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11 - Physical Training During Initial Entry Training
Soldiers report to initial entry
training (IET) ranging widely in their levels of physical fitness. Because of
this, there are special considerations when designing a physical training program
for IET soldiers. Physical training involves safely training and challenging all
soldiers while improving their fitness level to meet required standards. The regulations
which govern the conduct of physical training in IET and explain the graduation
requirements are TRADOC Reg. 350-6 and AR 350-15.
The mission of physical training
in IET is twofold: to safely train soldiers to meet the graduation requirements
of each course and to prepare soldiers to meet the physical demands of their future
assignments. Program
Development
All physical training programs in IET must do the following:
1 ) progressively condition and toughen soldiers for military duties; 2) develop
soldiers’ self-confidence, discipline, and team spirit; 3) develop healthy life-styles
through education; and, 4) improve physical fitness to the highest levels possible
in all five components of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular
strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition).
Because each
IET school is somewhat different, commanders must examine the graduation requirements
for the course and establish appropriate fitness objectives. They can then design
a program that attains these objectives. The seven principles of exercise outlined
in Chapter 1 are universal, and they apply to all PT programs including those
in IET. Commanders of initial entry training should look beyond the graduation
requirements of their own training
course to ensure that their soldiers are
prepared for the physical challenges of their future assignments. This means developing
safe training programs
which will produce the maximum physical improvement
possible.
MFTs are skilled at assessing soldiers’ capabilities. They use the
five components of physical fitness in designing programs to reach the training
objectives established by the commander. They also know how to conduct exercise
programs that are effective and safe. MFTs are not, however, trained to diagnose
or treat injuries.
The commander’s latitude in program development varies with
the length and type of the IET course. For example, commanders of basic combat
training (BCT) may do a standard PT program at one installation, while AIT commanders
may design their own programs. Regardless of the type of course, all leaders must
strive to train their soldiers to attain the highest level of physical fitness
possible. This means using the established principles of exercise to
develop
a safe physical training program. Safety
Considerations
Overuse injuries are common in IET. However, they can
be avoided by carefully following the exercise principles of “recovery” and “progression.”
Research
suggests that soldiers are more prone to injuries of the lower extremities after
the third week of IET. High-impact activities, such as road marching and running
on hard surfaces, should be carefully monitored during at this time. During this
period, fixed circuits and other activities that develop CR fitness are good,
low-impact alternatives.
Properly fitted, high-quality running shoes are important,
especially when PT sessions require running on hard surfaces. Court shoes, like
basketball or tennis shoes, are not designed to absorb the repetitive shock of
running. Activities such as running obstacle courses and road marching require
combat boots to protect and support the feet and ankles. Naturally, common sense
dictates a reasonable break-in period for new combat boots, especially before
long marches. Examples of recommended PT sessions and low-risk exercises are in
Chapter 7. Specific health and safety considerations are in TRADOC Reg. 350-6,
paragraph 4-2. Road
Marching
One road march should be conducted weekly with the difficulty
of the marches progressing gradually throughout IET.
In the first two weeks
of IET, soldiers can be expected to road march up to 5 kilometers with light loads.
Loads should be restricted to the standard LCE, kevlar helmet, and weapon. Bones,
ligaments, and tendons respond slowly to training and may be injured if the load
and/or duration are increased too quickly.
After the initial adaptations in
the early weeks of IET, soldiers can be expected to carry progressively heavier
loads including a rucksack. By he start of the fourth week, they should be accustomed
to marching in boots, and their feet should be less prone to blistering. By the
sixth week, the load may be increased to 40 pounds including personal clothing
and equipment. At no time during IET or one-station unit training (OSUT) should
loads exceed 40 pounds.
A sample regimen for road marches during IET is at
Figure 11-1.
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