Physical Fitness Requirements for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Divers

Abstract

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between performance of EOD job tasks and physical fitness measures and to determine minimum physical fitness scores, to serve as standards for EOD personnel. Subjects were 47 active-duty EOD personnel. Mean age was 31.8 +-5.8 years; stature, 177.4 +-5.8 cm; body mass, 81.1 +-10.9 kg; and body fat content, 17.1 +-5.3%. Physical fitness attributes measured were: Sit-reach distance, push-ups in 2 min, curl-ups in 2 min, pull-ups, long jump, 1.5-mile run, 3.0-mile run, 500-yd pool swim, and 1,000-yd ocean swim. Performance on 4 job task simulations was measured as time for task completion: (1) carrying diving equipment; (2) lifting twin-80 SCUBA tanks; (3) 500-yd bay surface swim; and (4)100-yd rescue swim. Fat-free mass was a significant predictor (p <0.05) of performance on all of the job task simulations. Body mass was a significant predictor of performance on the SCUBA tank lift, bay swim time, and rescue swim time. Stature was related significantly to equipment carry time and bay swim time. The PRT items were, in general, poor predictors of performance on the job task simulations. The only significant prediction was push-ups for performance on the bay swim and rescue swim.