Leadership Responsibilities

Effective leadership is critical to
the success of a good physical training
program. Leaders, especially senior
leaders, must understand and practice
the new Army doctrine of physical fitness.
They must be visible and active
participants in physical training programs.
In short, leaders must lead PT!
Their example will emphasize the
importance of physical fitness training
and will highlight it as a key element
of the unit’s training mission.
Leaders must emphasize the value
of physical training and clearly explain
the objectives and benefits of the
program. Master Fitness Trainers
(MFTs), graduates of a special course
taught by the U.S. Army Physical
Fitness School, can help commanders
do this. However, regardless of the
level of technical experience MFTs
have, the sole responsibility for good
programs rests with leaders at every
level.
A poorly designed and executed
physical fitness program hurts morale.
A good program is well planned and
organized, has reasonable yet challenging
requirements, and is competitive
and progressive. It also has
command presence at every level with
leaders setting the example for their
soldiers.
Leaders should also continually assess
their units to determine which
specific components of fitness they
lack. Once they identify the shortcomings,
they should modify their
programs to correct the weaknesses.
Leaders should not punish soldiers
who fail to perform to standard.
Punishment, especially excessive repetitions
or additional PT, often does
more harm than good. Leaders must
plan special training to help soldiers
who need it. The application of sound
leadership techniques is especially
important in bringing physically deficient
soldiers up to standard.