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1 - Introduction
A soldier's level of physical fitness' has a direct impact on his combat readiness.
The many battles in which American troops have fought underscore the important
role physical fitness plays on the battlefield. The renewed nationwide interest
in fitness has been accompanied by many research studies on the effects of regular
participation in sound physical fitness programs. The overwhelming conclusion
is that such programs enhance a person's quality of life, improve productivity,
and bring about positive physical and mental changes. Not only are physically
fit soldiers essential to the Army, they are also more likely to have enjoyable,
productive lives.
This chapter provides an overview of fitness. It defines
physical fitness, outlines the phases of fitness, and discusses various types
of fitness programs and fitness evaluation. Commanders and leaders can use this
information to develop intelligent, combat-related, physical fitness programs.
Physical fitness, the emphasis of this manual, is but one component of total fitness.
Some of the "others are weight control, diet and nutrition, stress management,
dental health, and spiritual and ethical fitness, as well as the avoidance of
hypertension, substance abuse, and tobacco use. This manual is primarily concerned
with issues relating directly to the development and maintenance of the five components
of physical fitness.
The Army's physical fitness training program extends
to all branches of the total Army. This includes the USAR and ARNG and encompasses
all ages and ranks and both sexes. Its purpose is to physically condition all
soldiers throughout their careers beginning with initial entry training (IET).
It also includes soldiers with limiting physical profiles who must also participate
in physical fitness training.
Commanders and leaders must ensure that all
soldiers in their units maintain the highest level of physical fitness in accordance
with this manual and with AR 350-15 which prescribes policies, procedures, and
responsibilities for the Army physical fitness program.
Leadership Responsibilities
Effective leadership is critical to the success of a good physical training program.
Leaders, especially senior leaders, must understand and practice the new Army
doctrine of physical fitness. They must be visible and active participants in
physical training programs. In short, leaders must lead PT! Their example will
emphasize the importance of physical fitness training and will highlight it as
a key element of the unit’s training mission.
Leaders must emphasize the value
of physical training and clearly explain the objectives and benefits of the program.
Master Fitness Trainers (MFTs), graduates of a special course taught by the U.S.
Army Physical Fitness School, can help commanders do this. However, regardless
of the level of technical experience MFTs have, the sole responsibility for good
programs rests with leaders at every level.
A poorly designed and executed
physical fitness program hurts morale. A good program is well planned and organized,
has reasonable yet challenging requirements, and is competitive and progressive.
It also has command presence at every level with leaders setting the example for
their soldiers.
Leaders should also continually assess their units to determine
which specific components of fitness they lack. Once they identify the shortcomings,
they should modify their programs to correct the weaknesses. Leaders should not
punish soldiers who fail to perform to standard. Punishment, especially excessive
repetitions or additional PT, often does more harm than good. Leaders must plan
special training to help soldiers who need it. The application of sound leadership
techniques is especially important in bringing physically deficient soldiers up
to standard.
COMMAND FUNCTIONS
Commanders must evaluate the
effectiveness of physical fitness training and ensure that it is focused on the
unit’s missions. They can evaluate its effectiveness by participating in and observing
training, relating their fitness programs to the unit’s missions, and analyzing
individual and unit APFT
performance.
Leaders should regularly measure
the physical fitness level of every soldier to evaluate his progress and determine
the success of the unit’s program.
Commanders should assure that qualified
leaders supervise and conduct fitness training and use their MFTs, for they have
received comprehensive
training in this area.
Leaders can learn about
fitness training in the following ways :
• Attend the four-week MFT course
or one-week Exercise Leaders Course.
• Request a fitness workshop from the
Army Physical Fitness School.
• Become familiar with the Army's fitness publications.
Important examples include this manual, AR 350-15, and DA Pamphlets 350-15, 350-18,
and 350-22.
Commanders must provide adequate facilities and funds to support
a program which will improve each soldier’s level of physical fitness. They must
also be sure that everyone participates, since all individuals, regardless of
rank, age, or sex, benefit from regular exercise. In some instances, leaders will
need to make special efforts to overcome recurring problems which interfere with
regular training. Leaders must also make special efforts to provide the correct
fitness training for soldiers who are physically substandard. “Positive profiling”
(DA Form 3349) permits and encourages profiled soldiers to do as much as they
can within the limits of their profiles. Those who have been away from the conditioning
process because of leave, sickness, injury, or travel may also need special consideration.
Commanders must ensure that the time allotted for physical fitness training is
used effectively.
Training times is wasted by the following:
• Unprepared
or unorganized leaders.
• Assignment for a group which us too large for one
leader.
• Insufficient training intensity: it will result in no improvement.
• Rates of progression that are too slow or too fast.
• Extreme formality
that usually emphasizes form over substance. An example would be too many units
runs at slow paces or "daily dozen" activities that look impressive
but do not result in improvement.
• Inadequate facilities which cause long
waiting periods between exercises during a workout and/or between workouts.
• Long rest periods which interfere with progress.
To foster a positive attitude,
unit leaders and instructors must be knowledgeable, understanding, and fair, but
demanding. They must recognize individual differences and motivate soldiers to
put forth their best efforts. However, they must also emphasize training to standard.
Attaining a high level of physical fitness cannot be done simply by going through
the motions. Hard training is essential.
Commanders must ensure that leaders
are familiar with approved techniques, directives, and publications and that they
use them. The objective of every commander should be to incorporate the most effective
methods of physical training into a balanced program. This program should result
in the improved physical fitness of their soldiers and an enhanced ability to
perform mission-related tasks.
MFTs can help commanders formulate sound programs
that will attain their physical training goals, but commanders must know and apply
the doctrine. However, since the responsibility for physical training is the commander’s,
programs must be based on his own training objectives. These he must develop from
his evaluation of the unit’s mission-essential task list (METL). Chapter 10 describes
the development of the unit’s program.
Continue to Master
Fitness Trainers |
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