# 2024-140 Careers, RMC Physical Performance Test
RMC Physical Performance Test (PPT)
Case summary
F&R Date: 2026-01-06
The grievor contested the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) decision to remove her from the Regular Officer Training Program at the Royal Military College of Canada (ROTP-RMC) for failing to meet the standard required in the Physical Performance Test (PPT). The grievor contended that she was treated unfairly because a foot injury along with Medical Employment Limitations (MEL) left her with less time to prepare for the test. As redress, the grievor requested the following alternatives: i. return to RMC under ROTP; ii. be granted an extra year of subsidized education to finish her 40-credit degree under ROTP, Civilian University (CivU) or Continuing Education Officer Training Plan; or iii. be granted reimbursement of tuition fees paid towards the completion of her 40-credit degree.
The Commander Canadian Defence Academy, acting as the Initial Authority (IA) denied the grievance asserting that they failed to understand how a lower body injury could have hindered the grievor's ability to exercise her upper body muscles required for the Flexed Arm Hang (FAH) component of the test, which she had failed. The IA stated that it was policy that cadets must succeed at the PPT to graduate from the ROTP-RMC. The grievor had not attained the standard required and therefore, the decision to re-path her was appropriate, fair, and consistent with the applicable policy.
The Committee determined that the grievor was afforded multiple attempts to successfully complete the PPT; however, she was unsuccessful and did not meet this graduation requirement. While she was temporarily placed under MELs due to a lower-body injury, she then successfully completed all sections of the PPT except for the FAH component. The Committee observed that temporary MELs, related to a lower-body injury, should not have impeded her ability to engage in upper body strength conditioning. Furthermore, although the grievor was unsuccessful in the physical fitness requirement, she was afforded the opportunity to complete her studies through the ROTP CivU program, obtain a degree subsidized by the CAF and continue her military career in her chosen occupation. Additionally, she was offered the opportunity for early commissioning. The Committee found that in the grievor's circumstances, considering the potential alternatives including release, the CAF's decision was fair, justified, and consistent with policy and therefore, the grievor was not aggrieved by this decision. The Committee recommended that the Final Authority not afford the grievor redress.