In 1860 a number of military reforms began, including an investigation of methods of improving the physical fitness of soldiers in the Army.

In 1859 the War Office sent Colonel Frederick William Hamilton and Dr. Thomas Galbraith Logan, the Inspector General of Hospitals, to France and Prussia to report on the physical training systems in the armies in those countries.

On completing the course it was apparent that each man's physical fitness had considerably improved and they became the foundation of what was to be called the Army Gymnastic Staff (AGS).

[6] Notable former Army Physical Training Instructors include Nik Stuart, a former National Gymnastic Coach,[7] and Olympic medallists Kriss Akabusi[8] and Kelly Holmes.

[6] The corps cap badge, which is also worn on the front of its vests, t-shirts and tracksuits, consists of crossed swords surmounted by a crown.