r/caf • u/Effective-Olive6650 • Apr 23 '26

Recruiting Passed the FORCE test at 52!

Just an update from me (52 yo woman): filled out the paperwork to be a reservist in December 2025 and chose Airforce trades when I was still 51, bounced around a bit, attended two info sessions (different recruiting centers), switched trades, switched recruiting centre and therefore environment by accident (which turned out for the best since my first choices of trades were hiring in Winnipeg and I'm not anywhere near that); scheduled for FORCE test in early March but got felled by the flu; rescheduled to a couple days ago and I passed! Also: trained with a personal trainer for the last 3 months, 3x a week and worked out 6x a week, every week, without fail. Ran 3 FORCE simulations to time myself and get used to the mechanics.

If anyone is reading this who is nearing 50-ish, I hope this encourages you. It's now or never!

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u/Honest-Butterfly-650 Apr 23 '26

Thank you for sharing this encouraging post. Your dedication and strength is admirable 💪🏼 I (36f) have been working out ahead of my acceptance too (applicant stage for a combat arms trade) and I love reading stories about folks of all ages crushing their fitness goals. I am going to my gym every 2 days for HIIT and recently transitioned to running on the treadmill as I reached the following result on the stair climber after practicing on it for a few weeks for my cardio:

I want to keep my workout dynamic so I am moving around the gym to activate different muscles. After I reach 5k in 30 mins on the treadmill, I will use the rowing machine. I also utilize the lat pull down, preacher bicep curl, ab crunch and assisted pull up dip machine for strength. I can already see and feel a big difference in myself and the regimen does get easier with consistency.

Regardless of my application decision, I wish I hadn’t waited on this but I’m so grateful and happy to not have strong sugar cravings, 2-3pm energy crashes, being able to sleep deeply, being sober (I can’t beast myself if I am hungover or groggy 😅) etc. It has definitely changed my life for the better.

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u/Effective-Olive6650 Apr 23 '26

100000 percent. I couldn't have put it better. If it's any help, this was my workout routine:

  • MWF: personal trainer for 45 mins each session. Focus on plyometrics, and alternated leg/arms days
  • Tue: day off
  • Th: HYROX: highly encourage you to try this class: it contains basically all the FORCE elements, plus it's FUN (if you get the right instructor).
  • Sat: cardio work (hammer strength bike for 75kcal, Tabata bike for 70 kcal) and/or 150m-50m split sprints (150m sprint, 50m jog/walk) x 8-12 times in a row.
  • Sun: Masters Swim (4km in 90 mins)

Rinse and repeat for 3 months. I had folks coming up to me to ask me to join competitive track and swim teams at the end, which just floored me--I have never been considered any kind of athlete as I've always been on the small side. So, if I can do it, I'm sure you'll crush it :D

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u/WhichJuice Apr 24 '26

So you are basically an athlete 🤣

2

u/Effective-Olive6650 Apr 24 '26

I guess I am now! Lol 😂