There is no doubt that military training and service requires physical and mental effort. Living and working in hazardous environments poses clear risks to physical and mental health.
For this reason, recruits and active duty soldiers require a high level of strength and endurance along with good stress management and other coping strategies.
One of the purposes of military training is to develop these skills and abilities in already fit and healthy recruits or continuing service. Unfortunately, many potential recruits do not qualify for military service due to physical limitations due to poor fitness. This is due to the common pattern of inactivity and obesity among young people.
A report by the Council for a Strong America found that being overweight is the number one reason civilian military personnel are deemed medically unfit for duty. These qualities are more likely to be lacking in overweight recruits.
Equally disturbing is the fact that poor physical fitness disqualifies a large percentage of young men and women who are at a “healthy” weight. A 2010 report written by a group of retired military leaders raises these same concerns and has the ominous title “Too Fat to Fight.” A follow-up report, Still too fat to fight, and more recent data show that the situation has not improved.
Not only are many young people disqualified from military service, those entering basic training may suffer injuries that delay or end their training. These injuries are more likely to occur in recruits who are overweight and unfit upon entry. Recruits who lack resilience and stress management skills are also less likely to complete training.
This highlights the importance of promoting good mental and physical health among young people, especially those planning to serve in the military.
Maintaining physical and mental health is also critical for active duty troops and reservists to maintain readiness. Exercise is not only the best way to maintain physical strength and endurance, but it is also important for managing stress and reducing anxiety and depression.
Exercise plays an important role in the health and well-being of military veterans. First, regular exercise helps prevent a decline in fitness and can prevent the weight gain that is common after military service. In addition, exercise is a key component of physical therapy for recovery from injuries sustained while on duty.
Equally important are the mental health benefits of regular exercise. Depression and anxiety are common among military veterans. Exercise is well established to be effective in treating these conditions, both alone and in combination with other therapies.
This is especially important for soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is estimated that about 30% of soldiers meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Most soldiers diagnosed with PTSD also have or develop other conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, or substance abuse disorder.
Treatment for PTSD is challenging and includes cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and other lifestyle changes. Among them are exercises. Previous exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing PTSD, and exercise alone can reduce PTSD symptoms, with and without other treatment.
All of this supports the importance of exercise in developing and maintaining physical fitness, physical and mental health among recruits, active duty soldiers and veterans. The rest of us can also get the same benefits from regular exercise.
