6 MIACSO 3262 · APRIL 2026 · FIFTH REVISE
Reserve physical training requirements
Reserve Core Health and Fitness requirements from ACSO 3262.
Open Reserve PT policy · PTI access →This HM Service policy section uses the app’s existing PTI access.
RESERVIST TRAINING
Weekly PT provision
For Army Reserve personnel not warned for operations: the chain of command is required to provide a minimum of three role-related PT periods per week.
Period duration is determined by the programme objectives, in line with unit Army Physical Training System (APTS) Level 3 or the Lone Soldier Physical Training Programme (LSPTP).
Individuals must take ownership of their personal fitness and achieve the required ITR Core Health and Fitness standards.
This is the chain of command’s training provision requirement. Individual attendance arrangements are set through the unit programme; the guidance does not specify three compulsory drill-night attendances. Dispersed locations, drill-night availability and funding affect delivery.
Unit programme and lone-soldier training
- Reservists should have a unit Physical Training Programme (PTP), as Regular personnel do.
- The LSPTP supports training in the dispersed Army Reserve environment.
- The LSPTP is also used for “Paid for PT” where the unit operates this arrangement. Availability is unit-dependent and subject to funding.
Confirm the applicable programme and any paid PT arrangements with your chain of command or RAPTCI.
PT INSTRUCTOR DELIVERY
Basic and Advanced qualifications
AR PTI Basic includes PT delivery as well as fitness testing. Both qualifications are limited to the methods taught and the instructor’s competence, currency and supervision arrangements.
| Activity | AR PTI Basic | AR PTI Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| PT and fitness development | Within Basic course training: circuit training, loaded marching and APTS Level 2/3 PT. | Within Basic and Advanced course training, including wider fitness development. |
| Fitness testing | ITR Core Fitness testing, body composition measurement and Military Swim Test, within qualification and applicable test instructions. | Basic testing activities, plus Combat Military Swim Test within qualification and applicable test instructions. |
| Combat, battle and obstacle-course PT | No green PT without a suitable additional course qualification, such as OCS. | Combat PT, obstacle-course training and battle PT within Advanced course training. |
| Unit training programmes | Deliver within the prescribed programme and qualification limits; write lesson plans and complete risk assessments. | Construct unit training programmes; write lesson plans and complete risk assessments. |
Delivering PT to Regular personnel
AR PTIs, Basic and Advanced, can deliver PT to Regular personnel within the constraints of their qualification and under direct or indirect supervision of the RAPTCI or Unit Fitness Training Officer (UFTO).
Delivering to Regulars does not extend an instructor’s qualification scope.
Delivery limits and responsibilities
- Methods: use those taught on the relevant course. Additional methods require further on-the-job training from an appropriately qualified instructor or further professional qualifications approved by the Lead Centre.
- Supervision: both role specifications require direct or indirect supervision. The Basic specification also lists an AR PTI Advanced as a permitted supervisor.
- Group size: determine through the activity risk assessment. The role specifications give a general guide of no more than 1 instructor to 15 participants.
- Currency: remain active in the PTI role, have qualified or re-qualified within the last 10 years, and maintain a PTI logbook of delivery and relevant ADT/CPD.
- Pool safety: a PTI qualification alone does not provide lifeguard cover. A separate National Pool Lifeguard Qualification or Joint Service Pool Lifeguard Qualification is required for that role.
Guidance sources
HQ RAPTC Army Reserve Lead guidance, 7 October 2026; AR PTI Basic Role Specification V2, 10 January 2024; AR PTI Advanced Role Specification supplied with the guidance (20181119 filename; amendment table dated 10 January 2024).
Use alongside current AGAI Vol 1 Chapter 7, activity-specific instructions and local direction. Confirm scope with the RAPTCI or UFTO before delivery.
Open policy and JSPs →