The Army has a Physical Fitness Problem, Part 2: Toward a More Combat-Ready Force
Matt Clark | January 31, 2020
The Army has a fitness problem, it routinely deploys soldiers who are not at their peak fitness levels. That problem, as described in part one of this two-part series, is driven by eight myths surrounding tactical training and physical fitness. Physical fitness is routinely traded for tactical readiness; maximum combat readiness is never achieved. To maximize soldier and unit combat readiness, leaders at all levels must adopt a new paradigm that integrates tactical and physical training. This new “integration paradigm†can be supported at the institutional level, by field-grade leaders, and by small-unit leaders. Success will require leaders who resist the myths and model disciplined adherence to priorities, coupled with a better shared understanding of the basics of physical fitness and how to plan effective fitness training in a time- and resource-constrained environment.
Recommendations for the Army
Addressing the Army’s physical fitness and combat readiness problem doesn’t end with institutional solutions enacted by the Army, but it does begin there. The following are steps the Army can begin to take.
Embrace the performance triad. In the next physical-training manual, the Army should provide an integrated and wholistic fitness program that incorporates the Army’s entire performance triad—exercise, sleep, and nutrition. Currently, Army doctrine (FM 7-22) focuses almost entirely on physical training while only mentioning the importance of “adequate†sleep and “proper†nutrition. Recommendations on sleep and nutrition are published by the Army Public Health Center, however this nondoctrinal point of reference is unknown to most soldiers, and the principles the organization discusses are seemingly neglected in many unit training cycles. To foster a comprehensive approach from the top down, Army leaders need a single source that integrates these ideas into a coherent program.
https://mwi.usma.edu/army-physical-fitness-problem-part-2-toward-combat-ready-force/
