Time-tested physical training from the U.S. Army, now available to...

"The Drillmaster of Valley Forge-Baron Von Steuben-correctly noted in his "Blue Book" how physical conditioning and health (which he found woefully missing when he joined Washington's camp) would always be directly linked to individual and unit discipline, courage in the fight, and victory on the battlefield. That remains true today. Even an amateur historian, choosing any study on the performance of units in combat, quickly discovers how the levels of conditioning and physical performance of Soldiers is directly proportional to success or failure in the field. In this monograph, Dr. Whitfield "Chip" East provides a pragmatic history of physical readiness training in our Army. He tells us we initially mirrored the professional Armies of Europe as they prepared their forces for war on the continent. Then he introduces us to some master trainers, and shows us how they initiated an American brand of physical conditioning when our forces were found lacking in the early wars of the last century. Finally, he shows us how we have and must incorporate science (even when there exists considerable debate!) to contribute to what we do-and how we do it-in shaping today's Army. Dr. East provides the history, the analysis, and the pragmatism, and all of it is geared to understanding how our Army has and must train Soldiers for the physical demands of combat. Our culture is becoming increasingly ''unfit," due to poor nutrition, a lack of adequate and formal exercise, and too much technology. Still, the Soldiers who come to our Army from our society will be asked to fight in increasingly complex and demanding conflicts, and they must be prepared through new, unique, and scientifically based techniques. So while Dr. East's monograph is a fascinating history, it is also a required call for all leaders to better understand the science and the art of physical preparation for the battlefield. It was and is important for us to get this area of training right, because getting it right means a better chance for success in combat.

This publication supersedes and comprehensively updates U.S. Army Field Manual FM 21-20, dated 30 September 1992. Physical readiness training prepares Soldiers and units for the physical challenges of fulfilling the mission in the face of a wide range of threats, in complex operational environments, and with emerging technologies. Part I, Philosophy, covers approach, system, and leadership.Part II, Strategy, covers types of programs, planning considerations, and special conditioning programs. Part III, Activities, covers execution of training, preparation and recovery, strength and mobility, and endurance and mobility. Appendix A is the Army Physical Fitness Test. Appendix B discusses climbing bars. Appendix C discusses posture and body mechanics. Appendix D discusses environmental considerations. Appendix E discusses obstacle negotiation. August 2010. 432p. ill.

A key guide to complete fitness for both military and civilian use.

Soldier physical readiness is acquired through the challenge of a precise, progressive, and integrated physical training program. A well-conceived plan of military physical readiness training must be an integral part of every unit training program. This field manual prescribes doctrine for the execution of the Army Physical Readiness Training System. This publication comprises the print portion of Army physical readiness training. Companion portions are available on the internet. Terms that have joint or Army definitions are identified in both the Glossary and the text. This publication prescribes DA Form 705 (Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard). The proponent for this publication is the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). The preparing agency is the United States Army Physical Fitness School.