FITNESS FACTORS

by David Nuttle

If the U. S. was forced to fight another major war, we would be in trouble. Not less than 77 percent of American youth have been declared unfit to serve in the military. About one-third are obese, 07 percent and on illegal drugs and 06 percent have alcohol problems. Another 04 percent have mental issues & others have assorted factors making them unfit for any type of military service.

Some of the reasons for youth fitness decline are a) Sedentary life w/ too much screen time; b) Prolonged sitting; c) Less PT and sport participation; d) Low motor skills from all the inactivity; e) Less walking to destinations; and f) Use of electronic devices not requiring any physical activity. There is more instant gratification from all the above as compared to most types of physical activities. It will take dedicated efforts by parents, teachers, coaches, and friends to make needed changes and increase physical activities.

From my personal observations, from 3-years armed combat, survivors are physically fit and mentally tough. Farm youth and Boy Scouts tend to be the best combat survivors due to being previously active in the outdoors. Armed combat is always horrific, but when you must engage an enemy in a mortal conflict it is best to be physically fit!!

During combat, using breaks to reduce stress is important & helps prevent PTSD. Practice yoga or tai chai as well as breathing exercises. Employ humor and social contacts to boost mood. Take steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed, perfect battlefield skills, and develop a high level of confidence in your skills. Keep your weapons in good condition & know best means to employ them. Know the enemy very well. Decompress during your R & R leaves. To treat PTSD, use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and then work to remove typical harmful thoughts causing the problem.

To remain fit & alive on battlefields utilize: a) Camouflage & concealment; b) Redundant gear; c) Protective cover; d) Flanking tactics; e) Quick wins; f) Knowledge of all aspects of the battlefield; g) Tactical genius; h) Surprise; and i) Superior forces. You will not always have all of these advantages; the combat effective goal is to achieve most of them for each battle.

To be fit for combat the following training is essential: 1) Basic; 2) Survival; 3) POW Survival; 4) Escape & evasion; 5) Intl & counterintelligence; 6) Infantry & mechanized ops; 7) Close air support; 8) Special Ops; and 9) Battlefield (jungle, arctic, desert, urban, or other). During the Vietnam War, when the U. S. Army was short on officers, they would send their officers into a combat zone without most of the above training. The U. S. Army officers I knew, w/ missing critical elements of training, were all killed on the battlefield in less than 2-months. Armed combat requires fitness in all of the above aspects to help assure you live a long life!!!!!!!!!!!!