SecWar Pete is taking flak from the usual suspects over insisting that every service member (including fat admirals) do hard Physical training every duty day. Let me say this about that.
In 1973 I took basic training at Fort Knox. It was not uncommon to the the Commanding General pounding the pavement with us. We had a horizontal ladder outside the mess hall that we had to go through, after PT, while in the breakfast line. Twice during my basic training cycle, the CG came over, talked with the trainees and had breakfast with us.
In 1990, in the runup to Desert Storm, we were training with the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Polk. Every morning for PT, we could see the Commanding General out there sweating with the rest of us. Not uncommon at all.
Let's be fair. Every day I was in the Army, I detested PT. I hated running. But, I knew the standard and met it. I was not astonished when people who would not meet the standards fell by the wayside.
Officers lead from the front. The idea that the SecWar had to remind the flag officers of that fact is anathema to the culture of the military. That should go unsaid. If an officer is not leading from the front, then he should trot down to the personnel office and fill out the retirement papers.
SecWar Pete should stay the course. As my uncle, a WWII pilot told me, when you're taking flak, you are over the target. It seems to me that Pete is directly over the target.
I swim like a rock and run like a turtle. Now, I admit USAF PT requirements are minimal at best, but that pretty much flows with job requirements. Each service has different requirements and conditions. Our testing for record happened to be 3 months prior to my announced retirement (Chief with 10 years in grade on retirement date). Yes, I was out there, huffing and puffing, but how the hell could I NOT be? Plenty of folks passed me by, but I made the grade, pride intact, knowing those folks saw a Chief do it along with them. THAT is what THEY deserve and woe to whatever leader doesn't deliver it.
ReplyDeletePT is underrated.
ReplyDeleteExercise, when coupled with sleep, helps you learn faster, both knowledge and skills. It is necessary for good physical health and for managing stress. Then there is the mental aspect. Just being in good physical shape helps to build self-confidence. Overcoming the pain of the hangover on the third mile is character-building. All sorts of good reasons to PT.
PS-yes, there are studies that prove the first sentence.
I agree. How can they believe they can lead troops when they don't work with them, and that work definitely includes physical activity.
ReplyDeleteSome of the service "leadership" has gotten too divorced from the reason for their job.
I was disappointed that Hegseth didn't fire a bunch of the Admirals and Generals at that meeting.
Jonathan
Tell your problem people the standard, or tell your command the new standard. Give them time to show they meet the standard. Fire those who do not. Classic.
DeleteThe real fun was off camera.