New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) Comprehensive Soldier
Fitness (CSF) Facilitators Guide Volume 2
TC 3-22.20 states Army physical readiness is defined as the
ability to meet the physical demands of any combat or duty
position, accomplish the mission, and continue to fight and win
Physical fitness is a DUTY and a personal responsibility
You are required to pass the APFT and meet height and weight
requirementsPhysical (Mental Agility) - NovemberLeader: Discuss
these expectations with your SoldiersWhat is Physical Fitness?
Mobility movement proficiency; the ability to move quickly and
confidently, such as lifting an injured Soldier
Strength the ability to overcome resistance
Endurance the ability to sustain physical activityPhysical
(Mental Agility) - NovemberLeader: Discuss these expectations with
your SoldiersComponents of Physical Fitness
Excessive eating, smoking, drinking alcoholLazy lifestyle being
a couch potato and abstaining from physical activityPoor motivation
doing the minimum to pass the APFT standard and being unfit for
combatPoor flexibility never stretching before and during
exercisePoor hygiene not taking care of yourself by washing,
grooming, brushing your teeth and daily physical regimen Poor body
composition staying at the edge of the Army body fat standard
(spare tire syndrome)Drug use use of illegal drugs or misuse of
legal prescription drugs
Physical (Mental Agility) - NovemberLeader: Review unhealthy
behaviors with your Soldiers Unhealthy Physical Fitness
Behaviors
You are SGT Round. You recently returned home from deployment
and started a new job. You are currently going to college part time
at night and have found it difficult to maintain your physical
fitness. You just failed your annual APFT and are now ineligible to
be selected for promotion. You fell out of the last Company ruck
march. You have gained 15 pounds since your last weigh in and are
in danger of failing tape. You have been counseled by your platoon
SGT and he told you that your performance was embarrassing. You
think to yourself, everything in my career is falling apart. I will
never pass my APFT.Leader: Read the following scenarioPhysical
(Mental Agility) - NovemberUnhealthy Physical Fitness Scenario
Bottom Line Up Front: Problem Solving is a skill that is used to
help understand a problem so solution strategies can be found. In
order to solve problems, we must first clearly understand them.
There are many things that can get in the way of seeing the whole
picture. One of these obstacles is called the confirmation
bias.
The confirmation bias causes us to only notice, remember and
hold weight to the evidence that supports our thoughts and beliefs
and not notice, remember or holdweight to evidence that does not
support our thoughts or beliefs.
Confirmation bias is not intentional or in our awareness. The
stronger our beliefs, the stronger the confirmation bias. It can be
both negative or positive thoughts (i.e. I am a good leader or I am
a bad leader). You only see the evidence that supports your
belief.
Leader: Ask your Soldiers what they perceive the problem to be
(discuss for 2 minutes and then proceed to discussion on Problem
Solving.)Physical (Mental Agility) - NovemberScenario The
Problem
Problem Solving Steps:
Describe the problem objectively (who, what, when, where).List
your heat of the moment thoughts about what caused the problem.Use
the following questions to determine what you may have missed.a.
How did others or circumstance contribute?b. How did I
contribute?c. What specific behaviors contributed to the
problem?Using the factors that you identified in steps 2 and 3,
list evidence for and against each factor.Put a star (*) next to
the factors that you can control or influence.Based on your new and
more accurate understanding of the problem, briefly ID strategies
for solving it.Page 6Leader: Go through the problem solving steps
below.Physical (Mental Agility) - NovemberScenario Problem
Solving
SGT Round has gained 15 pounds since returning home. He failed
his APFT and is ineligible for promotion.I dont have the time to do
PT.Other factors.a. I just got a new job and am going to college
part time at night.b. I havent been dieting or doing PT.c. I have
been eating late due to class schedule.Find evidence.
Put a star (*) next to the factors that you can control or
influence.Wake up earlier to do PT. Prepare lunch and healthy
snacks. Join a 24 hour gym. Use the gym at the college between work
and class.
Leader: Discuss how problem solving can be used to help SGT
Round.Physical (Mental Agility) - NovemberScenario Problem
SolvingFactorsEvidence ForEvidence Against#2 above *No time due to
school & workI get out early some days.#3a *Job and school
attendanceNo evidence against#3b*Poor eating habitsNo evidence
against#3c *Eating fast food on way homeNo evidence against
7SGT Rounds belief that everything in his career is falling
apart is keeping him from addressing his physical fitness and
weight issues. Once he clearly understands the real problems, he
can take steps to correct them by using the resources available to
him.
Problem Solving helps to build upon the competency of mental
agility because it requires you to be flexible and accurate in your
perspectives to find solution strategies. Mental agility allows us
to think outside the box and come up with new ways to solve
problems.
Physical (Mental Agility) - NovemberMental AgilityHunt the good
stuff: Positive people think positively. Focusing on positive
experiences leads to an optimistic way of thinking. Encourage your
Soldiers to share a positive experience that they have had since
last drill. (Open discussion)
What could you do as a Battle Buddy to help SGT Round?Help him
come up with a PT plan.Schedule time to work out with him.What
could you do as a leader to help SGT Round?Help him set short and
long term goals with a measurable outcome.Establish PT program for
drill weekends.Remember ACE * (any stressful situation can lead to
suicidal behavior)Ask what you can do to assist the Soldier in
succeeding.Care enough to listen and provide support.Escort the
Soldier to resources or be one yourself as a positive
influence.
DO YOU HAVE AN ACE CARD?* The ACE process guides us to assist
the Soldier. Have the courage to act on behalf of a fellow Soldier.
Never assume that everything is good to go until you have
checked.
Leader: Ask about responsibility of Battle Buddies and how they
can assist in the situation and review ACEPhysical (Mental Agility)
- NovemberScenario Battle Buddy Aid
Strive to meet and exceed the Army standardTreat injuries
quickly; maintaining your body and health is as important as PTEat
well-balanced, healthy meals and plan for healthy snacksExercise
regularly (i.e. no less than three times per week)Stretch regularly
throughout the day, including before and after exerciseUse
NYARNG/armory fitness equipment or join a gymJoin a local sports
team or get a workout buddy to keep you accountable and
motivatedBuild a social circle around a physical activity (pick-up
basketball, golf, hiking, kayaking, cycling, etc.)Leader: Ask your
Soldiers to think of good physical fitness habits Physical (Mental
Agility) - NovemberHealthy Physical Fitness Behaviors
Physical (Mental Agility) - NovemberAvailable ResourcesNYARNG
Family Programs Office (877)715-7817 or
www.dmna.state.ny.us/familyMilitary OneSource (NYARNG
Representative), (518)265-2901Military OneSource, (800)342-9647 or
www.militaryonesource.com Vets4Warriors peer support line,
(855)838-8255 / (855)VET-TALK),
http://www.vets4warriors.com/NYARNG/armory fitness equipmentUnit
Master Fitness Trainer (where available)Local gym, health and
fitness clubsYour primary care physician through Tricare Reserve
Select
Leader: Reviews available resources and remind Soldiers that
seeking them is not a sign of weakness but part of fitness