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Experience with a pre-basic fitness program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
Military Medicine
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Recruits entering a fitness program showed lower initial physical fitness but similar basic soldiering skills and separation rates compared to direct entry trainees. Improvements in fitness standards and recruit education are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Recruit Training
Background:
- Assessing the physical readiness of military recruits is crucial for operational effectiveness and injury prevention.
- The Fort Jackson Fitness Company was established to improve the physical conditioning of recruits entering basic training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physical fitness, injury rates, and end-cycle performance of recruits attending the Fitness Company versus those entering basic training directly.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Fitness Company program in preparing soldiers for military service.
Main Methods:
- One hundred seventy-five recruits from the Fitness Company and 60 direct-entry recruits were assessed for upper body strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness.
- Injury rates and end-of-training performance metrics were compared between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Fitness Company recruits initially demonstrated lower push-up repetitions and slower two-mile run times compared to established post standards.
- Sick call rates were significantly higher in less conditioned troops.
- Sit-up repetitions, basic soldiering skills, existing prior to service discharges (EPTS), and entry-level separation (ELS) rates were comparable between groups.
Conclusions:
- The Fitness Company program requires enhanced graduation standards to ensure recruits meet minimum physical readiness.
- Disseminating fitness standards to potential recruits in public institutions is recommended to improve pre-enlistment conditioning.