by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
To preface this text, I’m an enormous backer of our navy (all branches). This text is in no way to blast them, however on the identical time, I really feel that what the Navy is doing is flawed and can put sailors and others in danger.
I’ve achieved content material previously speaking about how the health ranges of our navy will not be what it was. Issues have grow 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 in case you can at the very least meet their present health take a look at.
This whole article stems from a chunk I learn over at Job and Function.
The U.S. Navy’s current coverage change, which permits sailors who excel within the bodily readiness portion of their annual health take a look at to bypass physique composition requirements, raises vital considerations 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 below management and thinks they aren’t going to attract fireplace ought to they be put right into a struggle zone — probably placing me in danger.
So, on this article, I’m going to chime in on this alteration and specific my ideas and emotions about it. Am I proper? Who is aware of. Maybe you might have a distinct standpoint?
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to deal with or diagnose any situation. It’s endorsed that you simply 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 Latest Navy Coverage Shift on Physique Fats
Historically, the Navy’s Bodily Readiness Check (PRT) includes two major elements: the Physique Composition Evaluation (BCA) and the bodily health take a look at, which incorporates push-ups, forearm planks, and a cardio occasion corresponding to working or swimming.
Sailors who failed to fulfill physique composition requirements had been beforehand enrolled within the Health Enhancement Program (FEP), mandating extra health and diet courses.
Underneath the brand new coverage, sailors who obtain an “glorious” or larger rating on the bodily health portion can “validate” their BCA, even when it doesn’t meet the usual.
I don’t agree with this alteration, and I actually hope the Navy reconsiders. Our navy must 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.
In case you’ve been following updates with our navy, we’ve file low recruitment charges as a result of nobody wished to serve below 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 larger requirements and do away with wokeness within the navy, we are going to 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 illnesses, 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 might expertise decreased endurance, slower response instances, and elevated fatigue, all of which might impair efficiency throughout vital missions. Sustaining strict physique composition requirements is crucial 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 might set a precedent for additional rest of health requirements, probably resulting in a decline within the general bodily readiness of the Navy. Consistency in imposing physique composition requirements is essential for sustaining self-discipline and operational effectiveness.
Various Approaches
As a substitute 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 assets and assist to sailors battling physique composition requirements, together with customized health plans and entry to diet counseling.
- Incentives for Assembly Requirements
Provide incentives, corresponding to 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 watch the well-being of all sailors, guaranteeing that those that cross the bodily health take a look at additionally preserve wholesome physique compositions.
We Want a Robust Navy with Excessive Requirements
Whereas acknowledging and rewarding distinctive bodily efficiency is necessary, the Navy must prioritize the well being and readiness of all its personnel. Stress-free physique composition requirements for prime performers may compromise these goals and put individuals in danger.
Sustaining rigorous and constant health requirements is crucial to make sure that each sailor within the Navy is ready to fulfill the challenges of their duties. Till this occurs, we’ve a weak nation that’s unable to face up in opposition to stronger forces throughout the globe.