by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
To preface this text, I’m an enormous backer of our navy (all branches). This text is certainly not to blast them, however on the identical time, I really feel that what the Navy is doing is unsuitable and can put sailors and others in danger.
I’ve completed content material prior to now speaking about how the health ranges of our navy just isn’t what it was. Issues have turn out to be extra relaxed, and whereas the Navy isn’t precisely loosening their necessities to permit extra recruits to return in, they’re, nonetheless, accepting excessive physique fats ranges should you can no less than meet their present health check.
This complete article stems from a chunk I learn over at Job and Objective.
The U.S. Navy’s current coverage change, which permits sailors who excel within the bodily readiness portion of their annual health check to bypass physique composition requirements, raises important issues concerning the well being and security of all personnel.
Whereas the initiative goals to acknowledge distinctive bodily efficiency, it inadvertently compromises the Navy’s dedication to sustaining a match and prepared pressure.
Personally, I wouldn’t be okay standing subsequent to somebody who doesn’t have their physique fats beneath management and thinks they aren’t going to attract hearth ought to they be put right into a warfare zone — doubtlessly placing me in danger.
So, on this article, I’m going to chime in on this modification and specific my ideas and emotions about it. Am I proper? Who is aware of. Maybe you might have a unique standpoint?
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is strongly recommended that you just communicate along with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, altering your each day diet, or including any dietary supplements to your routine.
Understanding the Current Navy Coverage Shift on Physique Fats
Historically, the Navy’s Bodily Readiness Take a look at (PRT) contains two major parts: the Physique Composition Evaluation (BCA) and the bodily health check, which incorporates push-ups, forearm planks, and a cardio occasion resembling working or swimming.
Sailors who failed to fulfill physique composition requirements have been beforehand enrolled within the Health Enhancement Program (FEP), mandating extra health and diet courses.
Underneath the brand new coverage, sailors who obtain an “wonderful” or greater rating on the bodily health portion can “validate” their BCA, even when it doesn’t meet the usual.
I don’t agree with this modification, and I actually hope the Navy reconsiders. Our navy ought to be made up of the best specimens on the planet to guard and serve this nation. I don’t consider somebody with a excessive physique fats share can try this at a excessive degree.
Should you’ve been following updates with our navy, we have now document low recruitment charges as a result of nobody wished to serve beneath Biden. Not solely that however with what number of branches have gone woke, many women and men who would have been keen to serve need no half in being part of a woke navy department (and I don’t blame them).
The unhappy actuality is I consider our navy is as weak because it’s ever been. Until we get again to greater requirements and eliminate wokeness within the navy, we’ll proceed to say no, which places us not solely in danger however checked out as a weak nation that’s unable to defend itself (not a superb factor when different nations don’t like us).
Potential Dangers of the Navy Coverage Change
- Well being Implications of Excessive Physique Fats
Extreme physique fats is linked to quite a few well being points, together with cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, and joint issues. Permitting sailors with excessive physique fats percentages to bypass the BCA undermines the Navy’s efforts to make sure the general well being and readiness of its personnel.
- Affect on Operational Readiness
Sailors with elevated physique fats could expertise decreased endurance, slower response occasions, and elevated fatigue, all of which may impair efficiency throughout vital missions. Sustaining strict physique composition requirements is important to make sure that all sailors are ready for the bodily calls for of their roles.
- Setting a Precedent for Lowered Requirements
This coverage change could set a precedent for additional leisure of health requirements, doubtlessly resulting in a decline within the general bodily readiness of the Navy. Consistency in implementing physique composition requirements is essential for sustaining self-discipline and operational effectiveness.
Different Approaches
As an alternative of enjoyable physique composition requirements for prime performers, the Navy ought to take into account the next measures:
- Enhanced Assist for Health Enchancment
Present extra sources and assist to sailors fighting physique composition requirements, together with customized health plans and entry to diet counseling.
- Incentives for Assembly Requirements
Provide incentives, resembling recognition or profession development alternatives, for sailors who persistently meet or exceed physique composition requirements.
- Complete Well being Monitoring
Implement common well being assessments to observe the well-being of all sailors, making certain that those that move the bodily health check additionally preserve wholesome physique compositions.
We Want a Sturdy Navy with Excessive Requirements
Whereas acknowledging and rewarding distinctive bodily efficiency is vital, the Navy must prioritize the well being and readiness of all its personnel. Stress-free physique composition requirements for prime performers might compromise these goals and put individuals in danger.
Sustaining rigorous and constant health requirements is important to make sure that each sailor within the Navy is ready to fulfill the challenges of their duties. Till this occurs, we have now a weak nation that’s unable to face up towards stronger forces throughout the globe.