The Army Training System - AskTOP

plan special training to help soldierswho need it. The application of soundleadership techniques is especiallyimportant in bringing physically deficientsoldiers up to standard.‘COMMAND FUNCTIONSCommanders must evaluate the effectivenessof physical fitness trainingand ensure that it is focused on theunit’s missions. They can evaluate itseffectiveness by participating in andobserving training, relating their fitnessprograms to the unit’s missions,and analyzing individual and unit APFTperformance.Leaders should regularly measurethe physical fitness level of everysoldier to evaluate his progress and determinethe success of the unit’s program.Commanders should assure thatqualified leaders supervise and conductfitness training and use theirMFTs, for they have received comprehensivetraining in this area.Leaders can learn about fitness trainingin the following ways:• Attend the four-week MFT courseor one-week Exercise LeadersCourse.• Request a fitness workshop fromthe Army Physical Fitness School.• Become familiar with the Army'sfitness publications. Important examplesinclude this manual, AR350-15, and DA Pamphlets 350-15,350-18, and 350-22.Commanders must provide adequatefacilities and funds to support a programwhich will improve each soldier’slevel of physical fitness. They mustalso be sure that everyone participates,since all individuals, regardless of rank,age, or sex, benefit from regular exercise.In some instances, leaders willneed to make special efforts to overcomerecurring problems which interferewith regular training.Leaders must also make special effortsto provide the correct fitnesstraining for soldiers who are physicallysubstandard. “Positive profiling”(DA Form 3349) permits and encouragesprofiled soldiers to do as much asthey can within the limits of theirprofiles. Those who have been awayfrom the conditioning process becauseof leave, sickness, injury, or travelmay also need special consideration.Commanders must ensure that thetime allotted for physical fitness trainingis used effectively.Training times is wasted by the following:• Unprepared or unorganized leaders.• Assignment fo a group which us toolarge for one leader.• Insufficient training intensity: itwill result in no improvement.• Rates of progression that are tooslow or too fast.• Extreme faomality that usuallyemphasizes form over substance.An example would be too manyunits runs at slow paces or "dailydozen" activities that look impressivebut do not result in impovement.• Inadequate facilities which causelong waiting periods between exercisesduring a workout and/or betweenworkouts.• Long rest periods which interferewith progress.To foster a positive attitude, unitleaders and instructors must be knowledgeable,understanding, and fair, butdemanding. They must recognizeindividual differences and motivatesoldiers to put forth their best efforts.However, they must also emphasizetraining to standard. Attaining a highlevel of physical fitness cannot bedone simply by going through the motions.Hard training is essential.Commanders must ensure that leadersare familiar with approvedCommanders mustensure that the timealloted for physicalfitness training is usedeffectively.1-2