Posted on Oct 22, 2023
Military Obesity Rates Soar, Compounding Recruitment Challenges
7.14K
72
17
16
16
0
Military obesity rates across the active duty jumped from 10.4% in 2012 to 21.6% in 2022, according to the study, the findings of which were released on Oct. 12. This mirrors a national trend that has shrunk the military’s recruitment pool and led to billions of dollars in associated health care costs.
Military Obesity Rates Soar, Compounding Recruitment Challenges
Posted from military.com
Recruiting
Height and Weight
Standards
Health
Wellness
Edited 2 y ago
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 7
6
6
0
Looking back at High School in the past gym was a mandatory subject and even with that We stayed in shape. Most of us were involved in sports while in high school. At home We rode our bikes to friends houses, went to vacant lots and played Baseball, football or basket ball at a friends house or our own. We would go to ponds and ice skate or even p[lay ice hockey with our friends. In the summer We even swam in the river or at a nearby pond that had a public beach. We would build our Forts in the woods, climb trees to build treehouses. None of us, including me were overweight or out of shape. Basic training wasn't even a problem for Me, if there was a fat boy and they couldn't perform they were sent to a special unit to get in shape double time and exercise all day then resume basic training when they were no longer a physical wreck. In My entire lifetime I've NEVER been overweight or unable to perform the physical tasks expected of Me. It's not hard to do.
I may add while in my mid 60s worked an armed Federal contract with the USAF and in the mile and 1/2 run outran all the 20 year old's and had my pushups and sit ups done in 1/3 of the time I was given with no problem. The tester, a retired Army Special Forces Sergeant Major even asked why I wasn't out of breath after running, I hadn't though about it much never had a problem running or with exercise. I don't like oval track s though, they are boring,, I'd rather run cross Country, roads and trails. My height and weight hadn't changed in 40 years until I cult out sugar and dropped from 6'2" 190 to 195, to 180-185. At age 76 I still work contract security and check both a 8 story and 7 story build and don't use the elevators to check but use the stairs without any problem and walk between building and a two level parking garage. I do My own outside yardwork, I'm not paying someone to do what I can still do Myself.
I may add while in my mid 60s worked an armed Federal contract with the USAF and in the mile and 1/2 run outran all the 20 year old's and had my pushups and sit ups done in 1/3 of the time I was given with no problem. The tester, a retired Army Special Forces Sergeant Major even asked why I wasn't out of breath after running, I hadn't though about it much never had a problem running or with exercise. I don't like oval track s though, they are boring,, I'd rather run cross Country, roads and trails. My height and weight hadn't changed in 40 years until I cult out sugar and dropped from 6'2" 190 to 195, to 180-185. At age 76 I still work contract security and check both a 8 story and 7 story build and don't use the elevators to check but use the stairs without any problem and walk between building and a two level parking garage. I do My own outside yardwork, I'm not paying someone to do what I can still do Myself.
(6)
(0)
Lt Col Charlie Brown
I was not in good shape as a kid but still better than most of what I see now. However, once I joined the AF I got in shape and stayed that way...I am the same weight I was for virtually all of my military career (pregnancy break of course)
(3)
(0)
SGT Philip Roncari
I was in terrible shape when I enlisted back in 1965,drinking and smoking since junior high,lousy diet, etc but from Basic training on the Military really got me in shape quickly and formed a healthy lifestyle later on in life (of course the alcoholic bugaboo was only tamed one day at a time) be well Brother.
(0)
(0)
5
5
0
No fat -bodies in our boot camp!!! Then again that was back in the 70's. Why, everyone wants to be on the computer/ video games. Even at 69 ,I still PT 4 days a week. But just not as fast.
(5)
(0)
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
One fat boy We had in 1966 that at least didn't get sent to the PT unit to get in shape, was made the chow runner, He had to double time to the chow Hall and tell them were were coming to chow and how many and then double time back to us to report the message was delivered. They already knew how many anyway, they fed the same number every day, three meals a day. Our march to the mess hall was approx. one mile.
(3)
(0)
GySgt Jack Wallace
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - Just a note Top. Leaving for vacation 10-24 and going out-of state. Don't have a i-phone or my desk computer. I might be able to use my buddies computer. So, If u don't see a contact from me, it's because I'am on vacation and Not in hosp./sick/ passed. I hope......
(2)
(0)
5
5
0
Lt Col Charlie Brown When I joined the Marines we had plenty of fat recruits. They sent them to PCP (Physical conditioning platoon) where they were cut to half rations and lots of PT. Then they were sent back to a regular platoon to complete training. Why can't they do this now? And even after they have got into the force after basic.
(5)
(0)
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
GySgt Jack Wallace - It's combat boots You would be wearing in combat so train in what You would use to run in within the real world. We never even though about it, just di what was expected of us.
(3)
(0)
Cpl Vic Burk
GySgt Jack Wallace - Yep, only combat boot the entire time in boot camp. No gym shoes. SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
(1)
(0)
SGT Philip Roncari
Like most of us old guys am amazed at posts showing PT done in sneakers and what only can be described as gym/workout gear,my memories different,combat boots,fatigues etc,company runs to the “Daily Dozen” exercises.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google