Notice of CF Express

[Klinkaroo]

Had two questions, did a search didn't find the answers I was looking for. BTW I am a reservist.

If I have example a CF express valid until august, I want a contract until July, can they make me retake the CF express even though I have one valid until the end of my contract?

Second question, how much notice must they give you before testing. Can they tell you the day of or is there a minimum of a week or so? Also if there are any written regs on this could you give me the reference.

 

[kincanucks]

You have a CF Express Test result valid for the 07/08 not for 08/09.  So you will be required to do it for 08/09 before 31 Mar 09.

 

[gaspasser]

Why the worry?  Afriad you'll flub it?
It's a yearly test of your physical fitness level.  I usually do it cold with a little warm up and pass, mind you I'm over the 35 hill and do more than show up.
They usually give us about a month or two notice during training cycle.  Or a couple weeks if you're being deployed and need to catch up.  I did three of them over a two month period once!  .
Regards, BYTD

 

[Klinkaroo]

Not really afraid but I you got to admit it kind of sucks when you are not expecting it, I like to be sure of myself and not have any worries know what I mean... Especially if I can get at least a 24 hour notice so I don't go and do a full blown work out the night before either...

Kincanucks so if I understand what you said, the CF express is valid for a fiscal year not one year from the date you completed it correct?

 

[211RadOp]

With the exception of my first unit, I have always booked my own, but I suspect it varies from unit to unit.

 

[kincanucks]

Not really afraid but I you got to admit it kind of sucks when you are not expecting it, I like to be sure of myself and not have any worries know what I mean... Especially if I can get at least a 24 hour notice so I don't go and do a full blown work out the night before either...

Kincanucks so if I understand what you said, the CF express is valid for a fiscal year not one year from the date you completed it correct?

Yes

and

BTW I am a reservist

So.

CANFORGEN 156/08 CDS 022/08 151834Z AUG 08
CF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS STRATEGY
UNCLASSIFIED


REFS: A. CANFORGEN 198/05
B. CANFORGEN 002/07
C. CANFORGEN 042/08
D. CF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS STRATEGY



FURTHER TO REFS A, B, AND C, I AM PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE CANADIAN FORCES HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS STRATEGY (REF D). THIS STRATEGY PROVIDES THE MOTIVATION, AWARENESS, SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO ENHANCE AND SUSTAIN A FIT AND HEALTHY FIGHTING FORCE. IT IS MY INTENT TO STRENGTHEN THE CULTURE OF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS ACROSS THE CF


MILITARY PERSONNEL MUST MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONING THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREER TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE STAMINA AND ENDURANCE TO SUCCESSFULLY PERFORM AMID PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DEMANDING OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS. HEALTHY AND PHYSICALLY FIT SAILORS, SOLDIERS, AIRMEN AND AIRWOMEN ARE LESS PRONE TO FATIGUE AND INJURY AND ARE THEREFORE MORE EFFECTIVE IN CARRYING OUT THEIR CRITICAL MISSION TASKS


IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CF TO DEVELOP AND SUSTAIN A STRONG, HEALTHY AND FIT CF. THIS BEGINS WITH LEADERS WHO ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO A QUOTE CULTURE OF HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS UNQUOTE, SETTING THE EXAMPLE FOR EVERYONE TO TAKE THEIR HEALTH SERIOUSLY AND CHOOSE A LIFESTYLE DEDICATED TO EATING WELL, ENGAGING IN REGULAR PHYSICAL FITNESS ACTIVITIES, MAINTAINING A HEALTHY WEIGHT AND LIVING ADDICTION FREE


EFFECTIVE 01 APRIL 2008, SOME OF THE IMPACTS OF REF D INCLUDE:


THE CHAIN OF COMMAND WILL PROVIDE THE TIME, RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT CF PERSONNEL TO ADOPT AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS


REGULAR, PRIMARY RESERVE, OUTCAN AND REMOTELY POSTED PERSONNEL WILL ALL COMPLETE ANNUAL FITNESS EVALUATIONS


IAW REF C, POINTS WILL BE AWARDED FOR EXPRES TEST RESULTS AT MERIT BOARDS


PSP FITNESS AND SPORTS STAFF WILL PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR SPECIALIZED AND REMEDIAL TRAINING


CF PERSONNEL WILL BE PROVIDED THE NECESSARY TOOLS (STRESS MANAGEMENT, COPING SKILLS, AND BEHAVIOURAL COUNSELLING, ETC) TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AND ADDICTION-FREE LIFESTYLE


INDIVIDUAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION RELATED TO HEALTH AND FITNESS WILL BE BETTER INTEGRATED INTO CF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT


COMMITMENT TO A LIFELONG HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WILL IMPROVE MORALE AND PERSONAL WELL-BEING, AND CONTRIBUTE TOWARD SUCCESS IN OPERATIONAL MISSIONS AND TASKS. THE CF WILL PROVIDE PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT TO ALL CF PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES TO FOSTER THEIR INTEREST AND MOTIVATION FOR MAINTAINING AND SUSTAINING A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO A PHYSICALLY FIT AND HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE


MILITARY PERSONNEL MUST POSSESS THE HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS NEEDED TO FUNCTION IN COMPLEX AND DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTS AND THIS STRATEGY PAVES THE WAY TOWARDS GENERATING A FORCE THAT IS HEALTHY AND FIT TO FIGHT. I EXPECT YOUR SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT IN IMPLEMENTING THIS STRATEGY


REF D IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT HTTP://HR.OTTAWA-HULL.MIL.CA/DOCS/HRMIL-DOCS/PDF/CF(UNDERSCORE)HEALT H(UNDERSCORE)FITNESS(UNDERSCORE)E.PDF. HARD COPIES WILL SOON BE DISTRIBUTED ACROSS THE CF. ENQUIRIES REGARDING REF D MAY BE DIRECTED TO TRACEY WAIT, DMPSC 2-2, 613-995-5549, WAIT.HT(AT SIGN)FORCES.GC.CA


SIGNED BY GEN WJ NATYNCZYK, CDS

 

[Klinkaroo]

With the exception of my first unit, I have always booked my own, but I suspect it varies from unit to unit.

I like that idea, if I could book it when I feel ready (especially with school and stuff I've had one stuck right at the end of exam week when I was more out of shape. What do you think happens to the stress level...), as long as I don't let my last one expire what's the big deal doing it a week later or so.

Kincanucks from what I read and from what was in bold it says that everyone that is under the umbrella of the canadian forces has a CF Express to do every year which I already knew, what am trying to find is if there is somewhere where it is written like "24 hours notice must be given to member before conducting the CF Express Test" or in the wavelength.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I didn't read thru this to see if it has specifically what you are looking for but...it might be the starting point.  

DAOD 5023-2 IntraNet

DAOD 5023-2 InterNet

My suggestion is to do it.  Unless you are worried about not passing it, why not do it and get it out of the way for the next 12 months?

If you start waving the "I don't have to" flag, they might wave the "and we don't have to employ you on Class B" flag.  You're call.

 

[Klinkaroo]

Ok so I read through the entire thing and didn't find anything and that was probably the best document to try and find anything.

I did however see something very interesting for someone who fails the MPFS... it says that they can request an evaluation by CMTFE (Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation). Has anyone ever heard of this being done? Not that I need to or want to but never heard of that before and just curious to know. It can be requested after failing the CF Express twice and is the choice of the member...

5 Common Tasks consist of:

   1. Sea evacuation.

          Aim: Simulate casualty evacuation during a fire on board a ship.
          Men and women under 35: 210 seconds
          Men and women 35 and above: 277 seconds

   2. Land stretcher evacuation.

          Aim: Simulate a land evacuation of a casualty on a stretcher over a distance of 750m.
          Men and women under 35: 900 seconds
          Men and women 35 and above: 1188 seconds

   3. Low-high crawl.

          Aim: Simulate conditions of self-protection when moving in front of enemy fire.
          Men and women under 35: 140 seconds
          Men and women 35 and above: 185 seconds

   4. Entrenchment dig.

          Aim: Simulate self-protection in face of enemy fire by digging an entrenchment.
          Men and women under 35: 510 seconds
          Men and women 35 and above: 673 seconds

   5. Sandbag carry.

          Aim: Simulate self protection or protection of others from natural elements.
          Men and women under 35: 12 sandbags in 10 minutes
          Men and women 35 and above: 9 sandbags in 10 minutes

Taken from the CFPSA website http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/fitness/general_e.asp

 

[SupersonicMax]

They forgot the Beer Drinking part on the "common tasks"

To answer your initial question, I had a 1 day warning for my express test...  It really isn't that hard, what are you scared of failing on?

 

[Klinkaroo]

Not really scared but I will admit that I do have a hard time with the push-ups and even then it's not really a strength thing it's more of my weight that I have to lift. I got to lose a few pounds, but I can do like 35 sit-ups, I run my 6.0 levels no problem and my lowest hand pressure thing was 88 on a bad day... I do know that I am not in top shape or anything but personally I don't think I am horrible to the point of not being able to work or being considered obese or anything... Anyways I continue to go to the gym and have gotten a lot better since I joined.

 

[Nfld Sapper]

Ok so I read through the entire thing and didn't find anything and that was probably the best document to try and find anything.

I did however see something very interesting for someone who fails the MPFS... it says that they can request an evaluation by CMTFE (Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation). Has anyone ever heard of this being done? Not that I need to or want to but never heard of that before and just curious to know. It can be requested after failing the CF Express twice and is the choice of the member...

Taken from the CFPSA website http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/fitness/general_e.asp

If you are going to quote, quote it properly:

FITNESS EVALUATION
Minimum Physical Fitness Standards 1988

The Canadian Armed Forces developed a Minimum Physical Fitness Standard (MPFS) for all military personnel, regardless of trade classification, age or gender. Extensive research provided 5 Common Military Tasks, which all personnel might be expected to perform in time of emergency. This rationale was used as the basis to establish Bona Fide Occupational Requirements (BFOR) in compliance with the Charter of Human Rights.

5 Common Tasks consist of:

Sea evacuation.
Aim: Simulate casualty evacuation during a fire on board a ship.
Men and women under 35: 210 seconds
Men and women 35 and above: 277 seconds
Land stretcher evacuation.
Aim: Simulate a land evacuation of a casualty on a stretcher over a distance of 750m.
Men and women under 35: 900 seconds
Men and women 35 and above: 1188 seconds
Low-high crawl.
Aim: Simulate conditions of self-protection when moving in front of enemy fire.
Men and women under 35: 140 seconds
Men and women 35 and above: 185 seconds
Entrenchment dig.
Aim: Simulate self-protection in face of enemy fire by digging an entrenchment.
Men and women under 35: 510 seconds
Men and women 35 and above: 673 seconds
Sandbag carry.
Aim: Simulate self protection or protection of others from natural elements.
Men and women under 35: 12 sandbags in 10 minutes
Men and women 35 and above: 9 sandbags in 10 minutes
The MPFS for the Canadian Forces was developed as a series of fitness protocols that were chosen based on their ability to predict CF members aptitude to complete the 5 Common Military Tasks. By completing the predictive fitness protocols to the standards listed in the chart below, the CF member has accurately demonstrated that they have the fitness levels necessary to complete the 5 Common Tasks.

and this has now been replaced by (if I am not mistaken):

CF EXPRES Evaluation
The CF EXPRES evaluation is a fitness test, which predicts the member's ability to meet the 5 common military tasks. The evaluation is administered to all CF members except those subject to special Command (LFCPFS) or task specific unit evaluations (i.e. JTF2, SAR Tech, and Fire Fighter). The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the relative overall fitness level of the member in order to provide exercise programs.

The three components of the CF EXPRES program are as follows:
Health Appraisal and Physical Fitness Evaluation. The Health Appraisal Questionnaires used are the Q-APP and the CPAFLA Healthy Physical Activity Participation Questionnaire. The CF EXPRES evaluation consist of 4 test items:
20 Metre Shuttle Run (MSR) or modified CAFT (mCAFT) to predict maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max);
Handgrip dynamometer to predict muscular strength;
Push-ups to predict upper body muscular endurance; and
Sit-ups to predict abdominal muscular endurance.
Exercise Prescription. Based on the health appraisal and physical fitness evaluation, each member shall be provided with an exercise program, including the frequency, intensity, time, and types of activities.
Exercise Participation. Each member, when not participating regularly in a recognized unit physical fitness program, shall participate in a directly supervised or self-supervised exercise program.

EDITED TO ADD

And if you are in the Land Environment you are also subjected to the BFT regardless if your EXpress test is still valid.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

From DAOD 5023-2:

This DAOD is an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Forces ("CF members").

Administrative Requirements and Procedures

Period of Validity of the Results of a Physical Fitness Evaluation The results of a physical fitness evaluation are valid:

- for a period of 365 days beginning on the date on which a pass rating is achieved; or
- for a period of 730 days beginning on the date on which an incentive standard is achieved under the CF EXPRES incentive program (see the CF EXPRES Incentive Program Exemption block).

The date on which a pass rating or incentive standard is achieved is set out in:

- the appropriate evaluation report form, e.g. Form DND 279, CF EXPRES Program; and
- the fitness panel in the HRMS.

When Required A CF member who is not exempted from physical fitness evaluation requires valid evaluation results:- on the effective date of a promotion, in accordance with promotion policy in applicable CFAOs; and
- on the start date of a period of Class "B" or "C" Reserve Service.

 

[SupersonicMax]

Then why do you need a month to prepare?

 

[Klinkaroo]

Then why do you need a month to prepare?

I never mentioned a month, I just reread my posts to make sure but I mentioned a week and 24 hours...

 

[SupersonicMax]

Then why do you need a week

 

[Towards_the_gap]

As a member of the CF you should always be fit enough to pass the EXPRES test at any time. It is the minimum standard after all.

 

[Klinkaroo]

Yes I know but I would still enjoy a little notice.

If you had the choice of knowing the day of or the week before... well personally I would like to have a week notice so I know not to do anything too demanding the day or two before so I can have the maximum possible...

Like I have been trying to say in past posts, it's not a necessity but hey can it really hurt?

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I never mentioned a month, I just reread my posts to make sure but I mentioned a week and 24 hours...

A week or a day...if you aren't ready to pass the test right this moment, you won't be a week from now. 

 

[Klinkaroo]

Not that I am not ready to pass it, but if not doing any exercise the day before will make me more rested and get an extra 5 push-ups in why not?