Notice the “Pre” in Prepared
An article about the Army’s new fitness testing came across my desk the other day. I have to say I am proud of the Army for deciding that the bar was too low and added some more applicable measures to its “combat readiness” testing. The thing that bugs me is that a good many new recruits will actually be unable to negotiate these new standards (not that the old ones weren’t already too challenging for some). So here’s the deal, If you just signed up to serve no matter what the branch or department, you should know you’ve likely got some ground to make up. Yes, you will get physical training when you report. Yes, you will become stronger and fit as you go through the training. Let me ask two questions:
1. Wouldn’t you rather be at the front of the line from the get go and focus on tactical skills training rather than being 30 min behind the leaders with a drill sergeant howling in your ear because your the softest lump in the bunch?
2. Do you really want to just meet minimum standards when you’ve just volunteered to put your life on the line under conditions that you have absolutely no control over?
Get yourself in combat ready condition before you even report. You will thank me by the end of our first week at basic.
