Royal Air Force (RAF) phase-1 recruit training represents 9 weeks of initial professional and physical training and provides a transition from civilian to military life. Young men and women (16–33 years) complete phase-1 training before commencing their specialist branch (phase-2) training. Adequate nutrition may play an important role in reducing illness and injury, thus contributing to a successful training outcome.
RAF recruits attending a pre-recruit training course at RAF Halton were given an initial study brief, after which 719 recruits consented to participate. Dietary intake was recorded using a modified FFQ, which was distributed in a classroom at the start of training. Studies examining the validity and reliability of the modified FFQ are reported elsewhere(Reference Leiper, Lanham-New and Dziubak1,Reference Delaney, Lanham-New and Leiper2).
Macro- and micronutrient intakes are shown in the Table. The carbohydrate (CHO), fat and protein intakes represented: 46, 37 and 17% total energy intake respectively for males; and 47, 35 and 18% total energy intake respectively for females. Thus, the mean percentage energy from CHO was lower than that recommended for physically-active individuals. Mean Ca and vitamin C intakes were above the UK military training dietary reference values, but total energy and mean Fe intakes for both male and female recruits were less than the corresponding required values(Reference Casey3).
Mean values were significantly different from those for males: *P<0.05, **P<0.01.
A recruit's working day continues to be long and physically demanding throughout phase-1 training and there are concerns that food intake may not meet nutritional requirements.
The authors would like to thank colleagues at RAF Halton, Aylesbury, Bucks., for their support and assistance.
