Russia's FSB plans to drastically lower military fitness requirements

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) intends to significantly reduce the minimum fitness test standards for contract military service candidates. The current standards have been in use since 2016. Under the proposed changes, requirements would drop particularly sharply for older male candidates.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) intends to lower the minimum fitness test thresholds for contract military service candidates and applicants to FSB educational institutions. This is evident from a draft document first published by the independent Russian publication Verstka.

Requirements cut in half

The current physical standards, which govern exercises measuring strength, speed and endurance, have been in effect since 2016. According to the proposed changes, the required minimum point total would drop significantly, with the current minimum threshold at 140 points across three exercises.

Under the new plan, men aged 50 and older should score only 60 points, while those aged 45-49 would need 70 points. This means older candidates would see requirements cut by more than half.

No justification provided

The document to be amended does not clarify why the relaxation of standards is considered necessary. Analysts have previously noted that Russia's military has suffered heavy casualties during the war in Ukraine, forcing recruiters to gradually ease criteria. At the same time, Russia has raised contract soldier salaries in recent years and expanded recruitment to older age groups.