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

TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01AssessmentAssessment is a planned process for evaluating need, outcome, and value. In physicaleducation, assessment includes individual and program evaluation. In assessing the physicaldevelopment and skill competency of individuals, one evaluates both the effectiveness and valueof the program through the progress made by participating in the program. Apparent deficienciesrevealed through testing confirm or prompt modification of a program.Diagnostic testing is important in monitoring individual progress. A sound assessmentpackage can reinforce the value of physical development to students. It can serve to motivateindividuals to begin or continue in a physical education program. On the other hand,administering assessments too often can decrease motivation and waste precious instructionaltime.Current physical assessment includes the evaluation of high and low-intensity work capacity,high-intensity cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body muscular strength, and abdominalfitness. Future assessment programs may benefit from scientific advances in physical monitoringsystems. Whatever the means used to assess fitness, however, Army leaders must understand thebasic principles discussed in order to provide the best physical training possible, tailored to theSoldier’s needs and abilities.So far this chapter has treated physical training and development as a largely institutionalnearly clinical process—a process well understood and applied today. Reaching out into thefuture requires an assessment of ways and means to attain and maintain high levels of physicalfitness in the face of frequent deployments.4-5. Fitness Training While DeployedFrequent deployments to extendedoperations or training exercises are not a newsituation for the Army. While each deploymentis unique in both environment and mission,fitness training will aid in missionaccomplishment as well as in helping Soldierscope with the stress of deployment.Commanders know that unit runs,combatives, intramural sports, and other opportunities to compete build cohesion and a sense ofunit identity in a garrison environment. Such activities can be restorative and a break fromroutine when in a field environment or deployed on operations.Because of the diversity of potential future missions, leaders need access to a variety ofmethods to maintain the fitness levels of their Soldiers. Methods must allow the leader to tailorexercise routines to the unit’s deployed mission as well as available time, and the physicalconditions of the deployment location. Leaders should challenge unit fitness trainers to identify93