Introduction

Army Fitness Physical Training

A soldier’s level of physical fitness'
has a direct impact on his combat
readiness. The many battles in which
American troops have fought underscore
the important role physical fitness
plays on the battlefield. The
renewed nationwide interest in fitness
has been accompanied by many research
studies on the effects of regular
participation in sound physical fitness
programs. The overwhelming conclusion
is that such programs enhance a
person’s quality of life, improve productivity,
and bring about positive
physical and mental changes. Not only
are physically fit soldiers essential to
the Army, they are also more likely to
have enjoyable, productive lives.
This chapter provides an overview
of fitness. It defines physical fitness,
outlines the phases of fitness, and
discusses various types of fitness programs
and fitness evaluation. Commanders
and leaders can use this information
to develop intelligent, combatrelated,
physical fitness programs.
Physical fitness, the emphasis of
this manual, is but one component of
total fitness. Some of the “others are
weight control, diet and nutrition,
stress management, dental health, and
spiritual and ethical fitness, as well as
the avoidance of hypertension, substance
abuse, and tobacco use. This
manual is primarily concerned with
issues relating directly to the development
and maintenance of the five
components of physical fitness.
The Army’s physical fitness training
program extends to all branches of
the total Army. This includes the
USAR and ARNG and encompasses all
ages and ranks and both sexes. Its
purpose is to physically condition all
soldiers throughout their careers beginning
with initial entry training (IET).
It also includes soldiers with limiting
physical profiles who must also participate
in physical fitness training.
Commanders and leaders must ensure
that all soldiers in their units
maintain the highest level of physical
fitness in accordance with this manual
and with AR 350-15 which prescribes
policies, procedures, and responsibilities
for the Army physical fitness
program.