Fitness requirements for boys wishing to pursue a career in the military are strict and challenging. With only 6 percent of all middle school and high school students participating in daily physical education classes, most high school graduates are unlikely to be able to meet these requirements. Enrollment in a reputable Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) military school for boys, with its focus on physical discipline and fitness, may be beneficial in preparing young men for these fitness requirements for military duty. These military fitness requirements consist of three basic tests.

Push-ups and Sit-ups
This requires the military candidate to perform as many push-ups as possible for two minutes. The number of push-ups required for men are 42 for candidates ages 17 through 21, and 40 for candidates from 22 through 26 years of age. The candidate is then required to complete two minutes of sit-ups. The required number of sit-ups is 50 for candidates 17 through 21 years of age and 53 for candidates from 22 through 26 years of age.

Two-Mile Run
In this test, candidates are required to complete as much of a two-mile run as possible within two minutes. Men must complete the two miles within 15 minutes and 54 seconds for candidates from 17 through 21 years of age or 16 minutes and 36 seconds for candidates from 22 through 26 years of age.

Height and Weight
This test requires candidates to meet stringent body fat percentages calculated from height and weight. The percentages are determined based on age and gender.

Developing the level of fitness required to pass these military test requirements take time, discipline and consistent hard work. While it is possible to achieve these goals on one's own, the structured programs found in the JROTC in general and within a reputable JROTC military school for boys specifically guides the young teenagers and assists them in achieving success in their military careers. The fitness benefits of a JROTC program reach beyond military preparedness. Incidences of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer in young adults, as well as the financial cost associated with treatment for these ailments, would be decreased or even eliminated with improved fitness.

For young men who participate in JROTC programs who do not pursue a military career, they will still enjoy the benefits of being physically fit and improving their health as they grow into adults. It may help to prepare them for professional athletic careers or simply to live a longer, healthier life.