{
  "publisher": "Project Selection (independent; not MOD)",
  "reviewed": "2026-10-16",
  "live": false,
  "methodology": "https://military-prep-saas.pages.dev/editorial-methodology/",
  "records": [
    {
      "slug": "royal-navy-pre-joining-fitness-october-2026",
      "title": "Royal Navy PJFT: 2.4km run replaced by 20m bleep test",
      "service": "Royal Navy",
      "category": "Fitness",
      "kind": "confirmed-change",
      "summary": "The Royal Navy states that from 1 October 2026 the 2.4km run was removed from its general pre-joining fitness test and replaced by the 20m multistage fitness test, with a published general minimum of level 6, shuttle 6.",
      "effective": "2026-10-01",
      "published": "2026-10-01",
      "verified": "2026-10-16",
      "before": "The previous general pre-joining fitness assessment included a 2.4km run.",
      "after": "The Royal Navy now requires the 20m Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT). Its published general minimum is level 6, shuttle 6 (written 6.6), with additional strength elements. Diver applicants are subject to different published requirements.",
      "limitations": [
        "The Royal Marines follow their own recruitment and assessment pathway.",
        "This single bleep-test threshold is not a full pass or a medical assessment.",
        "The official guidance governs which format applies to individual candidates."
      ],
      "source": {
        "title": "Royal Navy: Pre-joining Fitness Test",
        "url": "https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/joining-process/pre-joining-fitness-test"
      },
      "related": [
        "/resources/royal-navy-fitness-test-2026/",
        "/tools/bleep-test-score-calculator/",
        "/tools/role-fitness-requirements/"
      ]
    },
    {
      "slug": "armed-forces-recruitment-service-2027",
      "title": "Combined Armed Forces Recruitment Service planned for 2027",
      "service": "Tri-service",
      "category": "Recruitment process",
      "kind": "announced-future",
      "summary": "In February 2025, the Ministry of Defence announced an Armed Forces Recruitment Service intended to launch in 2027 with a single entry point across the Royal Navy, British Army and RAF.",
      "effective": "2027 (announced target, not an implemented change)",
      "published": "2025-02-06",
      "verified": "2026-10-16",
      "before": "Separate recruitment schemes have historically handled applications for the Royal Navy, British Army and RAF.",
      "after": "The Government announced a combined, tri-service recruitment service and a streamlined candidate entry point for 2027.",
      "limitations": [
        "This is an announcement of a future service, not evidence that an individual candidate's test, medical or fitness requirements have changed.",
        "No detailed implementation schedule or universal candidate journey is established here.",
        "Use current official recruitment channels until any replacement is operational and verified."
      ],
      "source": {
        "title": "Ministry of Defence: Armed Forces to cut red tape and deliver quicker recruitment service",
        "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/news/armed-forces-to-cut-red-tape-and-deliver-quicker-and-easier-recruitment-service"
      },
      "related": [
        "/pathways/",
        "/tools/pathway-finder/",
        "/editorial-methodology/"
      ]
    }
  ]
}