Whether scaling mountain terrain in freezing temperatures or trudging through the sand in sweltering desert heat, becoming a soldier in the U.S. Army requires a superior level of fitness. In December, 2010, a new initiative called "Soldier Athlete" was launched at all five of the Army's training installations. The initiative entails a revamping of the way soldiers train and eat, with the goals of decreasing the risk of combat injury and creating an athletic fighting force fueled by optimal nutrition.
Obesity and the Military
Fewer than one in four 17- to 24-year-old potential recruits meet Army requirements for health, weight or legal status, according to an Associated Press article emanating from Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The growing number of overweight or obese recruits seeking an army career has prompted changes in the types of foods served in mess halls and the types of snacks troops are encouraged to consume during training.Fort Jackson trains more than 60,000 recruits each year, and more than half the Army's female recruits.
Fixing the Problem
Seeing the influx of unfit recruits, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command took on the task of overhauling the way troops are fed during training, as well as the nature of training drills, revamping them to build functional fitness that prepares troops for the field. "This is not an Army problem," said Lt. Gen. Hertling, "This is a civilian problem that we're receiving and fixing." Since changes have been implemented, Lt. Gen. Hertling has observed improved fitness test scores, decreased doctors visits and an improved rate of soldiers returning to duty.
Revised Nutriton Protocols
Changes in the military diet include an emphasis on whole grains, dark green vegetables and low-fat meat and dairy. Fried foods are off the menu, replaced by healthier baked versions. Also gone from the menu are soda and pastries. Drill sergeants monitor the meal trays of recruits, calling them out when they don't have enough fruits and vegetables on their plate. During training exercises, troops are encouraged to refuel with fresh fruit rather than candy bars and coffee. Red, yellow and green markings on foods tell soldiers which foods are good for energy, which will keep them full, and which should be eaten in moderation.
Pressure to Lose Weight
The Army's initiative to get its troops in shape has fostered a dark side. One recruit who lost 85 lbs. in four months from a 285-lb. frame died in March, 2011, just 7 lbs. short of reaching his goal. His mother is suing the Army, claiming the rapid weight loss regimen was recommended by a recruiter. In June, 2010, another soldier shot and killed his superior officer after being told to quickly drop some weight. The soldier claimed he was delirious and dehydrated because of his extreme diet, driving him to shoot the officer six times with a handgun. The soldier then turned himself in to authorities. He was tried in July, 2011, and received a life sentence.
References
- Associated Press; Yogurt In, Soda Out; Army Revamps Training Diet, December 2010
- "The Washington Post"; Ga. soldier who fatally shot superior sentenced to life without parole; he'd blamed crash diet; July, 2011
- Fox News; Ohio woman blames Army for son's diet death; March 2011
- PlanetGreen.com; The Military Training Diet Gets a Face Lift; Sara Novak, December 2010
- CNSNews.com; Michelle Obama Studying Soldier's Fitness Training and Diet in S.C., January, 2011
- Health.mil; Army Revamps Diet and Fitness Plan to Train Soldiers as Athletes; Tahira Hayes, January, 2011
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