How do you motivate your battle buddies to pass tape?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 16:58:25 -0500

What would you do if you had peers who failed the tape test repeatedly and seem to make very little progress, despite being placed in remedial PT? If their leaders have already done everything they can to help them, there should be something that we (SPC and below) can do or say to flip that switch in their minds. The "tough love" and "cheerleader" approaches aren't working.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 19 at 2013 5:01 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:01:04 -0500

Unfortunately, some don't want to put the work into bettering themselves...regardless of the focused leadership or assistance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 5:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:06:21 -0500

I ask them if they care about staying in or if they just don't care anymore. Oh and tell them to stay away from that damn fast food junk and get outside and do some pt !!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 5:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:16:25 -0500

Well i know what what has worked for me in recent times is i let the soldier know what was at stake (his job and benefits) and that quickly motivated him to jump on the ball and make great strides towards meeting the standards set forth in AR 600-9. That being said all soldiers are different what works for one might not work for another. You should get to know that soldier and find out what motivates them and run with it, and continue to mentor and support them to show them you are in it with them to see that they succeed. Once they succeed you mentorship should not stop there. Succeeding is only half the battle now they must maintain it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 5:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:45:13 -0500

No problem, I do what I can to help out.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 7:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:50:38 -0500

Personally, you shouldn't have too. If they can't motivate themselves to be within the standard they obviously don't want to be a soldier. Being in the military is a way of life and not a job. If you can't find the motivation to hit the gym how can i depend on your to find the motivation to go save your battle buddy who is bleeding out or to have the motivation to set the example for your peers and subordinate. I come from the old school. I am in the guard and go to the gym just about daily to maintain my fitness levels. That is what soldiers do.

Response by SSG Ron Davis made Dec 19 at 2013 7:51 PM

SSG Ron Davis — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:51:12 -0500

All of the advice from others is spot on. The fact that you are seeking advice shows that you are motivated to help your fellow soldier so you just need to figure out how to translate that motivation into words and actions that resonate with your friend. As a former PT NCO here are a few ideas that I used that may help you:

1. The military as a profession requires you to be in top physical form. This was known when they enlisted so their personal integrity should motivate them to meet and exceed the standard.
2. The benefits of being physically fit can help offset the stress that comes with the military lifestyle.
3. Their promotions and advancement are directly tied to their fitness level so if they want to advance they should start with one of the areas they can control.
4. Their goal should not just be to pass the tape test. Their goal should be to be physically fit enough to easily make the weight standard. Remind them of the extra hassle and stigma that comes with having to be taped. Try and overcome the mindset of barely making it...
5. Losing the excess weight will make it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle and easier to do the PT needed to be a good soldier. It is a complete cycle that benefits every area of their personal and professional life.

Good luck!

Response by Alexandra Paez made Mar 31 at 2018 8:37 PM

Alexandra Paez — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 20:37:30 -0400

https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aaeIqTAR88MrpU9
Hello, I am a military spouse and a graduate student at UT Austin currently writing my thesis on physical fitness standards in the military. Above is a link to an anonymous survey conducted by Qualtrics. Please take less than 5 minutes to answer a few questions concerning the tape test to help me get some background information. Thank you!