What are your thoughts on sports for PT?

I think soccer is the most intense of the other two. You can't just stand still with the ball at your feet at anytime you'd like.

I agree 100% CSM, everybody needs to participate and work together. A good way to do this is to alternate sports events. This will not only hit a bigger target of Soldiers it will expand Soldiers knowledge base of physical fitness activities.

Thanks for your input, CSM. SFC, what sports have you played for PT during your career?

Sir, is there ever anything added to the sports pt session to intensify competition? A few times during ultimate football, when a team scored, the other did 10-20 burpees.

We have added things on occasion, but that just slowed the game down and really didn't add as much "extra" PT as we thought it would. The thing that slows most of the ultimate games down is the turnover times - so, we just modified it so that there were no real turn overs - a ball on the ground is fair game for everyone. That way, everyone runs the whole time!

That does keep the heart rate up. Touchdowns would provide a good 30 seconds rest.

You sound like me with running. I hated it when I was younger. Now, I just consider it a good way to stay healthy and I've learned to enjoy the benefits.

I have attempted running several times, even recently. Although I did enjoy it a lot more then when I was younger my shin splints came roaring back and I was unable to do it. I really enjoy lifting though!

Shin splits can be reduced in the weight room by training your tibialis anterior muscle for endurance. Outside the gym, you may have to consider different running shoes. My first pair of minimalist shoes did that the first 3-5 times I ran in them. Now, I just stick with Reebok Zig - good bounce and shock absorption.

Exactly, SGT Spratley...It was the E-4's that I dug into who were playing rough and getting hurt...I explained they need to start showing Maturity as they may soon become NCOs and must lead by Example...I always believed in handling things "at the lowest level possible"...I expected them to police themselves during "free PT" and play Non-Tackle Basketball...Great Question Sgt...

Just to be clear, you limited off-duty PT to running, push ups and sit ups? That's extreme and pretty hard to enforce. What about weekend softball teams, basketball teams or countless other off-duty activities? How did you enforce it?

No, Sir..."Free PT" Days were scheduled PT Meetings, however, I would give them free reign of the gym/ track and Field. It was a problem that could have been easily identified and its root cause was "Tackle Basketball." Now, as a MSgt, I do not believe it is my sole responsibility to stand by the Basketball court and "Micromanage" their game. Especially, when I have so many E-5's and E-4's who should be stepping up to the plate; not being part of the problem. As Leaders we can not be every where, every time, so we must rely on our Junior NCOs and even Senior Airman to behave like the big boys they are. As Security Forces, they carry around an M9 w/one in the chamber on-duty. Their responsibility can become awesome in an instant. I always believed in treating them like big boys and girls. Eventually, many of them would step up and be the Adults they are. There will always be "exceptional troops" around though, Sir, I am sure you understand...Sir, looking back, I noticed I called it Off-duty PT at first...my mistake....Respectfully, MSgt Mata...

Oh okay. That changes the entire meaning of your post.

Fair. SSG, does your unit have this policy?

No just my personal opinion

How does your Chain of Command view sports for PT?

Respectfully, I disagree with your disagreement. We are in a job that may require running and jumping or throwing ourselves to the ground. Dodging might be required. Catching might be necessary. Running and catching might have to occur. I don't understand how we can discount the advantages of sports PT. I feel those that are going to get injured are generally going to get injured anyway, it's just a matter of someone directing them to do PT their bodies aren't designed to handle. I played soccer growing up. Soccer is arguably one of the most dangerous sports. It has the least protective equipment and many kick with little to no control over their leg after they start the kick. I was never injured by anyone else. I had the breath knocked out of me, but I wasn't injured. I occasionally twist my ankle... running isn't ideal for me... that said, I twist my ankle and finish the run, frequently faster or better than all but about 2 other individuals. What Army PT doesn't seem to offer to me is reactive based moves that train my body to do just that, react. I can run to China...I think. But if I have to dodge something, I may end up injured. It feels like there are too many rules in place to keep me from feeling like an adult. Everything is dictated. I do understand that we're a military and that many policies are required for good order and discipline, but where do you draw the line? If you are used to doing sports, wouldn't your likelihood of injury be decreased in general?

I think your last sentence sums it up. Most athletic people come to the combat arms, not say that they are there. People who go into other fields such as Signal, MI, or Finance are usually not your ones who grew up playing sports. These are the ones that will be forced to play sports at the risk of injury. I will tell you right now I have horrible hand I coordination. I have done thousands of mags changes to finally nail it down to a fluid motion. You tell me to run and catch a ball I will probably run into a wall or off a cliff. I did manage to fall about 15 feet off a mountain side onto a road at Ranger school. If it wasn't for my conditioning and fitness level I could have been hurt. Put someone else there not in good shape you are asking for a career altering injury.

I understand what the LT from Lumberton, NC, is saying, and his reasoning is for not condoning unit sports for PT.. hand - eye coordination. I am not the best athlete, but played sports because the Soldiers got a laugh from me. It was nice to hear the words, the LT sucks, or did you see the CPT? I respect his opinion. Sometimes leaders have to do things for the good of the unit's morale by changing things up and add variety. Just my two cents. Today, the closest I get to team sports is when I buy tickets on the fifty yard line to see my Steelers play and loose.

I'm not too sure about your comment about other branches, CPT (Join to see). I've seen many 11Bs and Cs that look like they'd be better off working their excess weight off in a CIF facility. Now, if you said people who join for Infantry are usually very active, then I'd agree. However, many of the SMs I've met from Combat Support and Service Support have been at least somewhat active during their younger years.

I wish more Leaders in the Army enjoyed pullups at least half as much as I do.

What sports have you played for PT?

Anything from football to soccer, relay races, softball etc etc

Softball? Kickball would be better, and more entertaining.

SSG, I think you have a very interesting point of view.  When I conduct PT sessions, I look to ensure everyone is using proper form, especially on exercises such as the squat, lunge, and plank.  I think focusing on those basic fundamentals can reduce the risk of injury in such situations.  However, I must say - some just aren't athletic or built to take a hit.  It's a sad reality.

SGT Spratley, imo taking a hit shouldn't be apart of any regiment to begin with other then combatives. that's what crm's are for. Given accidents can happen but people can get hurt anywhere doing anything. I think having the proper ppe (I.e. cleats on a grass field) and proper instructions can mitigate a lot of risks.

SGT Mason, I frequently see the other 30-40% already on profile and failing PT tests anyway.

Touche, Sir