TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01 - TRADOC - U.S. Army

TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01Chapter 4The Physical Component—Developing Soldier Physical Performance4-1. Introduction: Holistic FitnessSoldiers performing full spectrum operations in 2015-2024 will face unprecedented mental,moral, and physical demands. The OE chapter described the future OE and the demographicchallenges that will confront the Army. The cognitive and moral chapters focus on demands ofan era of persistent conflict. Collectively these demands on Soldier performance drive the Armyto reevaluate recruiting, training, and retention of Soldiers. This chapter addresses the physicalcomponent of the human dimension and its impact on this reevaluation effort. Soldier readinessin the future OE will depend on a conceptual approach that focuses on holistic fitness to ensureoptimal and perhaps even enhanced performance. This holistic approach to fitness willincorporate both the traditional aspects of physical fitness, such as aerobic capacity, strength,endurance, flexibility, and coordination while also attending to the nutritional, psychological, andsports medicine contributions for optimal physical performance across a full spectrum ofoperations. This chapter explores ways to optimize the human capital of the Army withoutcompromising overall physical fitness. It suggests expanding current tailored fitness programs toadjust to changing demographics. It also reinforces programs and standards that permit highlytalented individuals to make career-long contributions to the Army in spite of disabilities or theinability to achieve certain combat standards.Physical FitnessThe Army must consider changes to physical training over a long period. The application of aprogressive physical education model described in this chapter will promote a systematic andprogressive physical development program over the entire course of a Soldier’s military career. Theprinciples and practices of Army Regulation (AR) 350-1 and FM 21-20 remain valid, but requirerestructuring to support a progressive physical education model as well as changing future physicaland mental demands. The Army must consider how aerobic capacity and muscle strength declinesas individuals age; altering training and fitness programs to accommodate these life span changesin order to reduce injury and optimize training regimens as Soldiers age.To change physical fitness the Army must establish a learning model for the systematicdevelopment of the modern combat Soldier. This model aims at achieving the holistically fitSoldier in three comprehensive dimensions of military performance. The first dimension istactical (technical) whereby the Soldier is proficient in common Soldier tasks; comprehendssituational awareness (adaptive, innovative, and decisive); shows devotion and loyalty to duty;and understands subordination. The second dimension is the manner in which the Soldierremains physically fit, self-disciplined, and physically resilient. The third dimension is themanner in which the Soldier exhibits mental characteristics. These characteristics includetoughness, resilience, determination, and tenaciousness, along with personal courage; respect forself and others; commitment to principles of honor and integrity, and supports others as part of ateam—both achievements and efforts. Within each dimension, there are common Soldierknowledge, skills, and abilities that inform the various developmental methodologies.87