SOLDIERS from Bulford based 5RIFLES were pleased to put broadcaster Ben Fogle to the test and demonstrate the levels of fitness it requires to undertake the new In-Service Physical Employment Standards (PES).

Following comments that the Army’s fitness levels were decreasing and 10% of its soldiers are clinically obese, Ben was invited to spend the afternoon with the soldiers taking part in the new tests which are role-related and gender-free and have been designed to ensure that Army personnel have the physical capability to meet the necessary operational requirements.

Did he pass? - Yes he did but he admitted it was tough!

PICTURED: Other members of the battalion were taking part in Exercise DEVONSHIRE DASH, a mountain biking memorial event for 16 members of B Company. It consisted of studying the Bois de Buttes battle honour in Bulford Camp, followed by two days cycling 50 miles across the Dartmoor Way and High Moorland Link stopping at the Tavistock and Buckfastleigh War Memorials.

Some vicious hills and terrible weather were made up for by stunning views and the chance to pay respects to those who sacrificed all from their antecedent regiments during the Great War, particularly at the Last Stand of the Devons.