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Throughout the services we do our best to promote a culture of physical fitness & peak performance; now, we just need to ask how we can get even better; so, what could we--or should we--do differently? How could we implement specific changes for a positive & wide-reaching impact in the DoD? One example may be food contracts/vending machine choices on military installations... do these align w/ the goal of a physically fit force? Another might be that Air Force officers don't mess at the dining facility by order--so, their only reasonable option is very often fast food--meanwhile, USMC officers are allowed to eat at their dining facilities; these are just a few cultural inconsistencies, there are likely many others across the joint spectrum... so, the object here is to start a thoughtful discussion of what we're doing right--what we're doing wrong--and brainstorm how we might get even better. I look forward to hearing your awesome ideas, thanks for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!
Joint Service
Fitness
Culture
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
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Sir, I've said this once before and ill say it again. It starts with education. Not just a quick hour course either. A true understanding of the body, metabolism and nutrition. I say nutrition because, I don't believe in 'diets'. We live in a instant gratification society. "What's the quickest way I can lose weight?" or "I have height/weight in a week, I just won't eat." I hear this too often. Sadly, I've heard this from NCO's as well. I've spent countless hours at my unit with fellow soldiers educating them on the importance of fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Why? If I don't share what I know, these soldiers will not be in the military for long. The Army Reserves is drastically cutting down its force for those who are not meeting soldier readiness requirements. <div><br></div><div>It may be as simple as education and a change in ones cognitive thinking on the matter. Let's take the word 'diet' for example. Now replace it with 'nutrition'. Ok, we've take some of that negativity out . Instead of not eating at all, what if you could eat more and still lose weight? Ok, now I have your attention. When you don't eat for an extended period of time, your body stores fat in preparation for starvation. That stored fat isn't easy to burn off. Eating small healthy snacks throughout the day, can help increase metabolism. </div><div><br></div><div>My point is this... Sometimes it takes a little extra knowledge. We need to incorporate ARMY MOVE for ALL soldiers. Not just overweight soldiers. I know a couple soldiers who had to register with Army Move. These soldiers were already struggling with weight BEFORE registering. Preventative maintenance and preparing for a soldiers future ,should be a requirement. </div><div><br></div><div>I directed a personal training department, where I've worked with every body type and age. Having a little education goes a long way. Aside from saving your military career, it can also save your life. </div>
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SPC David Hannaman
Well said. The only thing I would add is that in the case of married soldiers the spouse also needs to be included.
We've all seen the soldier that is fit but has a spouse who is morbidly obese. That soldier fights an uphill battle, coming home to cheap but poor nutrition meals.
Keeping in mind that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink, nutrition and exercise education and equipment needs to be made available to everyone in the service member's chain of support.
I feel strongly that this investment would pay dividends not only for the military, but for society in general.
We've all seen the soldier that is fit but has a spouse who is morbidly obese. That soldier fights an uphill battle, coming home to cheap but poor nutrition meals.
Keeping in mind that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink, nutrition and exercise education and equipment needs to be made available to everyone in the service member's chain of support.
I feel strongly that this investment would pay dividends not only for the military, but for society in general.
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No, we do not cultivate a fitness culture. We cultivate a culture of passing a PT test and losing a couple pounds to "pass tape". My personal belief is that once a person meets the standard on the PT test (there should be another discussion on exactly what that means; pass vs 270 vs 300), they should be able to do whatever program they want, as long as they consistently meet the standard.
I have never liked being told what to do when it comes to working out. PT does not get me in better shape. Sure, running is running, but the new system is not what works for me, and it doesn't work for most people who are actually in shape. We need to start breaking away from "1 .. 2 .. 3" mindset and realize that the fitness levels within our ranks cannot be supported in that manner. I know I'm not the only one who has to work out twice a day when I'm stuck in PT. Once in the morning for my unit, and once in the evening for myself.
We have a standard (however good or bad it is), let people meet it, and then let those competent Soldiers (yes, I'm willing to give leaders the responsibility of deciding who is competent) work on their own plan. Each person is not built the same and we can't make Soldiers all workout the same.
While I'm not hitting on the healthy eating portion of this discussion (I'm lucky and don't have to worry too much about it) I still believe that PT needs to be re-looked ... again! PRT is not the answer either.
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SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
Excellent points, MAJ (Join to see). I agree that those who are getting a 300 (or perhaps a 270) on the APFT should be allowed to conduct their own PT program, as they evidently have found a system that works for them.
I do believe that Army PRT, properly executed, works well. I personally went from a 317 to a 340 (while gaining 15 lbs.) during 14 weeks of Infantry OSUT, on a steady regimen of correct PRT (and group smoke sessions, of course...).
I do believe that Army PRT, properly executed, works well. I personally went from a 317 to a 340 (while gaining 15 lbs.) during 14 weeks of Infantry OSUT, on a steady regimen of correct PRT (and group smoke sessions, of course...).
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Definitely ditch the vending machines, or, at least get rid of the unhealthy options within them.
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SGT (Join to see)
Enter the "Hey, its lunch time buuuuut we need to lay out all of our equipment and inventory before COB so you get 10 minutes to rotate through chow."
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SGT (Join to see)
I disagree with this. Just because there are overweight SM's your going to take away the easy access to snacks for the rest of us? If I want to get a snickers, I shouldn't have to sneak off to the shoppet to get one.
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