an SDF candidate, I respect the Japanese Constitution and Japanese laws, I constantly nurture my beliefs and virtues, I work on my personality I train my mind and body, broaden my knowledge, and participate in political activities. I pledge to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to be dedicated to the SDF.

Japan SDF Test

Facts Japanese SDF

Every few years the Japanese conducts shooting competitions. Some members of the SDF train daily to win those events.

The average retiree of the Japanese SDF is in his mid-fifties.

For anyone to join the SDF of Japan, the person must come with a sense of wanting to help those people who are in need, a sense of wanting to protect the society and the human people in that society. The SDF needs soldiers with a calm spirit and who are completely reliable. The SDF also believes in the hierarchy. Therefore if the soldier or candidate does not believe in that he might as well not join.