Corporal Gary McClintock is famed for his love of chips and cheesy pasta.
The fictional star of popular Scottish comedy, Gary: Tank Commander is often mocked about his size by the fearsome Sergeant Thompson. Now it appears that real-life soldiers are also fighting fat rather than fighting fit.
Figures have revealed that more than 20% of troops from the Royal Regiment of Scotland have failed fitness tests in the last three years.
A total of 630 squaddies have been unable to complete timed runs and a set number of press-ups and sit-ups within a two-minute period.
This has sparked fears over Scottish soldiers’ abilities on the battlefield. The worst-hit regiment was the Royal Highland Fusiliers (2 SCOTS), with 170 troops failing their annual examination.
Meanwhile, The Black Watch (3 SCOTS) saw 120 soldiers fail to perform to the high standards required. These results have been described as a “major malfunction” by health experts.
National Obesity Forum board member Tam Fry said: “I am horrified that so many soldiers are failing to keep themselves in shape. There is clearly a major malfunction within the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
“It is incumbent on soldiers to keep fit but it is also vital that their superiors ensure their personnel are doing what they need to do to get fit.
“Training for recruits has already been extended so they have more time to get into shape.”
Squaddies who fail fitness tests are required to undertake tough physical training and, in extreme cases, poor physical health could result in a discharge from the army.
An army spokeswoman said: “Fitness is an integral part of being a soldier. Every soldier must pass various fitness tests to be operational or they are not deployed.”
Former Black Watch soldier, Major Ronnie Proctor defended the figures and claimed they did not show the whole story.
He told The Courier that a number of issues could be resulting in soldiers failing to prove their fitness, including returning from injury or suffering from medical problems.
“The army is the best organisation for getting people fit and keeping them fit,” he added.